Yes, it is the reality. I was laid off last year, and I'm sure my age was the reason, but it's hard to prove, unless someone stupidly comes right out and says that it was because of your age. Of course they won't! Very hard to find work because of all of the stereotypical attitudes out there, like older workers are sick more often. Certainly not true. In my last job, I was always at work, and younger employees took off for a cold. One 30 year old fainted one day, and we were never told why. He was out for a week, while I held near perfect attendance, and held down the fort!

Don't forget, it's harder to train older workers on new computer programs. First of all, I always wanted to train while younger employees disappeared when it was time to train. Second of all, younger workers did not care to learn, so they came to me for training; and thirdly, I was quicker than the younger employees with any new computer training that was required.

Yes, discrimination of older workers is definitely a reality.

what is your job

I have commented on this several times here, but I find that institutions such as schools, colleges, the city, the state, hospitals, residential care homes, are less likely to age descriminate, but it depends on the position. Consulting is also an option.

Donald, no disrespect here on my part, can I ask how old you are? "Going in another direction" or "don't fit their company culture" sounds like age discrimination to me.

Dennis

One thing experts advise is to limit your resume to the last 10-15 years experience and not insert the year you graduated if asked for in the job app. Good luck!

I feel that you I am a convicted felon I committed a crime at seventeen and did by time now that I'm out and twenty eight years old and with a good head n heart I can do anything it is difficult for me but I'm still doing the best I can n that is wat matters

I have the same situation but wanted to ask advice as I am in a full time job. I was selected by the CEO as his second in command with a full job description. When he left a few months later the board wanted a shared responsibility with myself and the warehouse manager. No job change and both of us on the same pay. Unfortunately at our last board meeting we were informed that my younger co-partner will be Executive VP of Administration and my job will stay the same as Development. On discussion and producing a job description when I accepted the position I was informed that it is invalid as was not approved by the board. I pointed out that the only position required approval by the board was the CEO. The tactics changed to what a good development manager I am and the importance of raising funds and not being bogged down with the day to day running. Secondly this same employee spoke to the staff the next day informing them he was solely in charge, he needs a contingency plan for employee leaving if over 60s and also myself as I'm in my 50s. The staff member was horrified as she is older than me. On further discussion this seems acceptable and not providing me relevant information to do my job. Thoughts?

I remember something about Federal Law protecting older applicants. If you are over 55 but not over 65 and you apply for a job and have the right experience to do the job - just as good as any other applicant - and you apply for the job and get the interview - and someone younger - under 55 gets the job - You have the right to demand a reason why you did not giet the job - and if you highly suspect it is because of your age - get a lawyer to call them and threaten to file a suit claiming age discrimination. If the applicant that gets the job is 55 or older you have no case. But if they are like 30 or 40 you do. I think you can be awarded up to $300,000. If you are handicapped for instance in a wheelchair but can still do the job - then you are protected also by the Americans with disabilities Act. I'm older and was called in for a meeting with the hiring manager and his staff. The first thing they said to me is "This is NOT a job interview". Well bust my brithes! They thought they could circumvent the law by making that declaration. Bullshit! What they really wanted was to pump me for information on the last company I worked for - which was their direct competitor. Don't lay down and take it. Fight!

Beat Ageism!?!*#@! with a STICK!!!!!!! Nothing else has worked so far, maybe this will!

Donald, My personal input...any thing negative...Do like in the movies...torch it and do not cling to it...forget about it unless it is your desire to do something really really big...Culture is the new term that is used to avoid a lawsuit...like the term Fair...meaning no blacks, negros, etc. I still don't know what I am....working on that...being 2 types of Indian, Mexican, German, Italian, Negro, and French. There is not a box to check for me on the application...so I check...decline to answer...which is tracked by social security numbers...so to through off the system...I proposed all 50 YEARS OLDS AND UP CHECK OTHER and give them a run for their $.