Ran into acquaintance who lost job. He bagged my groceries at Publix today.

[DemoTex]

It was awkward. Jerry is probably 65. His hands shook when he saw me. He had been in the same retail job for almost 40 years. One of the Publix managers was working the register. The manager is in his mid-60s and started at this new Publix, about a year ago, bagging groceries.

This manager noticed that I knew Jerry. "Everybody knows Jerry," he said. "Yes," said I, noncommittal (in front of Jerry).

"We feel that we are real lucky to have him," sez the manager.

I think Jerry will be OK. I love Publix!

BTW: I thought I posted this two hours ago. It either disappeared or I did not click "POST MESSAGE." Most likely the latter.

[MissB]

That must be rough.

Especially for him. Every time I think about how nice it would be to (buy something shiny, remodel my house), I think about what I *don't* want to be doing in my old age.

Thing is, I'm not sure we're as protected from that as I would like to be.

My dad retired years ago. He still picks up little jobs here and there - not for the money though. Just for the social interaction and the exercise. He was a steel detailer forever and ever, and now he drives auto parts from dealership to dealership or delivers flowers for a flowershop. Not what he went to school for, but he enjoys it. So maybe your friend Jerry is just bored stiff in his retirement and wants to get out and move more.

[Kutjara]

1. I'm seeing a lot of older people, these days, doing the kinds of...

...retail jobs you used to see only young people doing. For example, my two closest Apple Stores used to be the exclusive preserve of prenatal employees, but now both have a significant number of oldsters working in them. The Borders and B&N bookstores near me are also undergoing a shift toward older employees, as are the Ralphs, Vons, and Stater Bros supermarkets.

I guess experienced, educated, intelligent and, most importantly, desperate older folks are becoming attractive to the bottom end of the retail industry. That's going to make it even tougher for inexperienced young people to get their first jobs.

[TheCentepedeShoes]

2. We liked Publix too

when we lived in Florida. I'll bet it was unsettling for Jerry to run into someone he knew.
I don't know Publix "politics" but they seemed to treat their employees well.
Our local United is a good store, too. I was acquainted with their former CEO (a guy a couple of years older than me who came on board after his dad's death) back in the daze in Lubbock.
Don't know their "politics" either but it is a great store with great employees.

[DemoTex]

3. If the employees are happy, I am happy.

Know what I mean, Vern?