Is there discrimination against older people in the work force
Posted 11-25-2016 at 01:21 PM by Redrobin2
Quote:
Originally Posted by bpollen
Yes, it's hard to find a job at your age.
I am over 60. I changed jobs at 58 and didn't have trouble. I then worked contract for a year and half and got a couple of permanent job offers (the offers were low pay for small businesses, but they were offers). I wasn't looking for a permanent job, though.
I would not expect to get those offers now. Although it could happen, I guess. One reason is that they know you're not going to be there for years like a younger person might. It's true that many young people job hop, but some don't, and some stay for a decade. They wouldn't expect you to stay for a decade. And if physical condition matters at all, your physical condition at age 70 might give them pause. Also, mental acuity starts to decline, if that is critical with your job.
It's different keeping a job where you've proven yourself vs. competing with younger applicants to get a new job.
I don't know that I'd always call this discrimination. It's a practical thing, in some cases. People over 60 don't have certain traits they had when younger, although older people have many other good qualities, like experience, reliability, getting along with coworkers, not calling in sick on Mondays because of a hangover from the weekend.
It also depends on what you look like. If you walk young and energetic, look younger and energetic and healthy, have some style instead of stuck in an old person look, dress nicely...you have more of a chance.
There is also the "fit-in" aspect. If it's a young office, they may want the new person to fit in with the vibe of the office, for comradery. Someone who fits in with the team. Doesn't mean an older person can't fit in. It's just another thing they may consider. That is more apt to be true with a small business, I think.
When I got those jobs and job offers at 58-60, I looked younger than my years (most guessed my age in the 40s), dressed professionally and well, smiled a lot, and was an energetic and super reliable worker, who easily chatted with others (but not too much). In other words, I "passed" for younger and I fit in, if that helps you.
Now, I am hoping to get a part time job, and I expect it will be difficult. My field doesn't have part time work, usually. So I'll be looking at anything and everything. I'll be competing with younger people for low-skill work, so it'll be tough. I may not find anything, since I'm moving to a smaller city.
I am over 60. I changed jobs at 58 and didn't have trouble. I then worked contract for a year and half and got a couple of permanent job offers (the offers were low pay for small businesses, but they were offers). I wasn't looking for a permanent job, though.
I would not expect to get those offers now. Although it could happen, I guess. One reason is that they know you're not going to be there for years like a younger person might. It's true that many young people job hop, but some don't, and some stay for a decade. They wouldn't expect you to stay for a decade. And if physical condition matters at all, your physical condition at age 70 might give them pause. Also, mental acuity starts to decline, if that is critical with your job.
It's different keeping a job where you've proven yourself vs. competing with younger applicants to get a new job.
I don't know that I'd always call this discrimination. It's a practical thing, in some cases. People over 60 don't have certain traits they had when younger, although older people have many other good qualities, like experience, reliability, getting along with coworkers, not calling in sick on Mondays because of a hangover from the weekend.
It also depends on what you look like. If you walk young and energetic, look younger and energetic and healthy, have some style instead of stuck in an old person look, dress nicely...you have more of a chance.
There is also the "fit-in" aspect. If it's a young office, they may want the new person to fit in with the vibe of the office, for comradery. Someone who fits in with the team. Doesn't mean an older person can't fit in. It's just another thing they may consider. That is more apt to be true with a small business, I think.
When I got those jobs and job offers at 58-60, I looked younger than my years (most guessed my age in the 40s), dressed professionally and well, smiled a lot, and was an energetic and super reliable worker, who easily chatted with others (but not too much). In other words, I "passed" for younger and I fit in, if that helps you.
Now, I am hoping to get a part time job, and I expect it will be difficult. My field doesn't have part time work, usually. So I'll be looking at anything and everything. I'll be competing with younger people for low-skill work, so it'll be tough. I may not find anything, since I'm moving to a smaller city.
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