Defying Societal Norms: A Conversation at Home Depot

I had a striking encounter at Home Depot today that left me reflecting on the weight of societal ideologies and age norms. I met a 62-year-old man, just three years older than myself, who shared a poignant story of navigating through the twists and turns of life.

He spoke about his past life in the mortgage business, a time when financial success was abundant until the bottom dropped out of the industry. Now, he finds himself working at Home Depot, a clerk in a position that society deems suitable for his age.

As we conversed, he revealed the harsh reality he faced — corporations wouldn’t consider hiring him due to his age, regardless of his wealth of experience. His resignation to this fate struck a chord within me, and a voice taunted in my head, “You’ll be 60 this year. This is the fate of 60-year-olds. No corporation will want anything to do with you, no matter how much experience you have.”

That inner voice, however, sparked a rebellion. “F**k that!” I screamed in defiance. I refused to accept the predetermined fate society tried to impose on me. In a surge of determination, I jumped on a call with a potential executive coaching client minutes later, passionately pitching why I should be their next best business decision — and I landed the account.