If only there was a law, oh wait.
As someone over 55 that went 9 months looking for a job I can say they do not have to “see” you to determine your age. When you have not jumped jobs during your career thus having only a few to list they can do the math from your resume.
People that do that are complete a-holes. My dad had to come out of retirement to get work recently. I’m glad his workplace actually values older people with decades of a real work ethic.
Apparently businesses would rather have low wage semi-competent employees with large turnover than stable competent ones that cost more.
Kinda depends on what job you are looking for. At my level in my career field, having 20+ years experience is a high dollar commodity.
Of course, if I switch careers... Walking as a 50+ year old White male would probably put me at a disadvantage in some professions.
I’ve always heard there are two big reasons for age discrimination:
1. Older people will cost the company more in health insurance on the company health plan.
2. Older people expect to be paid more than younger workers, so employers tend to go for a younger hire.
Age and experience will be advantageous, if one is being recruited for an executive or management level job. But for the bulk of jobs out there , employers prefer to hire younger people.
I turn 66 in a few weeks. I’ve been in IT since 1983. I’m currently on contract and have been for the last 8 years. I look about 20 years younger than I am and usually have no problem getting a job or contract, but I discovered something interesting: Every time I tried to become an actual employee for the last decade, once I had to put my birth year on any document, the process ended. And a couple ended “at the last minute”.
Thing is, though, I believe it is their right to make that decision. I’m fine with contracting at this point. Truth be told, I get paid more than the employees anyway. And I trust in the Lord for my future and he has been more than faithful.
This age discrimination bs has been going on for decades and has gotten worse in during the Obama years.
if only there was a walmart in every town practically- oh wait-
It’s how I ended up working for the government. Our local and state government agencies are pretty much the only places that do no discriminate against someone 50 and older. A least for jobs between Walmart greeter and high-level exec. Got laid off a few days before my 50the birthday after over 20 years with the same company. 1400 job applications, 31 interviews and 6 temp positions, and a year later I got the position I have now. Still am not making what I was 10 years ago for doing the same thing, and at *my* level the pensions aren’t all that, but it’s a job, and any job has more honor than welfare, unemployment, or disability.
No kidding.
Heard that loud and clear. I was job hunting some years back and looking around, if everyone there was 35 or under... ya ain’t gett’n that job.
I don’t are how much education, experience, qualifications, training, discernment, maturity, etc. you have... ya ain’t gett’n hired.
It was demoralizing being interviewed by people so young with none of those qualifications, but who got to play God with my life.
I remember going through an agency. The slob (messy hair, messy appearance, sloppy messy desk) at the agency said I had to show up at the interview, looking ‘professional’. I was there in her office in hose, heels, dark blue suit, etc. I almost laughed....
When I went to the interview, the kid who interviewed me had on a dirty, wrinkled shirt (NOT tucked in), NO tie, tattoos all over himself, hardware on his face, dirt under his fingernails, sneakers, unshaved, no degree, under 35 years old etc. PLEASE don’t tell me about ‘age discrimination’.
On my first full time job over 50 years ago, I discovered that one of my employer’s people who had the same job I did and was nearing retirement was only paid $1k more than I was earning at 22 (professional position). This man had been there for years and years. They knew he wouldn’t seek another position so they paid him little more than a base salary. That really told me what kind of people I was dealing with. Fortunately, I was able to move on after my contract was over.
Danm right! Especially for White males!
Have a buddy who was recently bought out of his company....can’t get hired for love nor money.
It’s hard to blame employers for doing this when they are required by law under the ACA to provide medical insurance for their employees. This stupid provision makes an older employee an enormous cost burden for an employer, which more than offsets the valuable experience that employee brings in comparison to younger workers.
I used to hire men and women, but I discriminated against the women based on age. A lot of women I hired are paid over $50K/yr, some over $100K.
But I learned many years ago that women under 40 cost me too much because of child bearing and rearing costs.
Age discrimination has always worked like this for people seeking jobs. It wasn’t different 50 years ago.
I had an offer to sell my business last year-I am 57 and burnt out at my job after 35 years and told some people I wanted out.
I was toying with the idea to find another job and work to at least age 62.
I am fit, healthy, converse well with people, and have two advanced degrees.
Went to some job fairs and such. Zero zip Nada. Only offers was $10-12.00 jobs.
Decided to keep my company and continue on.