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Anonymous
01/30/20 at 2:34PM UTC
in
Diversity & Inclusion

Very Little Done to Mitigate

From my research, experience, and other comments, I know that there are plenty of us 55+ people out there looking for work. Either they/we got laid off or let go, had to return to work during the recession, or myriad other reasons. It takes a hardy soul to encounter situation after situation, website after website, interview after interview where few look like us ... and most are half our age. Discrimination is often very covert (but sometimes blatant.) Age discrimination against older workers is so insipid and normalized, that it scarcely gets discussed. It’s such a waste of human capitol to look over viable candidates who have innumerable tangible and intangible skills and are smart, capable, adaptable, and wise. We’re not all grandparents planning our next cruise. People of color, folks challenged by health conditions, and immigrants have been facing these challenges forever but we’re beginning to honor the laws in place to keep those illegal hiring practices at bay (but they’re still rampant). However, when it comes to older workers, the dialogue usually gets silenced. It’s an apple cart no one really cares to overturn. (Very young people may feel something similar, but there is some truth to the whole “paying your dues” thing.) It’s just really disheartening. The U.S. in its infancy (in the grand scheme of things) is the worst. Discrimination of all kinds has historically plagued this country, far greater than our European, Asian, or African counterparts, where life experience is honored and cherished. If you are a hiring manager, I implore you to keep an open mind and push against your own stereotypical thinking. Lastly, the next time I hear someone use the phrase ‘OK boomer’, I will not be silenced or bullied. It’s NOT ok and it’s horrifically condescending. JP

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User deleted comment on 02/02/20 at 2:21PM UTC
Jillian Post
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1.3k
Building better communication strategies
01/30/20 at 5:17PM UTC
I have some really good mitigating factors (2 relatively new master's degrees and tons of cool experiences) but other hurdles too. I career transitioned from something entirely different at 52 then moved to the center part of the US (to help with the care of a parent, which I do not regret) ... where they do little but healthcare, banking, and insurance. (Not where my experience lies.) I am now 58 .... I am not sure I'm going to make it through this. How AM I going to make enough to pay my bills? I do not have the answer today, but tomorrow I might :)
Anonymous
01/30/20 at 4:21PM UTC
Age discrimination IS reality in many corporate industries. While they are to claim to be an 'Equal Opportunity Community Employer', that is all they need to be in compliance with Federal Law. Just because they say they are, doesn't make it true. When I was 48 years old, my 6 year position was eliminated and I was let go. For 2 years I struggled to find stable employment. I took on a few contract positions, but the stress of easily being shown the door without HR recourse was debilitating. Through the interview processes that I went through, trying to find full time employment, it was very apparent that businesses were more interested in hiring the 20-some year old that they could 'groom', so to speak, rather than hiring a nearly 50 year old experienced individual. Granted you have to pay for experience and skills, but to what level does a business feel that hiring someone with less experience for less money actually benefits the business? In life I always say, 'you get what you pay for'. Companies are not ignorant. While they can't ask you how old you are, it is in your application and they can gage by just seeing you. The struggle is real. Thankfully, I have been gainfully employed for 3 years. I'm now 54 years old, but the fear is there daily. Making sure I work hard and take pride enough to discourage my employer from thinking they'd be better off with a younger model.
Jillian Post
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1.3k
Building better communication strategies
01/30/20 at 3:47PM UTC
Exactly, assuming that tech skills are lacking is part and parcel to being discriminatory. Much like assuming Asians are all good at math and should be in tech jobs. Speaking up in a forum like this will hopefully get a few more people thinking about it. Advocacy requires speaking in clear terms, which I suppose some might see as “bitterness”.
ShellyB
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607
Passionate about equality for all at work!
01/30/20 at 3:08PM UTC
I won't disagree with you about the discrimination, but sometimes the tech skills needed are perceived to be lacking, and stereotypes prevail. Don't give up and don't let bitterness show!

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