Careers and Ageism

Is Your Age Affecting Your Career?

Ageism in the Workplace is real. According to research, more than two-thirds of adults over 50 believe older workers are discriminated against. Ageism can happen at any time after age 30; it just depends on the area of work you choose to participate in, but federal protection against ageism starts at age 40.

No Perfect Time

The corporate landscape is volatile, offering no guarantees of stability for a sustained and long-term career.  Layoffs, demotions, and reduced hours are all potential pitfalls that workers face today. However, the impact is particularly harsh for older workers (ages 40 and above), as it not only affects their present but also casts a shadow on their future financial security, including savings, 401k contributions, medical coverage, and more, this, coupled with mortgage or rent and other financial obligations, can create a daunting scenario.

Job Serenity vs Job Security

Suppose you are in your 40s and 50s and are considering retirement in your 60s. In that case, it is a good idea to have a strategy for your career portfolio to help you navigate the hidden job market by thinking about your plan B. Your plan B can allow you to try out other opportunities like working in other areas you’ve thought of experiencing, maybe being a yoga instructor or tutoring for example. This strategy applies even if your plan is semi-retirement. When thinking of a plan B it is also an excellent time to consider a career transition if it aligns with your goals. 

Your strategy can start with considerations of these six areas

Goals

Define your short-term and long-term career goals around your values, skill set, experience, and beliefs; Set your plan in motion and find an accountability partner.

Resume

Keep your resume up to date and ready. If possible, keep it short to two pages. Let’s not include college graduation dates; keep it focused on the job roles you are applying to.

LinkedIn Profile

If you don’t have a LinkedIn Profile, create one (it doesn’t matter what industry you work in) and ensure it aligns with your resume, showing your title and brand statement.

Skills

Keep in tune with emerging developments in your field of choice and update your skill set.

Network

Stay connected to your network and continue to build relationships.

Give Back

Volunteer your services and give back to your community using your core skills to do meaningful work.

Self-Awareness

Use your experience to navigate groups and stay self-aware. There are four generations of workers in the workplace now, and good communication is essential to success. Being self-aware, adaptable, and open can also go a long way toward achieving success; let’s see

We can experience job serenity by accepting what we cannot change and working towards what is in our control. Learning new skills and practicing them is something we can control, even if we don’t get a job immediately, we can still find volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience.

If you have any thoughts on this strategy, please share in the comments below.

Let’s stay connected.