05/05/2022
Lynn Murphy Mark
Back to work
When I googled the question asking how many people in their 70’s are still in the workforce, this answer came up: “meet the hottest demographic in the labor market: men and women working not only past traditional retirement age but into their 70’s and 80’s and sometimes beyond. Over the coming decade they will be the fastest growing segment of the workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”
Well, let me add myself into that demographic. In a couple of weeks I will go from a very part time volunteer to a 20 hour per week paid worker. A couple of months ago my boss asked if I would ever be interested in a part-time position. At first I said no, then, well, maybe, then no, then OK why not. In my head I jumped back and forth until I landed comfortably on the side of Yes. Jan agreed heartily when she found out that there would be a paycheck associated with this increase in hours. Not that it’s about the money, but it is, really, a little bit about being compensated.
My current duties will not change, but a few things will be added. I will keep my caseload of clients and probably add some more, and I will help my boss with our complicated intake process. That consists of talking to potential clients to find out if they meet the financial need requirements in order to qualify for our services. Because we are a not-for-profit organization we do not charge for our services. We exist to serve people for whom money is either very tight or non-existent. So we have to ask very frank questions about income status and household size.
Most of our clients qualify for some financial relief from Immigration Services. But there are some programs for which there is no Fee Waiver available. People wanting to bring relatives over to the United States will pay nearly $3,000 per person to accomplish – there is no waiver for this process. Another fact about immigration that most people don’t know.
I have muddled over in my mind what it means to go from being a volunteer to being a paid worker. There is something honorable about volunteering for a good cause. There is also a certain freedom in being a volunteer – I can take off whenever I feel the need. That is my biggest concern about being tied to the company. The plus side for me is that my boss is very flexible – as long as my work is getting done, I can take as much time off as I want. Still, though, I will be in a different category. The salary makes me somewhat beholden to my employer.
I can’t deny that the extra income will be helpful to our household budget. It represents more freedom to travel to see the kids and grandkids. Maybe we’ll even be able to go overseas! These seem like worthy causes in themselves. Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s back to work I go!