Aging and work motivation essay sample

 

The motivation of workers changes with their age, but it is qualitative rather than quantitative. Senior citizens and their children are not motivated by the same incentives, even though both of them seem interested in the further career development. Young people are more interested in climbing up the career ladder and making enough money to get everything they need from life. Older people take more interest in job satisfaction and the sense of personal fulfillment. They do not require as much learning as younger workers still need and are not particularly inspired by hasty rhythm in the workplace. Many senior citizens prefer social work instead of retirement as it allows them to stay important to others.

 

Apparently, our motivation does not fluctuate because we get older. Over the years, people develop new perspectives and change priorities. As social beings, humans are motivated to work by default because it allows them to make a living and enjoy their life at the same time. Besides, work motivation is influenced by many factors unrelated to age, such as conditions in the workplace, interpersonal interaction, individual’s contribution to the company etc.

 

The idea of age-free motivation gains more popularity among researchers. We realize that one’s age makes difference in terms of professional experience or physical and mental capability to work. But when it comes to motivation, other factors induce people to stay active. Aged people want to escape retirement and keep on living as if they are still young. New graduates are ambitious about a fascinating and successful career that can bring them wealth and recognition of peers. Motivation is frequently more than just money or status, and one’s age can rarely influence it.