Ageism is real

53 Comments

1. Barb HansenNovember 17,2023 at 5:35PM UTC

   oh, ageism is real and when combined with sexism, the ageism is multiplied.

   As I like to remind people, the technology and internet that you use daily was ideated and built by boomers and Gen X'ers, and some of the older people you run across online that you think are technologically inept, not only know how to use all of the tech you use but also know how to use the thousands of tech solutions that came before.

   This doesn't help in an interview ('cause it can sound b*tchy) but I try to pepper in some historical references from my past when answering questions in an interview, but if an interviewer can't get past the fact that I look like their parent who isn't tech savvy, I'm probably not going to make it past that gate-keeper.

2. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 5:22PM UTC

   I am currently 66 and was hired for a fully remote position 2 1/2 years ago. It’s a well-paying job where my expertise is valued. I was definitely hired due to specialized knowledge but they could find a 35-40 year old who could replace me if they really want to. I never take sick days and constantly look to project energy and be a new ideas person who thinks out of the box and is not complacent and looks to try new things. Constantly trying to defy old stereotypes and myths. We have an upcoming business trip and I am worried that my airline ticket will say senior and it will raise a flag. Other than that, everything seems to be working in my current situation. For those other mature people out there, don’t give up!

3. AnonymousNovember 17,2023 at 7:15PM UTC

   Gosh...it just sounds like alot of work to stay "on trend"... I don't envy those of you who feel this is necessary. I work in healthcare and yeah comma I don't make a silicone valley salary but we are much more down to earth.. And the work that I do changes lives. But the point is well made especially if you're working in an industry where This really matters

4. Regina BrownNovember 17,2023 at 8:32PM UTC

   And it is a shame that we cannot prove it. Let those idiot businesses hire the inexperienced...they will sink or swim. WE know what hell we are doing...we've been doing it for years. THEY will sink or swim...

5. Jessica MinterNovember 17,2023 at 9:14PM UTC

   Sorry that you had to experience this. You are right...bias gets in the way of so much.

   Experience is a gift and should be treasured. Significant knowledge gaps are happening because people are retiring (I know you're not at that stage) and there is no transfer to younger employees coming into the roles.

   Collaboration is key and multi-generational workforces are amazing! Sounds like this company could use some trainings on inclusivity to broaden their perspectives on valuing people from all backgrounds, ages, etc.

6. AnonymousNovember 18,2023 at 1:17AM UTC

   One way to get around this is to go for contract roles and/or remote work. I found that in these instances they often don't really care about age. I recently was hired for a contract WFH role that paid well and I'm 73 -- well beyond a 50-year-old pretending to be in their twenties!

   Often these contract roles lead to a "permanent" one. In my current case it didn't because the client company was downsizing about every two months or so, but I have been able to see the contract role evolve into a "permanent" one many times in the past.

   Furthermore, if you really don't want to work contract, there are some companies that will value your experience. Look for them and apply there. They do exist.

7. bethNovember 18,2023 at 4:20PM UTC

   this sounds like a great idea - how did you go about finding these roles?

8. AnonymousNovember 24,2023 at 11:04AM UTC

   One way that worked for me was posting my resume on the job boards (CareerBuilder, Indeed, ZipJobs and the like). There are scammers out there, so you do need to check any recruiters for a Linked In presence and see if there are similar openings posted on the website of the company they are purporting to represent. In addition to posting my resume on the sites, I did get some interviews by responding directly to postings on those job boards.

   Especially if jobs are remote, hiring entities don't seem to care so much about age, and contract positions often exist because there is an urgent need, both circumstances which work in your favor.

   Also, you can try agencies that specialize in your area of expertise. They used to be more about finding you a job, I think, but perhaps not. At any rate, I always looked at their openings and asked them to send me out to the one or two that were closest to my background. As they do get a commission on your placement, they are incentivized to place you in a position that fits your background and where it would be logical that you would stay.

   Since often job seekers "turn up their noses" at contract roles or need the benefits, the competition also is a bit less, which helps. Currently, I do think that contract roles are gaining more respect, but whatever the situation, your financial needs are certainly being met in a better way than in complaining about not being able to be hired for a "permanent" position. (Being in Silicon Valley, I laugh at the term -- No position appears to be "permanent", especially not in the technology space! I notice they call some of "permanent" positions "full time", but that also describes many contract positions, so is not too helpful in distinguishing between the characteristics of the positions.)

   At any rate, hope something here has given you some starting ideas. If you do find something that works or something else that works, but sure to come back to this forum and let us know!

9. Brittany CarnesNovember 18,2023 at 5:49PM UTC

   If you don’t mind me asking, what sort of contract work do you do?

   I was a stay at home mom for 10 years, now divorced and I have very limited experience. I would like to of course start college, again. I just don’t know what to study! I’m 38 now.

10. Zofia JaneczekNovember 18,2023 at 9:47PM UTC

    Go into sales, you're young and it's a transition you can make. There are boot camps out there that you can take for a bit of money, some less some more expensive. If you're not afraid to hustle, you can probably get a 100 commission job really quickly, just know it's going to take a lot of work to get that $. The tech sector is laying off, however, you can still work on getting your foot in that door. Once you're in, you can make 6 figures as an AE or even in some cases BDR, SDR. Good luck!

11. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 2:38AM UTC

    Brittany, I was also a stay at home mom, which is totally not valued in the workplace, especially by women. But how many days did you get off, sick time, paid vacation? i'm sure you managed a household budget and probably did volunteer work. You also had to juggle schedules, learn to be on time, work on deadlines to get things done. I'm not sure what people think stay at home moms do , but I personally think raising a good human being is much more important than writing a computer program. Just my personal opinion. Also, college is not all it's cracked up to be, unless you are a nurse or teacher, something you need a license for. I have a BA in communications and public relations and a BA in Sociology and am in the same boat you are. I never think education is a waste but contract work may be a better way to go than spending the money on College. You might also look into the trades if there is anything you are interested in. My oldest son graduated Magna Cum Laude with a masters in accounting, which was about $160,000 because he was out of state but got several scholarships. He worked for Ernst and Young 6 years and is now a Police officer. My middle son went to Airline Mechanic school which cost S20,000 was 2 years and about $500 for his tools. He got a job at United right after and was making more money than his brother after working at EY for 3 years. Now of course, he'll top out in pay so the difference would come later on. Our daughter is in her second year of Vet school so i had thought about getting my masters in Social Work, but with the cost of her school, which makes anything look inexpensive and she's in state. I felt like I didn't want to incur debt and probably wouldn't make back the cost of college. My personal opinion is skip finishing college, especially if you need income now, and do contract work, or check into the trades. I honestly never knew how much money some of them made and there are jobs everywhere. If you could afford to go a couple of years with minimal income. College degrees are not what they used to be. Again, I never think education is a waste of time or money but mine have really done me no good after staying home and I will admit there are days I feel like putting them in the shredder!

12. AnonymousNovember 18,2023 at 1:19PM UTC

    Ageism sure is real!!! I'm in my mid 50s and have been looking for work for over two years. I'm so disillusioned at this point- no idea how to get around this.

13. Ladyboss759718November 18,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

    stay true to yourself. As a retiree back at work full time, I see this everyday. I have proven coworkers wrong most of the time, but as the colleagues they protect keep disappointing them , I just stand back and watch it unfold. Pretty comical to watch the new workforce which can only do one task at a time.

14. GirlBossanova934974November 18,2023 at 1:37PM UTC

    At the age of 61, I can say that the biggest problem with ageism is not stamina nor being tech savvy. It's all about paper thin egos and the current business environment which encourages the NON solving of problems/issues and pretending one has skillsets which one simply does not have. So when the older worker comes along with experience and knowledge, that is seen as a THREAT. Instead of learning, obfuscation is the answer with the ultimate effect of hiring a large number of contractors and consultants to fix the messes. So to answer, the older worker should simply become the contractor and/or consultant. The long term effects of this poor set of circumstances is that companies have become or will become far less productive than before. I see it everyday. Simple requests of my suppliers are poorly handled, incorrectly done, lacking in necessary detail etc..

15. Bonnie HyattNovember 18,2023 at 2:14PM UTC

    This!

16. AnonymousNovember 18,2023 at 4:43PM UTC

    I know someone who’s been with the company for 40yrs! I don’t even want to try to figure out what that means lol

    but where I am, older you are, the better

17. AnonymousNovember 18,2023 at 4:48PM UTC

    Exactly how do the gen Z and millennials act in coffee shops… I’m so curious ?

18. AnonymousNovember 18,2023 at 4:49PM UTC

    How are you “on trend”?

19. misskelleypNovember 18,2023 at 5:44PM UTC

    You're absolutely right.

20. AnonymousNovember 18,2023 at 10:01PM UTC

    I'm older and had an interesting interview where the person doing the interview tried to get me to divulge my age.
    I circumnavigated that quickly and let them know politely that this would divulge my age. They moved on quickly with another question. I look younger than my 48 due to DIY! Sorry, it's a decision I made because I can't look too old to not be hired! Homeless is not an option for me. Also, I interview younger because I can mimic high energy and upbeat. All those years of dealing with family abuse and having to "read the room" to survive is helping me now. I digress, but yes ageism is definitely real. The ideal candidate for companies is under 30 with decades of experience and a MBA. They're straight and identity as M/F ONLY! Oh, to top it off that candidate it's foreign (companies don't like hard to pronounce names.) They're also not too attractive, but can't be ugly or fat either. They're certainly not an apparent minority (lots of racism still around) and for certain jobs it's best if they're not a woman too! You also can't present as poor, needy or one step away from homeless. However, I've been poor, nearly poor, 1 step away from homeless, nearly died twice in 10 years due to lack of money and help! I haven't been able to afford a single dental or medical appointment for that many years. I haven't been insured and at times driven around without car insurance, couldn't afford it. Bad credit equals car insurance rates you can't afford. The cost of everything is so exhaustingly high, it's a challenge to just stay alive. Also you can't have any outwardly showing disabilities, companies don't want to hire the disabled no matter what they say. I have C-PTSD, I'm on the autistic spectrum, I have ADHD and digestive problems as well as an autoimmune disease. Did I cover ALL the bases here? I'm so frustrated with the current recession job market. I'm also tired to this whole capitalist dog-eat-dog system, the hustle culture, and ALL the gates of hell you have to pass through to just get a job that pays above 40K a year!

21. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 1:16AM UTC

    Agreed, Im sorry it's been so tough for you. By the way, I have nothing at all against DIY, botox, and apparently the poster doesn't know filler is not just for lips. If it makes you feel confident and great about yourself then I think that is wonderful and you should do it by all means. I just objected to the commenter saying you had to have it to get a job. I think it's a personal choice that only you can make and you shouldn't do it for anyone but yourself. There is all sorts of racism still out there that is cleverly disguised by companies. It's wrong but unfortunately still exists today. In more areas than just age.

22. Ava WestNovember 18,2023 at 11:44PM UTC

    Back in the day, several days, I used to think the ageism wasn't fair and young people should be protected. Hahaha jokes on me now.

    It's illegal to require any applicant to answer anything that would disclose their age. I've also noticed applications asking about my sexual preferences by having a drop down selection of so many types. How that is relevant to any job is ridiculous and is violating state and federal laws like offcp and eeo.

23. Zofia JaneczekNovember 19,2023 at 7:44PM UTC

    I think both are being asked to either disqualify or weed out certain types of applicants. If the culture is straight and most male dominate in a company. They're probably not going to be very inclusive. If I can see the staff for the company, I can tell right way if they practice what they preach or they're just using discrimination in a sly sense.

24. Bonnie HyattNovember 19,2023 at 1:58PM UTC

    Most applications now require dates of employment in order to submit. My relevant job experiences goes back to early 80’s. I’m 65. Yup, pretty easy to figure that out and lob a great ole big “while your qualifications are impressive……”. And yet, I have grown with technology and am able to run rings around most of the younguns out there.

25. AnonymousNovember 19,2023 at 4:00PM UTC

    I come out and say my age. It is my skills they are hiring me for. With age comes wisdom and experience. I highlighted in a positive

    way because it is

26. AnonymousNovember 19,2023 at 6:02PM UTC

    Find a company that values experience, period! If you suspect ageism its definitely there. Most of the over 50's that I know have zero drama and are experts in their field and expect nothing in return for job well done, can't say the same for some of the newbies I have hired who expect things handed to them and perks galore.

27. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 1:06AM UTC

    That is the truth! I'm glad when I was a hiring manager I didn't have to deal with that. Some are great and have great work ethics so I'm not trying to stereotype them all. But honestly, I've worked with some where there is drama, entitlement, and things I never found working with my older coworkers. It's one reason, I've also decided on a career change, even if it is at a lower level and pay. I'm at an age where all of that drama just doesn't appeal to me at all. God Bless you for what you do, I'm sure you're company appreciates your experience and expertise.

28. AnonymousNovember 19,2023 at 8:14PM UTC

    I have experienced the same thing with many companies.
    Unfortunately, I have the double whammy that I stayed home to raise my children. I don't even get interviews for receptionist jobs. I have 2 BA's and was a the Executive Director of a media department in a large advertising agency. Of course I didn't expect the same level of job, but started at mid level, then entry level , then receptionist. I rarely get an interview but I did get an interview for a part-time receptionist at an assisted living facility and never even got a call back. My technology skills are up to date, I've volunteered or held part-time jobs when my kids got older. The only roles I'm seriously considered for are childcare, which I don't want to do. I know I am a good interview and a good public speaker, professional, dependable, and have many other soft skills that are hard to find sometimes with a very young work force. What is shocking to me is that the harshest critics in human resources or hiring departments are women. So yes, ageism is alive and well in the workplace, during interviews, and on your resume. I was actually, asked if I could walk up a flight of stairs???? I am an avid hiker and weight lifter so I don't think that would be a problem. It's too bad because age diversity is a good thing, especially if you're trying to reach certain target audiences. Believe me...I feel your pain!

29. AnonymousNovember 20,2023 at 12:57AM UTC

    Do whatever a lot of the younger generation do, fluff your resume up. Use yourself as a reference and family for reference checks. Say you've been freelancing or use a company that's gone out of business and get your friends and family as references. Is this unethical? That fence is wide open on what this is called these days. The point is get that foot in the door! The fact is that people lie on their resumes and about everything from references, to jobs, to education. As someone who's over 40 myself, I'm using every trick in the book that the younger generation is doing. If you need a makeover to appear younger do so or perhaps a wardrobe update to look more current. I'm not saying completely change who you are but give yourself a chance. Raising children is the most important job you will ever have in life and you don't deserve to be minimized or passed over for that decision. Best of luck and keep on going. There's a smallish office out there and a decent company that would love to have you as an employee. Know this is true and own it!

30. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 12:55AM UTC

    I agree and would not change any of my choices. But my children are that younger generation and I'm not going to fluff my resume, just as they never have . I do think it's unethical, for me personally, and as a former hiring manager I would check all of those things and if they didn't check out the person wouldn't be hired. I don't want to get my foot in the door that way, because I know that my skills are valuable and I'm willing to wait until the right company notices them. Also, even though they were not as fast as they are now, i background checked every potential hire. It's much easier and faster now so the truth would come out. I appreciate the support and the sentiment but I'd rather not work, I think that comes from my hiring days. That's just a personal choice and in no way meant to judge you at all, if it gets you a job and levels the playing field, then I think it's great and I'm sure you have a resume that's great just the way it is but if it gives you a competitive edge, then I say go for it! Fight fire with fire, as they say. It's just personally not for me. What I really appreciate about your comment is the support about raising children, you are one of the only people who has mentioned or feels like that is important work. I love to lift other women up in whatever their choices are, but my toughest critics have been other women. I'm sure you are going to land in a great place that you fit in very well, no matter your age. I think a wardrobe changes and makeovers are great ideas. Even if you don't need it they just make you feel more confident. I just didn't agree with going as far as getting botox and dressing like I'm 20 when I'm not, or observing millenials in a coffee shop. I don't want to emulate their behavior in any way. I wish you the best of luck and really do appreciate the supportive comments!

31. AnonymousNovember 23,2023 at 8:03PM UTC

    Thanks! I'm someone who's raised a family and been there and done that. Many other women didn't raise kids, take care of a husband, a household with pets while being a caregiver to an elderly parent. I guarantee if they had to do all that without nannies, housekeepers, and assistance of any kind they would have a kinder response. It's something that I've encountered as there is a bias towards raising a family or even necessary caregiver responsibilities. We live to work in America not work to live! It's very backwards. Potential employers haven't understood this in any way, neither have they been kind. In fact, it's been brutal. It's as if these things are not seen as essential or work! Little value seems to be put into what type of person you really are with employment. No personality assessment gives you a clear view of who you're hiring these days. As one lady put it in this post, rather bluntly, employers don't really care about you! It's all about $$$$. I will not put anyone down because this has been done to me my entire life. There's no purpose of diminishing the experience of another. If I can't give kind, constructive and honest advice, I won't give it at all. I'm older and I looked fine at 40 but life has taken a toll on me with years of stress. I've decided to DIY it due to finances. I certainly don't wish to look 20 or dress like that but I can't look my age due to too much competition for jobs. I also have no real support system but myself. Going back to ageism in this nation, my value as a woman diminishes in this society as I age and so does my earning potential. I wish you the best and I'm certain that the right employer will see you as a great asset and they'll be lucky to have you!

32. AnonymousNovember 19,2023 at 11:07PM UTC

    Yes, ageism is real, but what do we do about it? I refuse to remove years off my resume, because these early years made me who I am. I am able to show how I changed specialty several times, how I survived adversity, how flexible I am and how quickly I can learn a new thing and adapt. They tell the whole story about me and isn't this what is important? Also, when they see me, they will see how old I am although I look younger than my age even without Botox thanks to healthy life style. I rarely get sick and even when I am sick, I am able to work most of the time with very little drop in productivity. So I prefer to show who I am and find the company and the boss who will respect that rather than play games and remove years from resume, etc.

    I probably will be unemployed for longer because of it, but it is my decision right now to try to make it on my terms.

33. AnonymousNovember 20,2023 at 8:39PM UTC

    We can agree to disagree. If the Company does not care about my earlier experience, they may chose not to pay attention. But I think they care. Because companies want to see how you were able to reinvent your self. Or what if my needed international experience was in those early years? Is it irrelevant? No, it is very much relevant. The decision of what to put or not on your resume shouldn't be based on years, it should be based on relevance to the job description.

34. AnonymousNovember 20,2023 at 11:45PM UTC

    100% agree to tailor your past experience to the job. But why feel the need to hide it like it's something to be ashamed of? I also don't think everything past 10 years is irrelevant. We continually learn through life and just because you're our age does not mean we haven't kept up with technology and are little grey haired grandma's. I'm doing exactly what you're doing and have had a few interviews, one I made it to the third round of interviews. Like you, if I stay unemployed longer who cares? I'm staying true to myself and doing this on my terms. If more people did that instead of play these games, ageism would not be so prevalent.

35. Tami CannizzaroNovember 20,2023 at 8:58PM UTC

    Career Coach here: I know you are proud of your previous work, as am I. Yet employers consider work older than 10 years obsolete. This is not ageism. It's because business changes so rapidly - especially in the last 5-10 years and with technology - that what you did 10+ years ago is not considered relevant. I have no idea what age you are but even young-ish job seekers need to be cautious of hanging on to older work experience. If you must hang on to past experience, include a line at the end of your "experience" section that says "Other Experience" and list the companies you worked for. No need to include titles, dates, bullets or anything else. Just a single line. That way you can show the brands/companies and, if it comes up/is necessary, talk to the experience.

36. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 3:03AM UTC

    If you are an IT developer and are looking for development jobs using latest coding languages then obviously your experience in Cobol is not relevant. But if you are applying for a management position in a big company involving managing large department with diverse group of people having more years of experience and being able to demonstrate growth over the years would be beneficial. Also, banks today are still using mainframes, believe it or not. So stating that anything over 10 years is obsolete is not true.

37. AnonymousNovember 20,2023 at 11:09PM UTC

    I think you have an amazing attitude and are exactly right. Some companies are beginning to realize that older workers do have valuable contributions. Any of us who has lived a healthy lifestyle really don't t look our age, so I agree there is no need for Botox and just adds to the stereotype of older women. I don't hide my age either because i agree that I bring things to the table now that I couldn't possibly have known when I was a young 34 year old manager. I like your decision and am willing to stay unemployed longer,as well on my terms.

38. AnonymousNovember 20,2023 at 4:17PM UTC

    "keeping up with me" as I can see how someone would take it as ageism, doesn't show ageism. There clearly would need to be more specific verbiage. Caution. It happens a lot, unfortunately, that poor communication with candidates happens way too often.

39. Barb HansenNovember 20,2023 at 5:27PM UTC

    I completely agree with you that the "we built the internet" attitude won't cut it when interviewing.

    That being said, the response to the "so what" question is that experience matters for some positions. And when that experience is paired with a working knowledge of the new technical solutions (as you said) that's even better.

    Speaking for myself only, I want to be considered for a position based on my skill set (which to me includes my experience) not immediately discredited because of my age + gender.

40. AnonymousNovember 20,2023 at 7:11PM UTC

    I generally don't get involved here, however your comments are pretty harsh. I'd not call someone "sweetie" unless you're doing something a bit passive aggressive. Your tone is condescending and not super helpful to OP. She doesn't need a Mike Tyson 1-2 right now. Though you are on point in regards to companies simply don't give a shift. Truth is they don't and the tables turned are now, what can you do for me as a potential employee, whilst we pay you crap!

41. AnonymousNovember 20,2023 at 11:20PM UTC

    I did not take her comment that way at all. I am also of her age and refuse to get botox or hide my age. I honestly, don't think she meant that she was going to go on and on about her past experience but point out how it could be helpful in the job. I quite frankly agree with her and would rather keep my values and character intact than make myself someone I'm not. As soon as older workers stop apologizing for their experience is when ageism will stop. You do whatever you feel like doing to get employed. I don't know if you are a man or a woman but to call her "sweetie" is derogatory and would never be tolerated in any workplace, at least not one that is professional. However, the other comments clearly show that you are either uneducated or work in a place that tolerates that. I agree 100% with what she is doing. We have nothing to be ashamed of because of our age or past experience. We can stay unemployed until we find that employer who appreciates what we bring to the table. But really to be condescending and call her sweetie, no matter what your age is, shows your character and level of professionalism. It's sad that you are our age and in 2023 would talk to a woman like that on a professional forum.

42. AnonymousNovember 20,2023 at 11:32PM UTC

    Actually, I think she didn't have a job because she was going to do this on her terms. Believe me, you may have to look but there are those who appreciate and understand that experience. I don't recall her saying she would not drop things off a resume, but that she wouldn't hide her age. The year she graduated , etc. She's got character and she knows her worth I applaud her for not compromising on that. As a former Advertising agency executive, responsible for hiring, I would hire someone like that in a minute over someone who doesn't have the confidence to be themselves or know their worth. I've got a little advice for all of you, no matter how old you are, your company doesn't care about you at all, only what you can do for them. There is nobody irreplaceable. I've fired a few of those shocked people and was on to finding someone new to do their job the next day. So don't fool yourself, keep your character and values, wait for the right company, do things on your terms, and never underestimate your worth. I'd rather stay unemployed like she is "buy her choice" than waste my time with being "on trend" and watching millenials at a coffee shop. What a colossal waste of time and energy.

43. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 12:09AM UTC

    That is ridiculous! She didn't say she was not dropping the early years, only not playing games to hide them. Making a blanket statement like that, even if that's what she was saying, is judgemental. Being flexible and adaptive has nothing to do with a piece of paper. I think she's quite flexible and adaptive. She is just not willing to devalue herself or be ashamed of her age or past experience. As someone who did quite a bit of hiring and firing in the past, that is something I would find out in an interview not by what she wrote on a resume. She's actually quite adaptive, knows what she's up against and is strategically making a decision to do things her way rather that let a company dictate her worth. The herd mentality is unbelievable on here. Have you ever been a hiring manager, my guess is no because to make that assumption based on how long ago her experience was is potentially missing out on a great candidate.If she had committed a felony over ten years ago I would be more concerned than when her experience was, however, you are not penalized for that after 10 years by most companies. So why discriminate against experience that is older than 10 years, it didn't suddenly get sucked out of her brain. Most hiring managers, at least I did, look how that experience can apply to the job. I like a multigenerational workforce and I'm willing to bet that what she learned from her experience most millennials have still not learned, and probably never will. If she left all that information off the resume, I would still ask what she had done previous to those years. It might also raise a red flag that she left them off.Of course she is not talking about telling her whole life story, but using her experience that is relevant.

44. Bosslady985092November 23,2023 at 6:31AM UTC

    You all talking about Millennials as if we aren't middle aged already lol. I'm a millennial and I'm 40. You may be thinking of Gen Z or whatever they call the group after them, even. Please don't lump us 80s kids in with whoever you are really trying to insult.

45. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 1:27AM UTC

    You are so right, and the sweetie comment just about sent me over the edge. From someone who worked in Human resources, dealing with hiring and benefits you are correct. Most people over 50 rarely miss work and they usually are not out applying for jobs if they are always at the doctor. From a cost standpoint, we don't need maternity or paternity leave, we don't need childcare benefits, we don't miss days because of sick children or daycare problems, we're usually only insuring ourselves and possibly a spouse so the company pays less for our insurance. So many of the costly benefits that are aimed at the younger generation are ones a company usually will never have to pay for us. So from a cost standpoint it is a foolish move not to hire older workers and really does affect their bottom line a lot more than you would suspect.

46. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 3:09AM UTC

    If you were looking for a doctor, would you always prefer somebody with 10 years of experience or someone with over 30? Why being a doctor for long is considered good, but somehow in the business it isn't? It is truly insulting!

47. Robert DubachNovember 21,2023 at 1:44PM UTC

    One should have a young doctor and an old lawyer.

48. Brittany CarnesNovember 21,2023 at 7:20PM UTC

    and the old lawyer should have a son or daughter following in their footsteps when their parent passes

49. Bosslady985092November 23,2023 at 6:22AM UTC

    Agree on young doctors due to the new knowledge and evolving best practices, but as a young lawyer, I often got snark from my own clients which was insulting and unnecessary. I was doing my job well. Now at 40, since 33, I finally didn't have to deal with clients anymore. When I was 25 and a lawyer, half the time I was not taken seriously, through no fault of mine. Reverse ageism plus sexism just sucks.

50. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 3:45AM UTC

    Somehow my comment was deleted.
    You ran a dermatologist office so the injectors probably took a one hour class so that this dermatologist could make more money but are really not qualified to inject. Can you please site your sources for the ages you suggest that are using Botox? Before you make a bigger fool of yourself, I should probably tell you my husband is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with 12 years of schooling and over 15 years in private practice. The first way I knew you had no idea what you were talking about is that you said don't use filler"no duck lips please". Well, filler is not only for the lips and as women age they lose facial fat so filler or fat grafting is a much better option that Botox. The average age of patients who use Botox according to a 2022 study by th ABPS, you might want to google what that is, is 40-54 then the filler use picks up. My husband has rarely done Botox on a 35 year old because he is ethical and have you seen what a 35 year old woman's skin looks like when she's 50 and continually used Botox for that long. It's not pretty. There are times when he will inject the 11's if they are really bothering them but does not recommend regular Botox use that young. I think you may have gotten your facts from a few too many episodes of the Kardashians? Believe it or not their are those of us who eat heathy, have never smoked, maybe just have good genetics, and have free access to all of that and do none of it and look younger than some of those who do. Also no woman should be made to feel like she isn''t going to get a job without cosmetic procedures. So you might be the one who wants to crawl out from under a rock and give us your scientific study and who performed it that most or all of women even 35 year olds use Botox? Can you give us some numbers and who did the study. My husband has seen many studies and they all contradict everything you are saying. So he really is interested in seeing this scientific poll and who conducted it. Instead of being nasty ahd telling someone to crawl out from under a rock when you are lying and they can prove you are, you might want to think twice about giving untrue advice because you never know who is on a board. Basically, you made a whole group of women feel badly if they don't do this and your information is all incorrect. So the next time you want to be little miss know it all and give untrue advice on a board you might want to think about how you're going to back that up with some studies. I can give you plenty more if you'd like them, but I think you need to correct your post about getting Botox and filler, which some people don't need, some don't want, and some can't afford. You can correct it and it will be far less embarrassing than how my husband and I will correct it. Most Plastic surgeons are very reputable and they really don't like false statistics or information given by someone who has no idea what they are talking about, like someone who ran a dermatologists office. So you make the choice correct it so that these women don't think they need to go to these extremes to get a job or I will. I would suggest you do it.

51. AnonymousNovember 21,2023 at 4:04AM UTC

    This poster will be correcting her information on the fact that Botox is your best friend and the false information about fillers. Since she has no idea what she is talking about in that area, I would disregard her other information, as well. Nobody needs Cosmetic Surgery to get a job and she has no statistics to back it up. So I would take anything she says as not factual. Did I mention my husband is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, with over 12 years of schooling and 15 years in private practice? Even her information on filler is incorrect. I have free use of any of these products I want anytime and use none of them. I told her I would give her a chance to correct the rest before my husband corrects it for her. No woman should be made to feel like they have to have cosmetic surgery to get a job. Of course I have absolutely nothing against it if that makes you more confident and feel better about yourself. But I know how expensive it is and I don't think anyone should be made to feel like this is a must. Although, I do experience ageism, I work because I want to work, and do volunteer work, as well. So I am extremely fortunate and can wait for as long as I need to for a job. However, many women can't and can't afford a Cosmetic procedure and shouldn't be told they need one. Hopefully, she will correct the rest of her statement or my husband said he will. Her information is coming from managing a dermatologists office, and is strictly her personal opinion because I have asked for facts and she can't back up her claims. I think it would be in her best interest to correct the untrue statements in here on her own. This is absolutely ridiculous advice and nobody who has been out there having a hard time getting a job needs to be told they need a cosmetic procedure to get one.

52. Kari HadleyNovember 22,2023 at 2:07AM UTC

    I'm 64, with an MBA and over 30 years of marketing and product management experience. I can't even seem to get an interview. It's not that I'm overpriced -- many of the jobs that match my qualifications pay more than I would even think to ask. I've been using the internet since before some of these people were born. I've been using a computer since the early '80s, when there was no such thing as Windows, or even a mouse! As for stamina, I run 5Ks and work out at least 3 times a week with weights (as in bench presses and barbell back squats),and can probably lift more than these slugs that sit on their phones all day. But, they doubt MY qualifications and energy?

53. Zofia JaneczekNovember 22,2023 at 7:41PM UTC

    Unfortunately, that is the case in America. Despite the population getting older overall they still want someone younger. This nation has a long way to go to actually walk the talk that it preaches. Companies say that they're diverse, inclusive, and different- lots of fluff and no substance. I know a company welcomes all when I interview. I keenly look for that diverse mix of ages, genders, nationalities and points of view. Few actual have it. There's always a dynamic you can tell by being observant. Unfortunately, most companies still act and look the same. Much change is needed!