It's a world in which every one of us knows that someday we will be, yes, geezers. No newsflash, the future geezers of the legal world at influential ABOVE THE LAW posted Alston & Bird's memo to its over-55 staff.
In that memo, reports Meredith Hobbs in the FULTON COUNTY DAILY REPORT, Alston & Bird's managing partner Richard R. Hays informed those 55 or older who have been employed for at least 10 years at the firm [no newly hired geezer stars being targeted] have until Nov. 26th to take its retirement offer. Those who do, says Hobbs, have two choices. They can "receive upwards of a week's severance pay for each year of employment, to be paid out over 2009, or receive about a third less pay plus medical coverage until age 65, via a $450 ongoing monthly contribution by the firm."
Is this memo a harbinger of a industry-wide targeting of geezers? If so, here's some advice.
Those concerned about affordable medical insurance can put together a freelance writer identity, pop for $45-something membership in Mediabistro.com, and apply for medical as well as dental insurance. I have had both for four years. Incidentally, I perceived that the insurance company turned me down the first try because of my age at the time [59]. I complained to the powers-that-be at MediaBistro, they went to bat for me, and currently, even after all the rate hikes, I pay under $400 a month. If you're self-employed, which you soon might be, some of this is tax-deductible as are some uncovered medical and dental expenses.
In addition, it might be a more timely solution to look for work than sue the former employer. Here's my [free] e-book on how we geezers can make a buck, no matter what Download geezerguts.pdf. At 63, heading quickly toward 64, I never had it better, professionally. Long story made short: Pushed against the age wall, we geezers seem to find guts. Another useful read is Michael Gill's book ["How Starbucks Saved My Life"] on commencing on a new career path post-60, after his ad agency tossed him on the street.
Third, there is low-cost geezer housing. I bunk at Bella Vista, New Haven, Connecticut for $625 a month. That includes a 700-square-foot apartment with balcony, all utilities be they heat, hot water or electricity, and a parking spot. Alert vigilantes, my fellow geezers at Bella Vista watch that space.
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