Ageism: How We Think, Feel and Act (08/16/2025)
Ageism, what is it?
A.I. and the dictionary tells me "Ageism is prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination against individuals based on their age."
How do you prove it?
"Demonstrate that you were treated unfairly due to your age (40 or older) in a way that violates the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)."
Sweet, it's that simple right?
Wrong!
How can you prove ageism when applying for jobs?
I have been in the tech industry since I first touched my Apple II GS computer in 1986. What does that tell you?
Do I put this information on my resume or talk about it during an interview?
Most people are good at math and can add my years on Earth and calculate that I am older than 40 once I discuss my introduction with computing. I don't talk about this anymore professionally.
Should I put that I have over 30 years of experience?
I certainly didn't start when I was 9 to squeak under the age of 40 which is the start of the discrimination age.
In the past I never took away from my experience but today, being 50 years old, I have removed years of experience to appear younger on paper.
Should I use "Just for Men" to remove the gray from my beard?
This question has remained in my head for the past several months as soon as I get an interview, I don't seem to make it past this part of the process.
Is it due to my loss of pigment in my hair and displaying my real age? Can I prove the company has moved to another candidate due to my age?
What will the hiring company think once they know my actual age?
Is it illegal to take the steps to appear younger in physical appearance and on paper? Does it cross the lines of misrepresentation of oneself?
Am I guilty of false advertising? Come on, it's just a job and people do what they can to appear and feel younger.
If it is "Just a job" then why is it so difficult to obtain employment?
I am 50 years old but still have a lot left in my tank and can outperform many younger people.
I don't plan on retiring early and can give any employer many more years of top-notch production.
Perhaps it is the tech industry where average tenure is less than 3 years?
That would mean another four positions by the time I reach retirement age of 62.
I don't see myself retiring at 62 but closer to 70 and even then, I will still be productive in technology.
I wish I knew the answer why some companies don't hire older individuals.
I can only speculate and ponder why I got another "Unfortunately, we will not be moving forward with your application" email.
Are you experiencing ageism?
