End of an Era

[Sapper740]

I feel your conflicting emotions as I am 104 days away from retirement, but who's counting. I've changed careers a few times over the decades but have really enjoyed my most recent - data center operations. I too am concerned who is going to keep the internet up after I and my contemporaries retire. Of our current 8 man crew there are 4 of us in our Sixties, 3 of us in our Fifties, and one youngster in his Thirties. Our original team has shrunk by 3 as attrition has taken its toll without suitable replacements found due to the proliferation of data centers in my area all with needs of experienced operators. My company is keenly aware of the impending shortage of trained operators and is holding many brain-storming sessions on how to fill the positions but no amount of benefits, bonuses, perks and pay offered seem to entice Millennials and Gen Zers. I'm sure the same can be said for other skilled trades and I fear when I'm 85 and the AC goes out I'll be climbing up in the attic to fix it myself.