© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Experiencing ageism
Due to the pandemic, I've lost my job. I've worked my entire adult life without a break and in an executive position for the past 20 years. I have outstanding leadership skills. Now I find myself jobless. Although I am in my later 60's, I do not feel that I'm finished yet and want and need to continue to work.
I'm accomplished and my credentials and resume are very impressive and I get some call backs. Through discussions, once we get down to the wire and they figure that I'm "older", the discussions stop. How does a woman executive of a certain age get rehired in this volatile market? My experience is in the architecture/design industry, which has been decimated. I have cast a wide net and I would gladly utilize my skills in transition into another sector. Your opinion is much appreciated!
Laura McCann
Driving results through people engagement
325
08/05/20 at 4:11PM UTC
So many great suggestions!! I love the idea of doing architectural recruiting as well as pursuing professorship.
Annetta MosesConsumer Insights and Strategy Leader
1.31k
08/05/20 at 2:12AM UTC
Have you connected with an executive recruiter. Often, if they are trying to fill a position and the company wants some one with 25+ years experience that is an indication that they are willing to hire an older worker.
Michelle BredineHR Professional in Denver, CO
14
08/04/20 at 9:18PM UTC
It's disheartening to hear that ageism is alive and well across the US. At the beginning of the year, my manager announced her plans to retire and stated that when she hired me 6 months prior, it was to be her replacement. At the time of her announcement, she wasn't sure if I was ready. I jumped right in and took charge, shadowing and learning all I could about her position. I've been in HR for almost 20 years and have moved up to supervisor/manager roles in previous positions. When I had my interview with the GM of the company, she told me I wasn't ready for the position, then proceeded to hire someone 15 years younger with less HR experience and no management experience. I'm looking to move in, but it's tough out there. It's making me think outside the box as well. We will all find something. We just need to support one another.
DeborahFully Alive 2020
46
08/01/20 at 10:49PM UTC
Count me in, let’s make the future brighter for our young Women
DeborahFully Alive 2020
46
08/01/20 at 3:33PM UTC
Good Morning Ladies?. We could and should run the world with all the expertise mentioned in this 50+ job search post. Is there room on this platform for those in creative leadership to develop a business to support the 30-40 year old woman so she never ever has to be seen as DONE??
Linda Shakir Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor
359
08/01/20 at 8:21PM UTC
Ladies my idea for us older in years but younger in cognitive abilities to open a consulting team for women from 30 to 70 of age. To teach etiquette , expertise skills to the younger generation. With our skills people should be coming to use for advice and how to work as a team. Teaching them analytical. When I read these posts there is work for us to do we are not going to be put out to pasture yet. Tell what you think give me some answers step my step.
Sweet Caroline
4.25k
08/01/20 at 1:37PM UTC
Girl, I hear you! Our industry is brutal in good times, led by egocentric men who believe in making younger interns earn their keep for pennies on the dollar while working their fingers to the bones for years. My husband and I are both architects by training. I have moved out to the world of contract furniture. We both feel the industry which was decimated in 2008 never recovered and has a staff model of interns/recent grads working for principals, no one in the middle. Gone are the job captains, project designers, detailers and spec writers, it’s just kids on Revit being directed by 50 year old RAs who don’t bother to teach these kids anything or look at anything before it goes out the door, they leave it up to the GC to send RFIs for everything.
I agree with others that teaching may be a good option. I would also consider business development, that is one area where your network matters more than your age, or should I say your Rolodex matters!
I feel like no one over 50 is getting hired, everything is a young persons game right now and experience is not what employers want, they want young and fresh.
Consulting, business development or sales (architectural products, architectural walls, etc) or being an Owners Project Manager are your best bet.
Jennifer TaylorCommunications Professional
665
07/31/20 at 11:16PM UTC
I’m 51, been unemployed since April. Over 200 resumes sent, one interview. I’ve had y resume reviewed 3 times, every time the coach has said its incredible. I’ve met with career coaches who tell me I’m doing everything right (networking, emailing, being active on Linked In....) I need a job. Why do companies give the 51 year old man a chance but not the 51 year old woman?
Anonymous
07/31/20 at 2:35PM UTC
Ageism is alive and well. How a person views you as being old depends on yourself. As a Boomer I have joined young professional groups and participated in activities. This gives me insights into younger generations ideas. I'm usually the oldest person there and raise a few eyebrows but there is never an age limit. This helped for my last promotion as the hiring managers saw that I stayed relevant.
I train and mentor for triathlons and brought that up in interviews when asked what my other interests were.
Anonymous
07/31/20 at 1:45PM UTC
There are millions of us out there who are beyond the age that companies find desirable. I’m one of them, only I have about 6 more hurdles than most (including a career transition at age 52, so my experience in my new industry is limited). There are so many factors that can lead to or prohibit success and every situation is different. Here are some of the factors I’ve identified (from experience):
1) Are you well connected and if so, do you know how to make those connections work in your favor?
2) Do you have ample tech skills?
3) Have you done all you can to mask your age? It sucks. I hate it and part of me wants to rebel and say, if you don’t like how I look, I’ll look for someone who understands that it’s illegal to discriminate on the basis of age.
4) Have you been beaten down by the age discriminators and if so, maybe you need a therapist or life coach. In other words, if you’ve been at it a while, you might need a mental health boost.
5) What part of the country are you living in and does it support your vocational interests? Mine does not. I had to move back here to help my mom. I feel like I am living in a void sometimes.
6) Are you making a lateral move? That makes the chances of success much higher.
7) Do you have a partner, who is in good financial shape, so you can take as long as you need and not worry about money? That really takes the pressure off.
I’m alone and running out of resources so I figure interviewers can smell the desperation on me. I’ve been at it 10 months and I am running out of steam. I’ve tried all the tricks and the rejection is really getting to me. I really, really try to act my way through interviews ... “Yes, I”m super interested in caring for elders. Being my mom’s care coordinator has brought out the advocate in me”. While not a complete lie, I no more want to take care of yet another elder than I want to work in a public school this fall. I was able to obtain my Local Substitute Teaching Certification and that was working ... until the schools closed. (My actual interest and new field is conflict resolution and diversity and inclusion and I facilitate work in that area.) It’s a hot field right now, but I’m just shy of having enough experience to land a good paying job, with benefits. So I’m thinking about starting my own thing, but ... I spent 5 years building the last business I owned, which lasted 30 years. I just don’t know if I can survive starting a new business. It’s so risky.
Well, anyway ... those of us who thought our last decades on the planet were going to be a little slice of heaven, with justice for all and reaping the benefits of our hard work toward civil rights ... you can throw that out the window. If you live in the U.S. right now, it kinda feels like we are coming apart at the seams.
It’s gonna be a wild ride into the sunset.
Jacquelyn LloydCoach & HR Consultant
866
08/01/20 at 6:35PM UTC
Have you checked to see if you have a local community dispute resolution center? (Some states mandate them in every county.) If you have your certification- Volunteer until you feel comfortable working in the field. If you don’t - it’s a 40 hour training. Great way to get experience in conflict resolution and DEI.
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.