I was asked this question in a coaching session: “Is there age discrimination?” The client who asked this question was over 55 years old, recently displaced from a long time position. His assumption and mine was there is discrimination against someone over the age of 50 with gray hair. My simple response was yes.
Then I got curious and started to ask other clients and people I met throughout the week.
- A 39 year old female told me that when she speaks to a group of male architects they don’t take her seriously. “It’s because I look like in my 20’s and they think I’m not old enough to be credible. How can I look older?”
- A 27 year old wants to look older on a resume and in person. “I know I can do this job. I think that since I’m young and older candidates with more experience are applying for this job I don’t have a chance.”
- A woman who has held a series of high level jobs has decided she wants to work in a certain geographical area no matter what the level of position. “I have found my age and experience intimidates most hiring people. They can’t believe I’m willing to work at a lower level for a lower salary. I want to work and I know I can bring huge value. Is there a way to get around the bias?”
- A 59 year old programmer came into my office. I assumed “oh this is going to be tough.” But he was so excited about technology and all the cool projects he has worked on. He is still learning and he can’t wait to find the next company or client he can help through his knowledge of technology. After two minutes I forgot how old he was.
So the short answer is “yes”, there is age discrimination. However, here is my new assumption. PASSION TRUMPS AGE. What are your own assumptions about age?
- I assume someone in their 20’s and 30’s has more energy than someone in their 50’s.
- I assume someone who is over 45 has more time and focus since their children are
- I assume that regardless of age an individual’s passion and focus will trump age every time.
- I assume some of us want to work – just not “that” hard.
- I assume most of us need to work.
Assumptions are discriminations we make throughout our day. They are short cuts we use to assess our environment. But be aware. Your assumptions about yourself and others may not be the real story.
Regardless of your chronological age you should be tring new things – Yep facebook; linked-in and twitter; learning new skills – yes - photography or drawing counts; work out – yes yoga and golf count; rediscovering the passion for life and learning is an ongoing process.
So put down the remote – step away from the computer. Stay active…Stay young or young at heart! Remember the often quoted Woody Allen: “eighty percent of success is showing up!”
