Ageism or Age of Enlightenment?(Job Search After 50)
The term “coming of age,” typically refers to teens entering adulthood. However, there are many other aging transitions. What about entering into older age or the “age of enlightenment,” as we prefer to think of it? If your journey post-layoff is to find another job, and if you are older, you may experience ageism or, more specifically, age discrimination.
In California, when there is a significant workforce reduction, employers are required to disclose the ages of those impacted. When we were let go from our last job, we learned that most of our colleagues who were laid off (aka, RIF’d) were over 50. In fact, most were over 60! We were shocked, but not really surprised. Older people commonly have higher paying jobs that significantly impact an organization’s overhead. Payroll is generally the number one expense of most businesses. While older people have a lot of valuable experience, not every company appreciates it, especially when they view it only from the perspective of budget. If they blatantly single anyone out because of age, that’s illegal. Over the years, it has been interesting to observe how one position may be eliminated while another “new” position is created that sounds remarkably like the prior one, but with added responsibilities, and often with a demotion. Sometimes, employees who have been laid off end up competing against each other for a small number of these consolidated, lesser roles.
The ageism you may have felt when your job was eliminated does not end with job loss. You are likely to encounter it during your job search process. There are ways to combat possible ageism during your search. The most obvious is to avoid putting graduation years on your resume. Career advisors typically recommend only showing the last 10-15 years of work experience. You may be concerned about all of those Zoom interviews that show every gray hair, wrinkle, or age spot. Consider turtlenecks or investing in a good under eye concealer. All kidding aside, keep your head up, don’t sell out, and don’t appear desperate. If you really believe with all your heart that you aren’t going to get a job because of your age, it’s time to change your perspective (or your plans). There’s nothing more painful than banging your head against a wall. It bruises your head and probably your ego. Consider starting your own business, as we did, or exploring contract work, other gig opportunities or retirement. Follow your heart and do what’s right for you.
