Modern Gen X Woman

Career Crossroads: Ageism

September 02, 2020 Make Your Life Magnificent with Jackie + Mimi Episode 34
Modern Gen X Woman
Career Crossroads: Ageism
Show Notes

There was a time when age was revered and respected. The wise old owl wasn’t criticized for his age and instead, people would gather round and lean into his stories hoping to get a glimpse of his knowledge.

Age isn’t just a number when it comes to your career or looking for a job. Ageism, the discrimination against one because of their age can range from comments, not getting an interview, being passed over for a promotion or even the ultimate heave-ho out the door. 

In this week’s episode we are going to talk about what steps you can take to overcome ageism. 

Not surprising, it is worse for women. According to a survey done by Know Your Value, 70% of women believe age discrimination is a serious problem, compare to 54% for men. 

According to  2019 Hiscox Ageism in the Workplace Study 20% of people over 40 have experienced discrimination at their job. And 58% of workers in their 50’s have experienced age discrimination. (Brandon Gaille Research)

Visier, is a people analytics firm found that in the tech industry, promotions decrease starting the age of 36!

There’s this phenomenon no one is talking about, especially for women.
In beauty 50 is the new 40. In business 40 is the new 50.

While ageism is real, you can stay and/or get back into the game.

#1. Start with thoroughly assessing your skills and experience. Don’t underestimate any of your experience and how it can translate into value for a potential role or company. Create a story that illustrates how you are the perfect person for this role. 

#2. Own your experience… all of it. Do not underestimate the power of what you may consider “softer skills” like managing difficult personalities (raising teenagers anyone?) or having patience and empathy. 

#3. Speak to your enthusiasm for the position, role, and organization.

#4. Show that you're savvy. Yes, you need to be as digitally savvy as possible. This means updating your LinkedIn and even more, engaging on it. Write posts, leave thoughtful comments. 

#5. Make friends across generations. Networks matter and smart networking will get you in the door a lot faster than responding to help wanted posts. However, make sure you network across generations. We can learn from one another and support each other too.

#6. Don’t overlook your style. 

INTRODUCTION FREEBIE:

Brand of You Creative Brief 

Resources: 

Ageism in the Workplace 

6 Signs of Ageism in the Workplace — and How Best to Handle It 

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 

Why women in their 40s, 50s and beyond are a force to be reckoned with in the workplace 

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