I have been working for a American MNC for 20 years... Now I am 54 and the company wants to get rid of me as I am expensive from a salary despite being a top performer - and me and my new boss hate each other

Ans: Dear

I can feel your situation it's not easy.

Let me share my thoughts in two parts.

Part A

Work we all have to because it takes care of both emotional and financial well-being. Work keeps us busy, gives meaning to our life and provides us with standard of life and living.

Part B

When work becomes part of our identity, self image and self esteem that's when things start getting bad.

For almost all of us it starts with Part A and at some point Part B takes over.

Coming to your situation, may I suggest following.

1. Ask yourself what are the things that makes this job critical both from Part A and Part B point of view.

2. Financial aspect of job is very important don't discount that, however do an assessment of how much your salary is contributing to take care of your reasonable wants....kids education, rent, household expenses.

3. Issue with boss. Please address it from an open mind...areas where you are responsible and areas where he is responsible. Please understand boss is boss not our friend or gaurdian to take care of our emotional needs. Sit with him/her talk it out. At your age you have enough and more maturity to strike working relationship Please keep your ego aside and more importantly keep your needs aside. Try and look at things from boss' perspective

Lastly please don't take loss of job as rejection or personal failure. Talk to your spouse and family members and seek their strength to move ahead.

All the best. Believe in yourself and life, things will be fine soon.