Age discrimination is alive and well.

[jeryst]

Sorry, just need to rant.

Lost my job several years ago because our company got bought out and closed down. I have been in IT all of my working career.

A couple of weeks ago, I answered an ad from a recruiter. We discussed my qualifications, and they said I was perfect for the job. A phone interview was set up with the company, and I talked with the HR person, and some others at the company. We talked at great length, and they commented, several times, that my experience was exactly what they were looking for. The recruiter sets up an on-site interview, and tells me that the company is very excited to have me come in, and that I am their top candidate.

So I go to the interview, and you could tell by the expression on their faces, as soon as they met me, that they were not expecting someone of my age (I'm 57 BTW). I once again confirmed that their needs fit exactly with my experience. I answered all of their questions, demonstrated to them that I knew exactly what they are looking for, and that I was able to meet their needs. When I was leaving, they gave me the old "Well, we have other people to still interview, we'll let you know". I immediately knew I would not get the job.

Just got the call from the recruiter yesterday, saying that they decided to go with someone else.

This has happened to me time and time again ever since I lost my job. Aren't there ANY companies out there that are willing to take a chance on an older worker? Doesnt experience, dedication, loyalty, mean anything any more. The average IT person jumps ship every 2-4 years, yet I stayed at my one job for 16 years, and at the other for 10 years. I've got impeccable references from people I have worked for, copies of all of my exemplary annual reviews, etc.

Sorry, but this is just plain disappointing. The government makes companies adhere to strict rules regarding race, gender, etc, yet they do nothing to make sure that companies have their fair share of older workers. Just plain sucks, big time.

Sorry to rant, but just plain fed up with it all. Maybe I should become a politician. They dont seem to have any problems getting jobs. Either way, I guess I will never get another job unless I start something on my own. If anyone knows of a good business to get into, please PM me.

[BIGBLCK11]

Sorry to hear that.  I am in IT too.  There are a few people at work that I would love to have you replace, as they are useless.  I just think in this economy, there are plenty of hardworking qualified people(like you) that would love to have their jobs.  Yet, even after warnings, they come in late and do as they please.  I assume potential employers think older people are going to use up more benefits and retire sooner than later.  But, they are missing out on valuable experience and a better work ethic.  The new recruits out of school don't even know what a DOS prompt is,  .  I wish you all the best in finding new employment soon!

[Richard Cranium]

I don't envy your situation; it's got to be frustrating as all hell. I wish you luck in your search.

[b5blue]

USAJOBS.gov  The V.A. is looking for quality IT workers constantly, as are other branches.

[chargermike]

glad i work in construction where age is a big plus. people like the fact that i am older. 50.  it sucks in the tech world age is a bad thing. it has happened to a lot of my friends.  they want young fresh minds and in my field they want talent.  good luck finding a job. 

[1969chargerrtse]

" Doesn't experience, dedication, loyalty, mean anything any more. "

No. Loyalty is long gone with dedication. Times are different nowadays.

Looking for job at 57 is similar to a company looking for someone with years and experience and you walk in just out of high school.  It sucks both ways but is a fact. Keep the faith and keep looking and hopefully someone will appreciate what you have to offer.

[mauve66]

my wife has fought the same thing for the past year or so, she's 55, when she got laid off in 09 there were 3-4 other people in the office dong the same job (property escrow) that would constantly come in late and doctor their time cards but since they were "friends" of the supervisor they are still working there today.  the main office is out of state so no one at corporate has any idea whats going on.  my wife worked for that company for over 11 years and got an award EVERY year for not using sick days or missing any work days but the first thing they do is get rid of the older folks.

[ACUDANUT]

 Our own beloved Government discriminates. I can't apply for the U.S. Marshall's because you have to be 37 or younger......AND I was a cop for 20 years too....

[twodko]

Man, I hear you. I'm 57 as well, got layed off in October. The economy is in dismal shape and there are so many highly qualified people out there looking for jobs. An employer will choose a younger person over an older one with the same quals because they are willing to work for less. I can't find a job and I'm way to young to sign up for SS. I'd go back to my old standby job being a gigolo but I'd have to pay them.   

[charge69]

The younger people work for less money than us old folks (I am 64 now) and they just don't care about work ethic or dedication now.  That seems to be the cold hard facts now and I just do not know how to turn it around. We used to have a local reporter around here that gained quite a bit of notariety as a consumer advocate but, he had a saying he used to say a lot that went something like " It is Hell getting old".

As I get older, he seems a lot smarter now!! By the way, he is gone now and has been for a few years but lived to be around 90 and was on TV for a long time around here.

I hope your quest turns up something and life regains a sense of normalcy for you real soon. That goes for ALL of you that are , sadly, out of work !!!

[Darkman]

I think when it comes to IT, the employer thinks that younger people are more savvy when it comes to IT.

We have a massive skills shortage here in Australia, you guys are more than welcome 

[Magnumcharger]

Well, I'm not laid off, but I can still feel your pain.
I'm in the Canadian Air Force and work as an inspector.
I changed into this trade six years ago from Aircraft Mechanic. There were 800 applicants for my course, the top six were selected. I was 42 then.

Since that time I've studied very long and hard and qualified in all of the various tickets for my job. But I haven't moved up at all.
Strangely, with attrition, I'm now one of the most trained people in the Air Force, but all of my bosses are at least a decade younger than me, and writing my performance evaluations. And every year I see the younger (and unqualified) technicians being promoted.
In fact, I'm the second oldest person in my occupation. The eldest is the highest ranking person.
And this year I've already seen the promotion list, and it looks like I'll be training my new boss. Great!

I'm out of the military in one year and three weeks.

[jeryst]

Thanks for all of the words of encouragement guys.

I just never thought I would wind up like this. I made good money in IT, but after almost 3 years, all of our savings are gone, and much of my retirement has been used up as well. I still have 2 kids at home and a daughter in medical school, so I cant just rent a little bungalow somewhere and become a Walmart greeter. I have a few cars left, but they are my favorites, and I have been saving them until last.

The only way I can see out of it, is to start my own business of some type. That's why I'm looking for ideas on what to do. I need something that will start paying off rather quickly, as I dont have the time to devote 20 years to building it up. I have no problem working hard, or working long hours, I just dont have any experience in anything other than IT, and I want to get completely out of that, so I'm in a bit of a quandary as to what to do.

[2Gunz]

Sorry Its been rough for you.

I would try to start your own business where your age counts.

IT consulting
IT security

Make it appear that you are "the owner"  but have a bunch of younger people working for you.
Where you are the responsible and professional business man that people want on their team. Not the tech guy.

My dad is your age..... hes never sent an email in his life. He can barely use the computer..........
That's the image you are up against.

So change the rules... and make it work for YOU.

Good luck!

[2Gunz]

It occurred to me after posting that you might be going after the wrong jobs.

You should be looking for depart head /  paper pusher. Your age and experience should be a bonus to you.


And remember the key to everything....  your only as good as you can make people think you are!

[rav440]

glad i work in construction where age is a big plus. people like the fact that i am older. 50.  it sucks in the tech world age is a bad thing. it has happened to a lot of my friends.  they want young fresh minds and in my field they want talent.  good luck finding a job. 

not sure where you live MIKE but here in PITTSBURGH in the CARPENTER field it is the complete oppisite there are more than a few companies that blatantly but not admittingly discriminate aginst guys as low as the age of 40 . and what really sucks is we lost over 250 million in our pension in 08 . so they raise our retirement age from 55 with 30 years of service to 65 .

i dont know about you but 43 years in construction is a tad bit long . ive been in for 23 years im 44 now and my body hurts like a mother after a hard days work , wich stems from a 17 foot fall i took 15 years ago . its just getting harder for us older guys to get jobs here .

[chargermike]

I LIVE IN COLORADO. been in const. since 1980. had my own company for 15 years doing hardwood floors. and i would hire an middle age guy any day over a young guy. work is not like it was. and illeagal mexicans have killed are wages. but at least in hardwood. it is still mostly americans doing the jobs. and by americans i mean americans black white brown yellow AMERICANS.  things are getting better out here. there starting up new houses more and more. I only do re-model. so my company came threw the economy ok. but lost a house in the process. but life goes on and just keep doing the best i can. I dont think retirement will ever happen. and building things is all i know. my body is sore. but am healthy and happy. cant ever see myself working in a office and dont want to. hope things get better in the mid west. hate to see anybody who wants to work not be able to work. good luck