When people look up to you.

[slobake]

I have been here on this planet circling the sun for 65 years now. I have made a LOT of mistakes, some that almost killed me and I have even learned from a few of them.
I find myself in situations where people look up to me and seek wisdom. I don't know what to make of that. Part of me want so say "Hey, you've got the wrong guy." On the other hand I know that my experience is worth something and I should embrace that role. I worry that it will somehow go to my head and start thinking I am all that. Whatever "all that" is. So far it has been okay.
There are people I look up to and respect as well and some of the things I may do/say are a reflection of what I have learned from them. Some of those people are here on Talkbass.
There are also people here on Talkbass like my friends @Gorn , @ZenG and others who are always willing to take me down a notch. I appreciate that.
The whole thing is somewhat new and I am still learning to deal with it. It also makes me uncomfortable but I will survive, somehow. As long as I remember to just be myself and not try and be something that I am not, I will be okay.
I am bracing myself and looking forward to the teasing that I have no doubt will come from posting this. Makes me feel the love.

 

[Oddly]

Naturally, on reading this, I googled Tribal Elder Outfits.
You need one of these hats ...and to dye that old raincoat to match...

From all I've read from you, and even from the opening post, the fact that you're worried about assuming such a role is evidence that you won't get carried away, and decide to set up one of them compounds out in the hills, surrounded by nubile and willing young ladies catering to your every need, proclaiming you as the saviour, feeding you grapes, giving you foot-rubs and babies...

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Yah! I get that way too, when I'm awesome and someone notices.

 

[slobake]

Naturally, on reading this, I googled Tribal Elder Outfits.
You need one of these hats ...and to dye that old raincoat to match...
View attachment 2940509

From all I've read from you, and even from the opening post, the fact that you're worried about assuming such a role is evidence that you won't get carried away, and decide to set up one of them compounds out in the hills, surrounded by nubile and willing young ladies catering to your every need, proclaiming you as the saviour, feeding you grapes, giving you foot-rubs and babies...

Maybe I should re-think this?

 

[slobake]

Could be that a lot to people I socialize/ serve with are at least 30 years younger than me. I am the token old fart.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Naturally, on reading this, I googled Tribal Elder Outfits.
You need one of these hats ...and to dye that old raincoat to match...
View attachment 2940509

From all I've read from you, and even from the opening post, the fact that you're worried about assuming such a role is evidence that you won't get carried away, and decide to set up one of them compounds out in the hills, surrounded by nubile and willing young ladies catering to your every need, proclaiming you as the saviour, feeding you grapes, giving you foot-rubs and babies...

If Slo-b could change his avatar (but we know he won't) you've just given him the perfect pic to use.
That guy looks like he "dun spun the sun" a couple of times too.

 

[Oddly]

Could be that a lot to people I socialize/ serve with are at least 30 years younger than me. I am the token old fart.

In that case, embrace it.
It's rare, in my admittedly limited experience (not being quite as old as you yet!), that young people have a lot of respect for their elders outside of Asian culture.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Could be that a lot to people I socialize/ serve with are at least 30 years younger than me. I am the token old fart.

Had a recent thing where I completed a project for some students installing a voice-over booth. You know just doing my job.
After it was finished they threw a cupcake party and everyone signed a nice card and got me some chocolates.
It was bit overwhelming for me because I had actually included some of those students to help with major parts of the project.
That, and I'm used to usually just gettin' ripped a new one for going the extra mile.

So I kind of know how you feel.
I just thanked everyone and reminded them that I couldn't have done this without their help.
And we all ate cupcakes and had a nice time.

Sometimes it just works out nicely and you got to enjoy it.

 

[JRA]

I am the token old fart.

they have a need. you have some experience.

makes sense to me.



i'm in that 'position' with some younger folks. a mentor. they can be very rewarding relationships.

 

[slobake]

In that case, embrace it.
It's rare, in my admittedly limited experience (not being quite as old as you yet!), that young people have a lot of respect for their elders outside of Asian culture.

A lot of the people I am with are Asian but there is also mixed bag of just about everything else. We are involved in spiritual matters so we talk about life a lot and live life together like a family.

 

[MJ5150]

Those crowds shift as you age, but they'll always be there.
I actually don't mind it. It humbles me to know someone else feels I am worthy of that honor.

-Mike

 

[GIBrat51]

You need to work on your "crochety old fart" persona. I do; I find it minimizes problems like this...

 

[kesslari]

When people look up at me I like to make sure that my kilt isn't blowing up.

 

[Basshappi]

Could be that a lot to people I socialize/ serve with are at least 30 years younger than me. I am the token old fart.

That, and you aren't their dad.

 

[Bassbeater]

I'll try looking up to you and see how it goes. Your avatar hints at good decision making skills.

 

[slobake]

I'll try looking up to you and see how it goes. Your avatar hints at good decision making skills.

You used to be able to look me up in the phonebook but I don't think we have those anymore.

 

[Bassbeater]

You used to be able to look me up in the phonebook but I don't think we have those anymore.

All the future's history is but a dream, stored upon a cloud.

 

[D M C]

Thankfully, the good lord gave us free will to follow or ignore any inane advice that comes our way.

- Print that out on calling cards and hand them out to anyone who looks to you for advice. I’m not a lawyer, but I think that absolves you of any responsibility for screwing up people’s lives but gives you carte blanche to do so if it seems appropriate.

You’re welcome.

 

[Chicory Blue]

I like to keep peoples’ expectations low. Makes ‘em easier to surprise.

--^@

 

[DirtDog]

@slobake - I hear ya, man.

I was asked recently if I wanted to part of the mentoring program where I work....

I said: "I think it's a little too late for me to be mentored".
They said: "No, no - we want you to be a mentor".
Then I said: "You have GOT to be sh!tting me. I barely have enough wisdom to get myself through the day!"


And here I thought I was doing what @Chicory Blue suggested in the previous post....