Welcome to BenchedBoomers.com

As posted below, last year I stumbled across the term “The Beached White Male” (BWM). It really had an impact on me because it so closely described me and my employment situation. Becoming more aware of this phenomenon and sharing it with others, I quickly realized that it went way beyond unemployed “white guys” with a college degree in a particular age group. A few months after learning the term “Beached White Male”, I was interviewing a very sharp 60 year old African American male who has an IT degree from MIT and had been on the forefront of the technology revolution since 1972. He was a great guy and couldn’t believe he had been out of work for two years! I also observed how my highly motivated, 54 year old cousin (who never went to college) had to move from Long Island to California to get a suitable job. When discussing the BWM term with my insurance agent (who is a 53 female and DOES have a college degree), she turned around and said “tell me about it” (she can think of better opportunities than working for her sister). I quickly realized the problem mentioned in the Newsweek article is really more of a Baby Boomer issue where many of these “boomers” have a wealth of professional knowledge, experience and wisdom, but cannot land a suitable job. I realized it’s like being on a professional sports team where one day you find yourself “benched” for the younger player. You are still productive in so many ways and have many more “wins” in you, but the Franchise has “benched” you and put the younger players on the field of play.

So, in honor of all those stars from my time that have been benched by their employer (regardless of their sex, race or educational background) I have modified the name of this blog to “BenchedBoomers.com”. The home for those who still have much to give!

Back in April 2011, my wife and I were traveling to San Diego. As usual, I went over to one of the stores inside the airport to pick up some reading material for the flight. As I surveyed what seemed to be an endless display of magazines, one jumped out at me.  It was the April 25 edition of Newsweek magazine and on it’s cover was a man lying in the surf zone in his black business suit and a brief case. He was face down and had gray hair.  The title that really caught my eye though was “The Beached White Male, He Had a Big Job, a Big Office, a Big Bonus, Now He’s All Washed Up and Doesn’t Have a Freakin’ Prayer.” It was obvious that Newsweek was speaking to me, so I grabbed the magazine and read it on the plane. My big take away from the article? Ans. How much talent is stuck sitting on the sidelines and it really doesn’t have to be that way.

Little did I know the impact that would have on me. Almost 7 months later, it’s still on my mind and here I am starting this blog!

To read the entire Newsweek article -  Click Here