Want to know what Americans are experiencing today for having gained solid experience, ability to contribute as a leader, mentor and be a strong performer? Sadly, Age Discrimination (Ageism).
I read a SHRM article that backs up my Ageism hypotheses stating “Age discrimination in employment is rampant, according to women interviewed by SHRM Online, as well as those who shared discrimination experiences in a LinkedIn discussion among professional women.”
Ellen—who asked that her last name not be used—said that when she was in her late 40s, she lost her job as a hospital department manager after a merger. She found that job hunting was noticeably harder than it had been when she was younger.
“I wrote it off as, ‘Oh, I’m looking for higher-level jobs, and so they’re harder to find,’ ” she said.
But then she encountered something that suggested her age might be a factor: Phone calls with hiring managers would go well, but when she filled out the requisite online applications, which invariably asked for a birth date or high school or college graduation date, she never heard back.
“My phone just wasn’t ringing,” said Ellen, who now works part time selling wine at an upscale supermarket, making $10 an hour. “I’ve had 17-plus interviews. No offers. I’m struggling.”
Has anyone seen this Time Magazine cover? You may not be a teacher, but this is the same experience that happens to anyone pushed out of their industry due to Ageism and has to find work in a lower level job. Can you see the correlation?
Food For Thought:
*If you are younger right now, how do you feel that in our modern times it will be hard for you to get to comfortable retirement?
*If you are in your 40’s what are your feelings about our societal bias towards folks at 40 who are just getting to middle age?
*If you are age 50, how does it feel that chances are excellent one or more of the people you know now will be discriminated against having gaining good knowledge and experience?
*If you are in your 60’s how does it feel that chances are today, it’s almost guaranteed for the majority of Americans, retirement isn’t possible but you probably can’t work in your industry, instead finding work will become increasingly harder? That’s also when the painful reality kicks in, if you are working for 50-75% of your pay from just 10 years ago, you may not be able to afford to live.
These are real examples of what waits educated American folks today, starting at age 40 – yep, you read it right, Ageism isn’t just about senior citizens. Don’t believe me because it’s not your personal experience? I research polls across the nation and the globe. You can too.
It’s time we all started to care a little bit more about our future and our society. There is a better way. Ageism is not one of them. Quite frankly, its a quadruptal lose – the person, the community, the nation and the children of the person who is being affected too. There is a lot more to Ageism that meets the eye.
The article I cited: http://bit.ly/2lkbwHc