Get off my LAWN! "Grumpy Old Farts"

[GonePlaid]

Already loaded in the truck.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Well, I have something to share with you GOF's and I hope you have an opinion. There's a lady I've known since we were in the sixth grade. She's kinda not all there sometimes, says really stupid things at the worst possible times. Well, small town, and she applied for a job where I work. One guy I work with has been after me for several years wanting to know my age. I always made a joke of it and told him I'm over 39.

Well, my dingy friend came to see me on the way out and stopped by the office of this guy who's been wanting to know my age. She said, "Will and I are the same age and I'm 65." I was so enraged, I've kept my age my business for 18 years while working at the City. There was also the deputy administrator within earshot. I know how the world works. Get my age and people start asking when you're going to retire. Well, I've been blessed, being Alaska Native, that I've always looked much younger than my age. I was carded right up to 35. Most people couldn't tell if I was 50 or 55, but they knew over 50.

I don't know why the guy I work with has wanted so badly to know my age, but this is the fourth time he attempted and he finally succeeded. I'm furious with him for asking and I'm going to confront him Monday. What business is it of his to ask my age? Secondly, he was asking and pressing the issue WHILE he was my supervisor. There's got to be some broken laws there somewhere.

As for my female friend, I'm furious with her too. She had no business divulging our age to my supervisor, especially when I made it obvious I didn't want to divulge it especially in front of senior staff.

I don't know how I'm going to handle this. This is my livelihood and I have to work for at least three more years. Now when word spreads how old I really am I'm probably going to be treated like a leper. I've always been very popular with all the staff, and tease around and visit with everyone, and the younger ladies prefer me to support their computers, and ask me when I'm going to play somewhere. I'm worried all that's going to change now.

I told my wife and she's never liked my female friend. She said that was typical of her stupidity. I also serve on the local Tribal Council as a councilman. She's the Chairwoman. I'm so upset I'm thinking about resigning my position from there too, except I know that she isn't completely liked by all the council members. I feel very comfortable with the other council members and I wish she would quit the council so I could stay on.

So what say ye, my GOF friends? Am I being paranoid? I wish I could comfort my mind, but this is mine and my wife's livelihood. I've been fretting about this all weekend. Thanks for listening.

 

[RoadRanger]

I'm a bit worried about the heat for my 5 PM load-in today - I'll be on my own as for the rest of the band that's "nap time" LOL (and no - I'm not kidding ). Fortunately I'm just bringing the tiny "full band" PA - two Behringer B108D mains, two B208D "back fills" (monitors behind us) and a single 47 lb B1200D-PRO sub. Yamaha MG82CX mixer. I usually cheese out and play direct but last gig the keyboard sucked up all the PA power and I had trouble. But I just looked - the set we're scheduled for has no keys (the BL alternates sets on keys and guitar) - we're the host band for this "closed mic". But I want to try my new MiniMaxx again (worked great last night for stoopid loud hard rock power trio + singer). Such decisions LOL.

 

[SoulReflection]

Well, I have something to share with you GOF's and I hope you have an opinion. There's a lady I've known since we were in the sixth grade. She's kinda not all there sometimes, says really stupid things at the worst possible times. Well, small town, and she applied for a job where I work. One guy I work with has been after me for several years wanting to know my age. I always made a joke of it and told him I'm over 39.

Well, my dingy friend came to see me on the way out and stopped by the office of this guy who's been wanting to know my age. She said, "Will and I are the same age and I'm 65." I was so enraged, I've kept my age my business for 18 years while working at the City. There was also the deputy administrator within earshot. I know how the world works. Get my age and people start asking when you're going to retire. Well, I've been blessed, being Alaska Native, that I've always looked much younger than my age. I was carded right up to 35. Most people couldn't tell if I was 50 or 55, but they knew over 50.

I don't know why the guy I work with has wanted so badly to know my age, but this is the fourth time he attempted and he finally succeeded. I'm furious with him for asking and I'm going to confront him Monday. What business is it of his to ask my age? Secondly, he was asking and pressing the issue WHILE he was my supervisor. There's got to be some broken laws there somewhere.

As for my female friend, I'm furious with her too. She had no business divulging our age to my supervisor, especially when I made it obvious I didn't want to divulge it especially in front of senior staff.

I don't know how I'm going to handle this. This is my livelihood and I have to work for at least three more years. Now when word spreads how old I really am I'm probably going to be treated like a leper. I've always been very popular with all the staff, and tease around and visit with everyone, and the younger ladies prefer me to support their computers, and ask me when I'm going to play somewhere. I'm worried all that's going to change now.

I told my wife and she's never liked my female friend. She said that was typical of her stupidity. I also serve on the local Tribal Council as a councilman. She's the Chairwoman. I'm so upset I'm thinking about resigning my position from there too, except I know that she isn't completely liked by all the council members. I feel very comfortable with the other council members and I wish she would quit the council so I could stay on.

So what say ye, my GOF friends? Am I being paranoid? I wish I could comfort my mind, but this is mine and my wife's livelihood. I've been fretting about this all weekend. Thanks for listening.

Will, you are who you are. You and your friends know that the best. Anyone that will be adversely affected, or critical, by knowing your age, does not deserve your concern.

From the sound it, people appreciate you for who you are, not caring about age. So you shouldn't either IMHO.

 

[RoadRanger]

I always made a joke of it and told him I'm over 39.

Kindof funny - tonight's BL always says he's 39. Turns out he, me, and the other guitarist all graduated HS the same year. Pretty sure he dies his hair but he won't comment LOL. I had a gig last night with guys all 10 years younger than me or more - I did a quick dye job with dollar store dye that basically only took the edge off the white but not super obvious . Didn't have time to ditch the bifocals though - should be searching for my single vision stage glasses right now instead of TB-ing LOL.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Kindof funny - tonight's BL always says he's 39. Turns out he, me, and the other guitarist all graduated HS the same year. Pretty sure he dies his hair but he won't comment LOL. I had a gig last night with guys all 10 years younger than me or more - I did a quick dye job with dollar store dye that basically only took the edge off the white but not super obvious . Didn't have time to ditch the bifocals though - should be searching for my single vision stage glasses right now instead of TB-ing LOL.

30 years ago our parents looked up to the older generation as the holders of wisdom, the experienced ones to turn to when needing good advice. Now, the business industry is driven by youthful presentation. It's too bad that the Boomer generation is dying hair and lying about our age (or in my case withholding it) to keep working. I like the world better thirty years ago. In almost every way. Except for the heavy bass amps!

 

[BadExample]

Well, I have something to share with you GOF's and I hope you have an opinion. There's a lady I've known since we were in the sixth grade. She's kinda not all there sometimes, says really stupid things at the worst possible times. Well, small town, and she applied for a job where I work. One guy I work with has been after me for several years wanting to know my age. I always made a joke of it and told him I'm over 39.

Well, my dingy friend came to see me on the way out and stopped by the office of this guy who's been wanting to know my age. She said, "Will and I are the same age and I'm 65." I was so enraged, I've kept my age my business for 18 years while working at the City. There was also the deputy administrator within earshot. I know how the world works. Get my age and people start asking when you're going to retire. Well, I've been blessed, being Alaska Native, that I've always looked much younger than my age. I was carded right up to 35. Most people couldn't tell if I was 50 or 55, but they knew over 50.

I don't know why the guy I work with has wanted so badly to know my age, but this is the fourth time he attempted and he finally succeeded. I'm furious with him for asking and I'm going to confront him Monday. What business is it of his to ask my age? Secondly, he was asking and pressing the issue WHILE he was my supervisor. There's got to be some broken laws there somewhere.

As for my female friend, I'm furious with her too. She had no business divulging our age to my supervisor, especially when I made it obvious I didn't want to divulge it especially in front of senior staff.

I don't know how I'm going to handle this. This is my livelihood and I have to work for at least three more years. Now when word spreads how old I really am I'm probably going to be treated like a leper. I've always been very popular with all the staff, and tease around and visit with everyone, and the younger ladies prefer me to support their computers, and ask me when I'm going to play somewhere. I'm worried all that's going to change now.

I told my wife and she's never liked my female friend. She said that was typical of her stupidity. I also serve on the local Tribal Council as a councilman. She's the Chairwoman. I'm so upset I'm thinking about resigning my position from there too, except I know that she isn't completely liked by all the council members. I feel very comfortable with the other council members and I wish she would quit the council so I could stay on.

So what say ye, my GOF friends? Am I being paranoid? I wish I could comfort my mind, but this is mine and my wife's livelihood. I've been fretting about this all weekend. Thanks for listening.

It was against the law to ask. I'm not sure about after Obamacare, because that changed some of the privacy laws. But I believe only those working in benifits would be allowed access to this information.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

It was against the law to ask. I'm not sure about after Obamacare, because that changed some of the privacy laws. But I believe only those working in benifits would be allowed access to this information.

I might be too paranoid. It's a small town and everyone gets along pretty good. But we have a couple crappy managers especially one who helped run off one of the best government relations managers I ever met. Because of that we don't even go for all the grants we used to because a young person who doesn't know how to write grants is now in her position.

 

[BadExample]

I hope nothing becomes of it.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Alaska, my $.02 worth, take it or leave it. I'm a 58 year-old school teacher where age and seniority play a pretty big part in our careers. We're kind of opposite though in that we oldsters don't mind telling everyone how soon we're leaving when we're finally ready, and our youngins' appreciate it because it lets them know they'll be moving up the ladder, but I agree with you that no one is entitled to know what you don't want them to know. There may even be legal recourse for you if you have to take it that far. Age discrimination of sorts could be looked at.

But I'd like to offer you a different approach for Monday if you'd be willing to kick it around. I'd recommend going in on Monday with your usual cheery "good morning" and proceed to your routine as if nothing's happened. If you go in with a chip on your shoulder I guarantee ya it'll become a landmine by noon. Don't forget, you didn't do anything wrong so don't act like you did by being the aggressor or it may blow up on ya. If the harassment starts from the guy who's been trying to uncover your age then go directly to the supervisor, using the fact that he/she already knows about it from last conversation. Use that knowledge as a positive for you rather than a negative. Something like, "I've always respected others and have kept things to myself, but I don't appreciate the near harassment I'm getting about this." The h-word alone should send people scurrying for the exits. You're a tribal council member, there'll should be a modicum of respect for you, and if there's not you can address that when the time is right. Just remember, don't become the aggressor or it may turn back on you. Be the party that is shocked and disappointed that this even came up in the workplace. Finally, if you have to, remind everyone in clear terms that you have three more years to go and as long as your work production isn't in question there's not a darned thing anyone can do about it. Use your serious-face if you have to mention that.

I'm basing this on being a past president of our teacher association and currently our building rep where I'm the guy who sits in when teachers are grieving to the district. In over 30 years I've seen it all probably a couple of times. Don't change who you are because there's no need to. Help out the ladies when in need, crack a joke, let the gang know how much you're enjoying your BA-108 v2, etc. My guess is it'll all blow over by the end of the week, especially if you keep your sassy, but classy style intact. As for the lady who caused all this...karma my friend. Karma. Nothing to see here, keep moving on. Who knows, you might even get a apology.

I know i used up a lot of space, so grumpsters, carry on with your own two cents if ya'd like to. I'm up to about a nickel's worth at this point. Will, please keep us posted and let us know what happens. good luck, my bass-playing brotha!

 

[SoulReflection]

Alaska, my $.02 worth, take it or leave it. I'm a 58 year-old school teacher where age and seniority play a pretty big part in our careers. We're kind of opposite though in that we oldsters don't mind telling everyone how soon we're leaving when we're finally ready, and our youngins' appreciate it because it lets them know they'll be moving up the ladder, but I agree with you that no one is entitled to know what you don't want them to know. There may even be legal recourse for you if you have to take it that far. Age discrimination of sorts could be looked at.

But I'd like to offer you a different approach for Monday if you'd be willing to kick it around. I'd recommend going in on Monday with your usual cheery "good morning" and proceed to your routine as if nothing's happened. If you go in with a chip on your shoulder I guarantee ya it'll become a landmine by noon. Don't forget, you didn't do anything wrong so don't act like you did by being the aggressor or it may blow up on ya. If the harassment starts from the guy who's been trying to uncover your age then go directly to the supervisor, using the fact that he/she already knows about it from last conversation. Use that knowledge as a positive for you rather than a negative. Something like, "I've always respected others and have kept things to myself, but I don't appreciate the near harassment I'm getting about this." The h-word alone should send people scurrying for the exits. You're a tribal council member, there'll should be a modicum of respect for you, and if there's not you can address that when the time is right. Just remember, don't become the aggressor or it may turn back on you. Be the party that is shocked and disappointed that this even came up in the workplace. Finally, if you have to, remind everyone in clear terms that you have three more years to go and as long as your work production isn't in question there's not a darned thing anyone can do about it. Use your serious-face if you have to mention that.

I'm basing this on being a past president of our teacher association and currently our building rep where I'm the guy who sits in when teachers are grieving to the district. In over 30 years I've seen it all probably a couple of times. Don't change who you are because there's no need to. Help out the ladies when in need, crack a joke, let the gang know how much you're enjoying your BA-108 v2, etc. My guess is it'll all blow over by the end of the week, especially if you keep your sassy, but classy style intact. As for the lady who caused all this...karma my friend. Karma. Nothing to see here, keep moving on. Who knows, you might even get a apology.

I know i used up a lot of space, so grumpsters, carry on with your own two cents if ya'd like to. I'm up to about a nickel's worth at this point. Will, please keep us posted and let us know what happens. good luck, my bass-playing brotha!

All great points right there ^^^.

 

[iagtrplyr]

All great points right there ^^^.

Yeah, I figured I need to take a walk outside the Combo Club to get some air, and I saw one of our members not enjoying his weekend and thought I needed to offer something so he can finish Sunday out strong. Thanks for the backup, SR!

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Alaska, my $.02 worth, take it or leave it. I'm a 58 year-old school teacher where age and seniority play a pretty big part in our careers. We're kind of opposite though in that we oldsters don't mind telling everyone how soon we're leaving when we're finally ready, and our youngins' appreciate it because it lets them know they'll be moving up the ladder, but I agree with you that no one is entitled to know what you don't want them to know. There may even be legal recourse for you if you have to take it that far. Age discrimination of sorts could be looked at.

But I'd like to offer you a different approach for Monday if you'd be willing to kick it around. I'd recommend going in on Monday with your usual cheery "good morning" and proceed to your routine as if nothing's happened. If you go in with a chip on your shoulder I guarantee ya it'll become a landmine by noon. Don't forget, you didn't do anything wrong so don't act like you did by being the aggressor or it may blow up on ya. If the harassment starts from the guy who's been trying to uncover your age then go directly to the supervisor, using the fact that he/she already knows about it from last conversation. Use that knowledge as a positive for you rather than a negative. Something like, "I've always respected others and have kept things to myself, but I don't appreciate the near harassment I'm getting about this." The h-word alone should send people scurrying for the exits. You're a tribal council member, there'll should be a modicum of respect for you, and if there's not you can address that when the time is right. Just remember, don't become the aggressor or it may turn back on you. Be the party that is shocked and disappointed that this even came up in the workplace. Finally, if you have to, remind everyone in clear terms that you have three more years to go and as long as your work production isn't in question there's not a darned thing anyone can do about it. Use your serious-face if you have to mention that.

I'm basing this on being a past president of our teacher association and currently our building rep where I'm the guy who sits in when teachers are grieving to the district. In over 30 years I've seen it all probably a couple of times. Don't change who you are because there's no need to. Help out the ladies when in need, crack a joke, let the gang know how much you're enjoying your BA-108 v2, etc. My guess is it'll all blow over by the end of the week, especially if you keep your sassy, but classy style intact. As for the lady who caused all this...karma my friend. Karma. Nothing to see here, keep moving on. Who knows, you might even get a apology.

I know i used up a lot of space, so grumpsters, carry on with your own two cents if ya'd like to. I'm up to about a nickel's worth at this point. Will, please keep us posted and let us know what happens. good luck, my bass-playing brotha!

Everyone's suggestions are great but I like your take on going into work Monday like nothing happened and continuing on with "business as usual." We've had some old timers anyway and they retired when they decided to. I think like my wife says I'm being paranoid. And frankly, I said three years, but I'm pretty able to do my job and if we have 71 year old leaders in this country I don't know why I should quit if I can still do my job and enjoy it.

I couldn't believe the gall of one young "hipster" who wondered when the Rolling Stones and other 80's bands are going to "retire" and move out of the way. I told him in no uncertain terms I love playing music and I'll play until I'm D@m ready to quit, maybe at 85! As far as the Stones and other bands touring, they could teach the youngsters a thing or two about performing. I also told them to get off my lawn!

 

[BadExample]

I also told them to get off my lawn cloud!

 

[alaskaleftybass]

@BadExample said: ↑
I also told them to get off my (lawn) cloud!

 

[Bassist30]

Everyone's suggestions are great but I like your take on going into work Monday like nothing happened and continuing on with "business as usual." We've had some old timers anyway and they retired when they decided to. I think like my wife says I'm being paranoid. And frankly, I said three years, but I'm pretty able to do my job and if we have 71 year old leaders in this country I don't know why I should quit if I can still do my job and enjoy it.

I couldn't believe the gall of one young "hipster" who wondered when the Rolling Stones and other 80's bands are going to "retire" and move out of the way. I told him in no uncertain terms I love playing music and I'll play until I'm D@m ready to quit, maybe at 85! As far as the Stones and other bands touring, they could teach the youngsters a thing or two about performing. I also told them to get off my lawn!

Considering you were thinking of 3 more years I would go and just be who you are and work till then... Pay no attention to the people asking about your age...Just walk by them and don't feed into his ragging.. He will stop if no response... Now your wife...if it bothers you she has to respect that.

 

[BadExample]

If I know ALB, being himself will get him as far as he needs to go.

If he honks you off, show him the siamese twins.

 

[agedhorse]

Just let it ride, but be aware of potential scheming behind your back.

 

[SoulReflection]

You said "if we have 71 year old leaders in this country".

Still waiting to see one ...

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Just let it ride, but be aware of potential scheming behind your back.

You must know where I work!

I said three more years but who knows. I might stay five if they try and run me off!