Comments on: Use Your Age to Your Advantage at Work

By: Bili

Bili — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:22:57 +0000

I agree with all the comments, it so ridiculous the crap we have to take from these 20 somethings that don’t a thing about work and actually earning the crazy salaries they make.
I am 49 and after being in sales/management for over 20 years I had to look for a job after the company I was working for was “downsizing” and unfortunately, well you know the rest, anyway I ended up having to take a job as a cashier in fast food, yep you read that right and I make less now than I did when I was 18 before I got my degree, yet I get no respect, my GM can barely speak english and every time she writes a letter that others will be reading she asks me to not only proofread it but if the content is correct or if I can just write it for her altogether, where’s the justice and by the way she is 24!!! so all these articles that are meant to boost morale can just kiss my you know what!! I can’t say too much about how I am treated because hey I’m lucky to a job right? whatever, My husband and I are just fortunate to have no mortgage payment and low property taxes or we’d be in deep sh…, by the way he’s 51 and at 49 he went to work one day and the people he worked for just disappeared, left him with one paycheck that bounced and another that never got paid(he was a truck driver, over 30 years experience, no accidents or tickets, how many 20 somethings can say that in the few years they’ve been driving) oh yeah when he filed for unemployment we found out his employer never paid into that nor did he pay taxes even though they were taken out of his check, we filed a complaint with the labor board got the run around for a year and half and out the blue they sent us a letter saying they’re closing the case, we found where this guy was working(under a false name and ss#) where he lived and the labor board still didn’t do anything, not even about the bounced check which was for almost $3,000.00, the guy owed us about $9,000 and thats before penalties. So what does one do and did this guy get away without paying taxes for so long and still getting away with it, if anyone out there knows what we can do to recoup at least some of the money please help, it took my husband 2years to finally get a part time job at FED EX who I can say really does not discriminate, you just have to have a spotless record and I mean spotless and you will start at the bottom and P/T but it’s a start, he took a $10 an hour pay cut but we’re making it (barely)by the grace of God, I have never been so humiliated in my life but we’re not alone and no matter how bad things look there’s someone out there who has worse so keep looking and lets hope and pray this economy improves soon, Good luck everyone.

By: Ira Sanders

Ira Sanders — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:21:33 +0000

I’ve read most of the comments,and I
agree that age discrimination is a big
problem in American industry.
FIFTY is the number but I don’t look
it and you know I have moved on.
I have been out of work for eleven months so I decided to go back to school studing in the medical field and I hope this will help me get a job. I feel your pain and your anger
but don’t stop climbing.

When you reach the top, that’s when the climb begins.

By: Nefy2

Nefy2 — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:53:44 +0000

Age discrimination is always alive.

I went back to school after my divorce and needed to become self sufficient. I got my BS months before 40. I assumed with this I could land a job like that. Yeah right.

With my degree in accounting I found most recruiters at college were looking for young, and I mean young people. I could see the eyes look over me, even though my GPA was 3.8 and had prior accounting skills; much less ran my own company.

What were they looking for? Well I will say they are looking for people to exploit, to work 60 hour weeks, to do crap no 40 year old would do. Yes, we have to admit we are not as movable as young persons. We don’t like jumping when someone say jump, and we hate even more being told to do something that does not work.

Companies dislike hearing their policies/practices suck. They don’t want some new hire telling them what to do. Live in the real world, no one is going to tell you they so appreciate your experience and knowhow. This is true even when they state the reason they are hiring is to get new thoughts…reframe from telling them what to do! Chances are the first interview is not with the department that needs you.

It is hard being compliant, when experiences have shown you what you are doing is not working. Who believes that crap? I’ll tell you…young people. They don’t question anything.

Managers hate old people rolling their eyes at their “new plans”. Don’t do it. Learn to be a yes man/woman even though you hate it.

Put in your resume you are complaint, and take to change easily. Sure state you have experience, but put it in the latest buzz words. Look on line for catch phrases and lighten up your boring resume.

Learn to put up with dumb young people…smile…maybe they will like you (like their grandma/grandpa) ahhahahah get a sense of humor and don’t be so “know it all” or judging.

Well, I had to go back to school again at 43 for my masters. Why…I was laid off, and couldn’t find a job that would support me and 7 horses. Yes I am not lying.

Did the masters help at 45? Your darn tooting it did. So extra school does help.

I am now 48 and have been working for a company for 2 years. Yes, there are more young people than old here, but I am appreciated. Am I unmovable and judging?? Sure, but my boss loves it.

Keep going, to lay down is to accept what others state is true

By: Helen

Helen — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:21:18 +0000

I will be turning 50 this year and like so many others looking for employment. I know this economy has a lot to do with the lack of jobs, no matter the experience and knowledge one holds, but I also believe discrimination exists in the working place. Whether it comes from age, ethnic background, gender, weight and appearance to ones personality est. I believe these discriminations have always existed. The problem I see with these issues can lead to more economic disasters. It is unfortunate but true that a young male just out of high school gets paid more than a young female who has an associate’s degree from college. Although this is changing the process is slow and male on average still get paid more than a female. The economic issue with this is that single mothers with children often have to compensate for there lack of income by getting assistance with food stamps est. This in turn put a burden on the middle or upper class workers, to pay higher taxes to compensate for the lack of income to young working mothers. The same will happen with the older generation if were not kept employed, there will be a burden on the system that will affect the young and the older generations. With new technologies people are living longer and longer. Retirement age seem to go up not down. (And use) the older generation is suppose to out live our children, whether this is due to eating habits (fast food) lack of exercise, or our polluted planet, the on set of child diabetes est. (We are not old) health issue exist in every age these days. We need to work together and employee both the younger and older generations. For the benefit of us all.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 11 May 2010 19:00:47 +0000

I have been out of work since 2/09 and yes Age discrimination is very rampant, at least in this part of the country. I applied for the same job as my husband, only differences on our resume is he’s younger, guess who got hired? How do you prove something like that though? We both worked for the same company for many years and thanks to Hurricane Katrina was forced to move to another state where nepotism reigns supreme in most companies. I had more experience in the particular job he actually landed. This and I’m not even 40 yet, I have worked in Customer service for many years and had more experience and even managerial experience in a call center enviroment and they still chose the person who was younger. Oh, and the training classes are filled with 20 somethings, and the oldest person that works there is about 35 according to him, sooo yeah I didn’t stand a chance because of my age.

By: Audrey

Audrey — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:24:17 +0000

That paper signed that says you won’t ‘retaliate’ if you want your severance is likely illegal. Several years ago, I was ‘terminated’ and signed such a thing that included that I NOT file for unemplyment benefits if I wanted my severance. I filed for unemployment AND told the person about the document they co-erced me to sign. Guess what, I got the unemployment AND my severance.

For the ladies where you all compared notes, you likely have a suit IF you all go together. The same company that ‘teminated’ me years ago, was later found guilty of side-stepping the NAFTA requirements and was fined when the laid off folks banded together.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:38:21 +0000

One more point – people are age don’t have to worry about the “kids” at home and can devote our time and energy to our careers – this can be a big plus too when looking for work.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:36:18 +0000

I’m in the age group most of the rest of you are – but I have a little different perspective. I’m not worried about interviewing against some of our younger counterparts – I don’t have tattoes and piercings and that gives me an edge right there! I’m not going to get pregnant (that perception was a problem when I was younger). I have the maturity to deal with all ages (many of the young people I’ve worked with are very socially challenged – they think they’re great because they’re young but can’t even relate to other “kids” well). I don’t have the issues associated with some “older people” – racism, homophobia, extreme religiosity, etc. – so I can work well with all different types of people.

Age can actually be an advantage – I would rather make a major transaction (home, insurance, car, financial planning) with an older person because I value and trust knowledge and wisdom far more than “energy” when making important decisions. I see age as having many advantages (knowledge, experience, maturity, ethics, professionalism) in the business world and I suggest that all of you play THAT hand with all the confidence you can muster!!!! You already know the game – PLAY BIG or go home.

By: Paula Wolfe

Paula Wolfe — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:53:31 +0000

It doesn’t matter if you eliminate your graduation or work history dates–all a potential employer or HR recruiter has to do is enter your name into an online address/phone number locator, and your age will ‘magically’ appear.

By: Glenn Copeland

Glenn Copeland — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:38:50 +0000

I was just reading a comment from an individual relating to spelling.With your superior spelling please tell all of us some other secrets to securing a job.I’m sure your turning them down every day your so bright.

By: GLG

GLG — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:39:01 +0000

It has been very interesting reading all of the comments. I am now 52 soon to be 53. I too have had difficulty finding a new job. I spent almost a year cleaning other peoples houses just to keep my own. Looking for a new job now where credit checks are the norm is very dishearting, just trying to keep a roof over your head is hard enough so payments on student loans are not a high priority but held against you, what is one to do? Lights, food or student loan payments you tell me.

One thing I have not seen anyone mention is the long term effect unemployment or being under employed will have on one’s SS benefits. The years spent having a decent salary verses these times of unemployment or under employment which will factor into the benefit amounts paid after all of the years we have paid into the system. I have already seen my projected monthly amount drop about $250.00 after being out of work for 2 years. Well I just continue to be prayerful, mindful and putting one foot in front of the other. Hopefully I’ll get hired soon. May God help us all and God Bless.

By: Roy Lewis

Roy Lewis — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:38:13 +0000

Your article speaks truth but, the messages aren’t reaching too many hiring managers. I find them to be shallow.

By: KL

KL — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:32:06 +0000

There is no doubt that older workers possess valuable experience and more refined skills. However, the author has failed to point out that they are also more prone to be stubborn and less receptive to the ideas that outside of their comfort zone.

I’m working in a company full of people with 20-30 years of service. It has been an absolute nightmare to introduce any new idea, process, etc. Granted, there has to be veteran workers out there that still have the drive and motivation to embrace new ideas. However, I’m quite confident that I’m not just speaking for myself here as far as the issue of how younger workers perceive their older counterparts is concerned.

By: Mary Ann

Mary Ann — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:16:41 +0000

Hello,
I’ve been in the Technology field since the beginning way back when there were no computers and internet as we know it today. I have been unemployed or semi-employed since 1990 when I was laid off in the prime of my work career. I had steady work as a contractor working through various staffing agencies untill 9/11 when thing started to slow. I have gone back to school and now hold degrees in Information Technology(BS) and Business Administration(Masters)and an Associates degree in Data-processing. The problem for us older workers is one of companies not realizing the loss of knowledge that we have and are willing to pass on to others who may not have the worthwhile to obtain that knowledge on their own. In some cases our knowledge base encompases the whole gamette of knowledge in a particular field. It is a sad commentary when a company will hire a individual who has little or no knowledge on the position the individual was hired for just so they can save money on a salary and managers wonder why nothing can be accomplished on a daily bases. Companies have to rethink their strategy and start taking advantage of the knowledge bases that are out there and just maybe they can get more accomplished and not have to send work offshore to get it done. Its about companies taking advantage of knowledgebases that individuals with that knowledgebase are willing to share. We older workers have a lot to share and work ethics engrained in us to get the job done and done right the first time so that it dosen’t need to be done a second and a third time.
I would like to see all the older workers consulted to take advantage of their individual knowledgebases on a full or parttime bases so that we can become again the industrial power that we were once were and to teach our young people that it is to everyones advantage to get good or the best educations whether it be from a credited school or an individual that has worked and has the knowledge of what it takes to do a job right the first time and not waste the time of the employer.

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:00:46 +0000

Well…I was co-owner of a retail showroom for 11 years; we had to sell at a loss. I have had no work sense Sep. 08. I dare not even count the number of applications I have sent, best not to be depressed. I would love to consult others on starting a business, but I am from a rural area, I have a degree in experience, firsthand experience, I have some college, I have had a real estate license, an accountant, tax management, planning organizer, a procedure and accounting analyst, and owned other business. You would think some company would love to hire me; oh darn—did I mention I am only 62 years old. Oh…well.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:04:25 +0000

When I was let go in Dec ’09 due to a “department restructure” only two of us (both women over 50) were affected. We had been there longer, and therefore made more money than more recently hired, younger, and willing to work for less colleagues. Not sure if I would have forfeited my severance to pursue an age-discrimination legal battle, unlikely to be successful. (To be honest, an employer can “discriminate” simply because they don’t like your tie, or your hair.) Prooving it is another matter. In the current economy I might have accepted a reduction in income in order to keep my job, but it was never offered.

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:01:31 +0000

I was part of an airline cost reduction program. It was not at all age related. I was one of their top producers (at age 51). I actually was promoted at age 49. They outsourced our jobs to another airline (who owns a minority stake in the company I worked for). The results of the outsourcing: a total failure….Will they cancel their contract and recall us? It’s not going to happen. Their revenues are down by over 50% but we are off their payroll and that’s what they were looking for. I have been unemployed for 4 months and have applied for approx. 50 positions. My resume only shows my past 10 years of work experience, which I thought used to be standard. I was hugely successful in each career endeavor (3 total), always a ‘top employee’. I feel the anger of anybody in their 40′s, 50′s and 60′s. I am starting to avoid filling out any on-line applications that ask for your date of birth as I know that is an automatic disqualification, period. I have a friend in HR who said they are instructed to check your address off of your resume (via the white pages look up) and check your age (or by any means possible). These employers are not kidding, they do NOT want to hire anybody over 40. There was a famous memo several years ago (IBM, I think) where the a managing director advised HR not to hire anyone over 37!! I easily look like I am in my mid to late 30′s, so maybe my new strategy will be going door to door with my resume. I am already tired of being unemployed, but I am afraid I might have to get used to the idea. I am in the process of selling my house so I can relocate to a more favorable area (if such a place exists). Major problem #2: can I sell my house? Age discrimination is certainly rampant, but the economy is what is really killing us all. I am networking with everybody I know, the answer is always the same: hiring freeze. My only option is to get on with a foreign based airline/company. They have an entirely different attitude towards age and experience. The American standard of youth=success is absurd.

By: Paul L

Paul L — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:02:53 +0000

In the past, US companies supplied the world with eighty percent of goods, services and technology. The only competition was between companies within our own borders. Today, we are in competition with the world. Companies are looking for the best and the brightest to stay competative. That is the younger generation.

I am like most of the people that have made post on this site, sixty-three years old, a BS in Mechanical Engineering and have been laid off.

We are not the only nation that is experiencing these problems, the business world is changing at the speed at which technology is developed, very fast. Unless your skill set contributed DIRECTLY to the sustainability, growth and profits for the organization, like me, you were laid off. I have numerous diplomas and certificates from in-house training and continuous education, but so does everyone. I received above average performance evaluations, but so has everyone. I have read and heard comments like get a new suit, dye your hair and so forth. My comment to that is “you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig”. You must have something to offer that will promote sustainability, growth and profits to return to the job market successfully.

Most older professionals will not re-enter the job market at the same salary and with the same responsibilities that you had when you were laid off. You will be working for a younger supervisor that has limited experience and different work ethics, but that is what happens when you haven’t made it into upper management during your twenty to forty years on the job.

When companies laid me, and you, off they looked at several things. Do we need this person every day to reach our goals, has this person contributed on a continuous basis towards the companies goals during their employment, this is a great employee so is there a slot we could move them to and justify the salary, will we need them in a few years or could we bring in a person with the same skill set, but with less experience and lower salary and succeed in reaching our goals. The decision was made and here we are.

Some will re-enter the job market and land that dream job, most will not. The job market has changed dramatically over the last twenty to thirty years and unless you have changed with it, it will be very hard to return to a great job.

The article says consulting is great to get into. This is true, I do it. My fee is one-hundred dollars and hour plus expenses. I am usually on site one to two weeks. When you go into consulting you had better be an expert in your field. Companies do not mind paying the fee, but tangible results are expected immediately. You had better be ready to work sixteen hour days, work with all types of management styles, personalities and education levels. You must be able to keep a smile on your face even in the most adverse circumstances. You need to have all the tools of the trade, software and hardware, to get the job done. If your job is not completed on time and rendering tangible results, it will get out and your consulting career will end.

Good luck people, the business world is tough and getting tougher.

By: margo

margo — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:48:22 +0000

I too was laid off when I was 60, but about 100 other workers were laid off also. It was just the economy–there was no business. My salvation was the temp agencies. I was not afraid of stating my age, as I am proud of my age. I right away found several temp jobs, and at each one they offered me a full time position because they could see that I was a good worker. I finally accepted one, but I am going to retire at 62.
I am just glad that I am old and don’t have many expenses. I really feel sorry for the younger people who are trying to support a family in this economy. More power to them.

By: Ruby

Ruby — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:03:00 +0000

Wow, what an eye-opener, to read all these comments. I am in the same boat as most everybody else on this site is. I was Laid-off after 10 1/2 yrs from a Corporate organization. And yes, I was 59 yrs at that time!!!! And yes, my Severance Pkg also depended upon signing a “waiver”.
Age discrimination is very rampant. We are being interviewed by “youngsters” who are texting/FaceBook-ing during our interviews!!!! No manners, no repect, no recognition is shown for our experience. Yes, I want to work, but am totally over-qualified!!!!!!!!!! 3 yrs now without a job, despite having gone into the 4th career of my life. I will still persevere because I believe in myself & my skills. :)
Thanks for this forum.