Finding work at any point in life can be challenging. However, for those above 40 years old, it can prove to be increasingly difficult as the years go by. If you are in this age group, you may find yourself unable to secure employment despite having the qualifications. Or, you may be stuck in the same position, rarely or never receiving a promotion or raise.
These situations are examples of age discrimination, an illegal yet pervasive practice. If you work in or are applying to any of these industries, you have a good chance of experiencing age discrimination and maybe even having a legal claim.
Technology
By far, technology has the worst reputation for age discrimination. Only some of it has to do with the younger generation being more tech savvy and involved than older folks are. In fact, Business Insider reports that performance goes up with age for tech workers. These other qualities of millennials seem to play a bigger role in ageism:
- They are less likely to have a family, so they can work longer hours.
- They require fewer benefits.
- Companies can pay them a lower salary than they would have to for older employees with more work experience and credentials.
Furthermore, older workers tend to apply for higher or broader positions, which are fewer and more competitive.
Start-ups
The entrepreneur world also favors the young. One reason is its connection to the tech industry, but start-up businesses also want those who seem to have more energy and time and cost less to employ. Youth may also be important to companies as they build their image.
Sales
Any job that puts an emphasis on looks is guaranteed to discriminate based on age. This can hold true even for sales positions, especially for women. Companies know that youth and attraction can have a positive impact on sales success, even though experience and personality have an even bigger one.