Networking on Facebook: You're Never Too Old To Learn

One of the most common worries my back to work mom clients express about returning to work is how their lack of technical expertise will be perceived in the marketplace.  It's a legitimate concern that absolutely needs to be addressed before launching a full-fledged job search.

I understand their trepidation.  Learning new software and technology lingo can be intimidating -- particularly when you're not particularly computer savvy.

For those of you who are feeling a bit timid about your ability to learn at an older age, I just had to share this story written by my 83 year old mom, who still works part-time as a reporter and also happens to be a grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of 3 (pictured above networking the old fashioned way with her great-granddaughter).  I hope it gives you faith that you're never too old to learn new skills, technological or otherwise, no matter what your age.

MAKING FRIENDS IN THE INTERNET AGE: BY LORE JARMUL

          "The more things change, the more they remain the same," the saying goes. Don't you believe it. As rapidly as technology changes today, it will change even more tomorrow. Let me explain.

          I had just about learned to use my cell phone when my model became completely obsolete. Everybody's cell phone suddenly had a place to take pictures. Why do I need to take photographs on my telephone? Well, in addition to sending pictures of a new outfit or a new baby, the cell phone can enable you to become a citizen journalist. This new age was ushered in when a bystander took a picture of the Virginia Tech Massacre as it was under way and sent it to CNN, thus bringing important breaking news to the country. I knew newspapers were in trouble, but now it seems professional journalists may face competition not only from bloggers but from any one who owns a cell phone. Except me, because I still have my old fashioned cell phone which can't take pictures. 

          And then there's e-mail. I've been using it for several years now, and I corresponded with my grandchildren that way. I felt very proud of myself, very much part of the 21st century - at least until last week. I sent a note to my granddaughter on Tuesday asking about arrangements for her mother's birthday, and by Friday I still did not have an answer. I could not understand why – I know kids are on line all the time. I placed a call on my old-fashioned land line phone, and spoke with my granddaughter, who explained it all to me.

          It turns out that she, and everybody else under the age of 50, is using Facebook. That's how young people communicate these days, by contacting the friends they have on Facebook. She's is in college and says she has about 500 Face Book friends. Well, I'm not on Facebook, and besides, who would be my friend – never mind 500 of them. But my granddaughter said she'd help me set up a Facebook account, and she would be my friend. That makes me number 501.

          Just as I was feeling utterly frustrated I read a newspaper article about John McCain. It seems he is just learning to use the internet and do e-mail.  I think I'll ask my granddaughter to contact him and tell him that he's behind the times, he needs a Facebook account. May be she will help him to set up an account, and he can be Friend number 502. And then she can ask John McCain whether his cellphone can take pictures.

Comments

[Jane Pollak]

You're my hero, Mrs. Jarmul! Nancy mentioned your post at the EWN meeting last week. I hope I'm as hip as you when I have grandchildren who encourage me to keep up with whatever the latest technology turns out to be.