Recently, I was promoted at work to Manager. I was anticipating that move. What I wasn’t anticipating was the move to Nights Manager for my warehouse. The crew I work with is easily 15-20 years younger than I am.

Again, I knew that once I was assigned the crew.

The other day I had an epiphany while interacting with a crew member … I’m older than I think.

Ever since I could remember I have been taught to seek out teachers, mentors, coaches, and more to glean information from them while they are in my orbit. I also sought out older folks (family members or not) because they are living history, they literally experienced some of the events that I wanted to know about.

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“Experience is the best teacher, and the worst experiences teach the best lessons.”

― Jordan Peterson

I would work side by side with my parents to learn all they have to share about being an adult, life, and some of the mysteries they’ve solved. I realized quickly that once they are gone, that information and knowledge leaves with them.

I discovered I was always in the mode of learning, because I knew I couldn’t be perfect but I could strive for it.

However, one day I would be the one to be sought out for sage advice, answers to questions about procedures, and so much more.

One day I would be more of the teacher, than a student. My significant other asked that I accompany her son for driving lessons. I accepted the invite. As I sat in the passenger seat, I observed, and pointed out lessons I’ve gathered up over the 30 years I’ve been driving.

I suddenly caught my breathe. Three decades of operating a motor vehicle! I’ve been driving longer than this kid’s been alive. YEESH. I’m older than I think.

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That day recently passed. You see, I was gifted an analog watch from my significant other. It’s inscribed on the back of the watch with a sweet message. The face of the watch doesn’t have numbers.

A younger female on my work crew rolled up to me to ask a question, I peered down at my watch to assess.

Her: You can tell the time on your watch?

Me: Yes. It’s an analog watch, I’ve been taught. Can you?

Her: It doesn’t even have numbers on it. What are those hash marks anyways?

Me: I mentally sighed. I’m older than I think. Those heavier hash marks indicate the quarter of an hour – 3, 6, 9, and 12. Furthermore, the other marks are 5 minute intervals, and lastly, the minute marks are the faintest. You honestly can’t tell me the time of day it is from my watch?

Her: No. (and she walked off)

I paused in disbelief. Rarely does anyone uses this technology, therefore it’s not often taught. I was really gonna but the shine on with the 24-hour clock because our work break aid is based on the 24-hour clock system otherwise known as ‘military time’.

I decided against it, and walked on.

“Knowledge is power”

Francis Bacon, from his Meditationes Sacrae 

Now that I’ve advance into my late 40’s, I’m adjusting to my newer role as a mentor, coach, teacher, and more. I’m older than I think, and that’s ok.

I’ve noticed that younger folks are seeking my sage advice, or my answers, or guidance on various subjects.

I usually answer with, “It’s been my experience …” because as noted before, experience is the best teacher.

‘los; out