Age Discrimination

9 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 6,2025 at 1:45PM UTC

   I've heard the same thing, and I responded that I intend to work for at least another ten years. That doesn't reveal your age (necessarily) and is more than they could reasonably expect from someone 20 years younger looking for a stepping-stone job..

2. Joann S. LublinApril 7,2025 at 2:52PM UTC

   Why not try a temporary hair dye and see if your job hunting prospects? If it makes no difference, you can always go back to natural grey. Good luck!

3. AnonymousApril 7,2025 at 6:26PM UTC

   Finding a great hair dresser that knows how to do gray hair is a super idea. A great haircut is magic. I tried to go all the way gray but my hairdresser had other ideas, saying the full gray on me was not flattering. So we kept the gorgeous white streaks and do some creative coloring on the rest. It’s striking and makes me feel great and I get lots of compliments.

4. Sherri CarlsonApril 11,2025 at 1:47PM UTC

   That’s really interesting. And then if they get the job, go back to grey. I wonder what the reaction in the workplace would be! So far I’ve been letting my hair turn grey but it’s mostly brown. I will be facing this same dilemma in the next few years.

5. AnonymousApril 7,2025 at 6:19PM UTC

   Just be who you are. You can’t hide the 61 years of experience and don’t try. If they don’t like you in your 60s they probably wouldn’t have liked you in your 40s. Older folks are applying to lots of jobs these days because they need the work. Ageism is someone else’s problem not yours. I’m 66 my boss is 20 years younger than me ! Outside of the board members I’m the oldest one here. When I was job hunting , before this job (I was 61). I noticed that I was interviewing with people younger and only one group made me notice they were concerned about my age. They actually asked me

   what year I graduated high school!! Seriously! The other interviews were much more concerned with my tech saviness, ability to work on complex platforms and eagerness to learn and ability to pivot. These are all things necessary in our work world now. I think instead of ageism people are concerned that older folks are not keeping up with the modern world which is a fair concern. Luckily I am tech savvy but not savvy in social media which I let them know up front. This is something 60 somethings might want to get solid on for new jobs. It’s a big deal for many companies. Even if you don’t use it it’s part of how everyone communicates. Good luck and go for it. Your job is out there.

6. GirlBossanova934974April 8,2025 at 1:06PM UTC

   I don't know about the grey hair and diet discussion but here is what I have found about ageism in most cases. The fact of the matter is that many of these younger managers think they are a whole lot smarter and skilled than they really are. I can out "tech-savvy" 95% of them and they quickly figure that out. These days, most managers are running SCARED. It is about hiring a box of one purpose assets that NEVER threatens them. It is not about being the best or improving one's skillsets.

7. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 4:51PM UTC

   Not sure why energy is equated with age. I am in my late 60's and can run rings around most millenials and gen X and Z. So be who you are and don't overthink what you perceive others may be thinking because then you may manifest ageism toward you by leaning that way. You got this!

8. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 6:09PM UTC

   OP. Recruiter shared thanks from the hiring manager. But, they was continuing to interview and I am still being considered. Huh?!

   Honestly I was not impressed by the hiring manager. Was not someone who exuded caring and compassion, competence seemed ok. It's not sour grapes but it does hurt to put out effort when no return is in sight. I am fortunate, I have a job now.

9. Cynthia Armistead NewmanApril 10,2025 at 2:06PM UTC

   I'm 58 My hair is purple, and the places that were grey are the brightest. (My daughter says I have "Rogue streaks" like the X-men character when the grey starts showing.) I am fat, and that's extremely unlikely to change. The plus side is that I have no wrinkles!

   I'm very technical, and I make sure that I keep those skills up-to-date. I don't show nearly all of my work experience on my resume or LinkedIn, but it isn't difficult for a determined investigator to find more of it. I don't have a degree, so there are no dates to worry about there.

   I stress my flexibility and practice of learning something every day when I interview. I got this job, the best I've ever had, when an executive found me on LinkedIn 2.5 years ago. The economy is crappy now compared to what it was then, and the market for tech jobs is particularly difficult.

   I do worry a bit about what would happen if I had to find a new job. But a smart man once told me, "I was looking for a job when I found this one," and I keep that in mind. I'm just staying active on LinkedIn and improving my portfolio website. Of course, I also make sure that my manager knows what I'm up to and that he, my skip-level boss, and other folks at work are happy with me.