Aging out of the workforce
I just lost my job at a veterinary hospital company known for hiring primarily 18 to 30 year olds. They are cute, cheap and easy to push aro und. After our last manager quit unexpectedly, tbey promoted a 24 year old tech to be manager. She immediately began targetimg me and found fault with everything I did. She would ignore my suggestions, but introduce them a couple of weeks later as her own. She continued to search for anything she could to say I was incompetent while making ridiculous changes to the long standing system every few days. Long story short she let me go. I was so stressed out by then it was almost a relief.
Since then. I have had 2 great telephone interviews and 2 great Zoom interviews (2 different companies.) One even invited me in to shadow their team for a few hours. I have not heard from either one since. I believe that it has to do with my age. I am 66. I was older than everyone in the bldg .
My confidence is shot and I don't thibk that I will be hired because I am older. zHow do I overcome this?
Michelle Wittman
Human Resource Professional Greater St. Louis
91
11/27/20 at 1:56PM UTC
I suggest using an updated email, only list your last 10 years of jobs and no dates for college on your resume. I as well have had several interviews had a job offer with a great company, 6 weeks into the process while waiting my Top Security Clearance, I reached out and the recruiter Informed me of a funding issue and then I received an email they rescinded due to Government funding.
So here I go applying for hours every morning and hoping for the best. I am only 51. I was thinking of getting my Workday Certification as I utilized snd did some testing at my last company. Maybe that will make me more competitive however paying for it with a daughter in College and living on unemployment is difficult for me right now! I’m in a catch 22.
Anonymous
11/25/20 at 6:01PM UTC
So I was on the job one day and got terminated after I made an appt with HR to disclose a disability. Didn't even make it to that meeting before MGMT called me in questioning me about it. Then told me to go home. They were so generous to pay me for more hours, no idea how much it affected our situation. I turned down three other jobs in a small town that are filled now and it's the end of the fourth quarter. Sorry for you, file now if you must. I was thinking of filing a complaint as well.
Anonymous
01/04/21 at 4:59AM UTC
Thank you for all replies. I did file with EEOC and am now trying to get a telephone appt with them. Apparently they are doing all appts by phone during Covid and there is nothing available for January. I will keep trying. I forwarded all correspondence at work between mgmt and myself to my personal email so I have all records. Wish me luck!!!
Victoria RegoReiki Master, writer, customer service
252
11/23/20 at 12:56AM UTC
I’m so sorry this is happened to you. I can understand the frustration, I have to agree that you should consider file a report against the clinic for age discrimination and unjust termination.
User deleted comment on 11/23/20 at 1:19AM UTC
Anonymous
11/22/20 at 5:54PM UTC
I would file complaints with the EEOC NOW before they vote to keep companies safe from getting in trouble for how terribly their leaders have acted over the pandemic. Sure, keep a journal of positivity but watch your back. Sue them.
Anonymous
11/28/20 at 5:18AM UTC
Do you think I should file a case with the EEOC? Has anyone else done this?
ROANNE JACOBSEN
100
11/22/20 at 5:34PM UTC
I am so sorry. I echo many of the comments above. My position was “moved” from SC to NJ for which I know were some back political shenanigans. Anyway, that was in 2019 and I’ve been looking for a full-time position since. I am also in my middle 50s. I appreciate that gut-punch of not being able to find work in my field as quickly as before. I’m not telling you this to make you feel worse. What I want you to know that your feelings are valid and you are not alone.
Spend some time acknowledging your feelings. Then begin a grateful journal and write at least 3 things every day you are grateful for. It helps to keep things in perspective. See what virtual volunteer you can do. The Library of Congress needs people to transcribe old letters into digital.
Finally, see what contract work you could do. That’s what I’ve been doing until a full-time position comes up.
Good luck.
Anonymous
11/22/20 at 3:27PM UTC
I can empathize with what your going through, I to experience ageism constantly and sine I am in IT I also get the female older woman backlash, I have had at least 9 second interviews ( just this year) and told how everyone loves me blah blah blah, I even had one tell me the manager really wants to hire me ( this company prides itself on hiring people “ out of the box” meaning transferable skills “) and what a great for I wold be blah blah .. But for this one position they needed someone with more exact experience , they hired a younger male on a team of young men , same with another company , I don’t think this will change , but I keep trying , as long as you keep trying and don’t give up , eventually you will find your place, I have been trying to change jobs for two years , but I am not giving up ,don’t give up there are good people out there who actually look for talent, and don’t care age, sex? Race etc they are just harder to find most companies “ claim” they don’t discriminate but they do , it’s actions not words .. talk is cheap have you tried looking for a job through aarp? I’m not 60 yet myself but I am looking at it soon and I joined aarp they do have job boards, might be with a try good luck! ? keep the faith, believe in yourself and your dreams
LA+30yrsBelieve in Yourself
91
11/21/20 at 4:16PM UTC
You are not alone in this. I've had four interviews (two with same company) since March of this year. I am 60 and have successfully ran my own business, plus spent over a decade working in a government position. Still no job offers. I am sad to think that even though I possess excellent skills (very technically advanced) and experience that I am discounted because of my age.
I only hope that the future will look brighter for older professionals.
All four vacant positions were filled by individuals under forty. I am seriously thinking that this part of my life is gone and wondering how to put a positive spin on my "working" future.
Victoria CianciProject structure is key and I have the keys
419
12/01/20 at 4:05PM UTC
I am in agreement with you it is so hard and looked at as if we are our grandparents
DIANE TEMMENI am here to help you be the best you can be!
72
11/21/20 at 6:25PM UTC
We are traveling in the same boat although I haven't reached 60, yet. I am concentrating on my own business while still strategically applying to jobs.
Anonymous
11/21/20 at 2:46PM UTC
All of the recruiters, life and job coaches, and supportive people around you will give you lists of things YOU should do to mitigate this discrimination. And little of it will work (although there are some things you can watch out for). You’ll just have to get lucky and find someone who’s committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This always happens in discrimination. The burden falls on the applicant instead of demanding that the system change. For example, BIPOC are expected to be twice the candidate, play by all the rules, work for the lowest pay offered, and just accept it. How do I know all this? Well I’m 60 and I’ve walked a mile in your shoes. I also have training in DE&I.
The pandemic and terrible economy doesn’t help of course but I’m telling you ... the way our society tries to “discard” anyone over a certain age if they don’t have every perfect trait is alarming, maddening, and disgusting.
The only thing you can do is stand up to it and try and call people out. I did once, after the person responsible for hiring, practically admitted they were looker for someone younger. This is straight up illegal!!! The guy flimflammed and stuttered and had no explanation. They had already told me that it was between me and another person, but they went with the other person. That’s when I knew I had everything to learn about this situation and nothing to lose. So I gently confronted him. I had experienced a year of being told, “we were impressed with you but chose another candidate”. I’d had it!!! So I said something. And now I know. Age discrimination is the “ism” that everyone knows exists, but NO ONE wants to tackle. Look at all the guff that Joe Biden took. We all know he’s qualified but everybody thinks he’s too old. Even I wonder. See .... the idea that a septuagenarian could actually still be a viable leader is just not something we are convinced of in this country.
It’s shameful.
Hang in there and keep trying.
Anonymous
11/22/20 at 6:22PM UTC
amen!!!
Joy Matwale
87
11/20/20 at 7:40AM UTC (Edited)
I am really sorry that you went through this experience!
I'll start off by with a quote that I like, and also use as a reminder for myself: "Your value does NOT decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth."
Second, I'll leave a link to one of my favorite career coaches - Andrew LaCivita. In this video he speaks to the job search challenges (and offers suggestions) on dealing with ageism: https://bit.ly/2UMX5NO and in this article he offers 3 tips to avoid age discrimination while interviewing https://bit.ly/331jcos
Lastly, remember that the universe is abundant. There are people out there that will welcome having you in their organization. They will appreciate your skills and everything that you have to offer. In a way, you could look at this as an "emptying of the cup" so that you can now fill it with experiences (and people) that are wholesome and supportive of you. Better days are ahead! Keep your head up and all the best as you get back out there.
DIANE TEMMENI am here to help you be the best you can be!
72
11/21/20 at 6:22PM UTC
I have to agree. I have been watching Andrew LaCivita's videos and have found them informative and encouraging. I am also experiencing ageism, I believe. Terrible that I can't prove this and I will work until I die. In that light, I have started pursuing my own business and taking some online classes to improve my skills and gain more certifications.
Anonymous
11/21/20 at 4:02AM UTC
Thank you so very much. Now I have some positive words to put on my mirror. You have given me comfort and hope!
Joy Matwale
87
11/23/20 at 9:35AM UTC
Really glad to hear that!
