I’m suffering from woke anxiety
DEAR DEIDRE: As a straight, white, middle-aged male, I’m suffering from an acute case of ‘woke’ anxiety.
After my business went down the pan, I need to get a new job, but I’m worried I’ll do or say something that will get my career cancelled.
I’m 52 and married with three kids.
Unfortunately, my business failed and I was declared bankrupt.
Now I’m job-hunting – something I haven’t done for two decades.
But the world has changed so much. I feel like a dinosaur.
I know I’ll have to work with Generation Z, who’ll think of me as a sad, old Boomer. I can’t deal with ‘workplace politics’.
I’m terrified I’ll be sacked because of all the feminist, transgender, identity politics rubbish I read about in the papers.
What if I misgender someone? Or use a word which has now been deemed racist or homophobic? Or what if I accidentally touch a woman on the arm and she thinks I’m assaulting her?
All my mates agree the world has gone crazy. We make jokes about it, but I know I can’t do that at work.
Maybe I should give up, but I can’t afford to retire.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Going bankrupt has sapped your self-confidence, which is probably why you feel so anxious.
It’s natural to be nervous about restarting your career. The world of work may have changed since you were last employed, but not as much as you think.
Generally, if you treat people with respect and think before you speak you shouldn’t have to worry.
My support pack on Finding Work should help you.Look into Returnerships (educationhub.blog.gov.uk) – a new apprenticeship scheme announced by the Government, targeted at over-50s who want to return to work.