It doesn't matter that you have years of experience or can whip up winning solutions at a click of your fingers; ageism makes you feel like you're paying the price for your age at work.
You're not alone; experts say it is rife in the workplace. Every day older people are discriminate against because of their age. Ageism an unfair paradoxes in the workplace: people find themselves penalised for being older and having great experience.
Our culture bombards us with negative messages about ageing, but oftyen older people are often the most ageist! It's sometimes really hard to remember what you bring to the table, but as long as we pretend we're younger, we contribute to this discrimination.
Perceptions are impactful. Research shows older people exposed to subliminal negative age messaging are more likely to perform poorly. However, on the flip side, studies show people with positive perceptions about ageing have better health and greater longevity.
We often stereotypes our ourselbvves in our mind, which in turn, can generate a self-fulfilling prophecy! And of course, this can hurt you professionally. So, if you believe you're not good with technology, you'll assume you can't master digital skills. But being over 50 gives you the time to focus on acquiring new skills: the kids are gone, you have more spare time.
It'is not hard. There's free teaching waiting for you. Visit YouTube, or use classes on Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare. Sites like GetSetUp.io, are targeted at people over the age of 50.
Alison Chasteen, a professor at the University of Toronto who studies prejudice, found that some older adults fared better than others during the pandemic. So what was their secret? They focused on areas where they could still grow and improve.
Forget about the two skills you have on your CV. The wisdom acqired form years of experience can't be learned in a video. Remember, younger people need people like you to mentor them. You need to understand the strategic value you experience brings to the marketplace.
That's not to say bias won't be there in the workplace or during interviews. If an interviewer says you are "overqualified" for a role, front foot it by saying : "This is not a stepping stone for me. Right now, this is what I want to do."
If you're offered help when you are more than able to do it yourself, it's considered benevolent ageism. So just say; thank you, I can manage. You're acknowledging you're competent. When it's not benevolent, don't ignore it. Confront the issue but respond in a likable manner because you are more likely to get a positive reaction.
It if persists, keep a record of repeated incidents. You might also need to take matters into your hands. Make detailed notes. Specify the 20 times your boss asked you when you planned to retire, not that he/she taked about your age.
Your first step should be your HR or people capability department, but don't be surprised if you get a lukeward reaction and it goes nowhere. HR people can be part of the ageist culture, as it is their role to protect the company, not the employees. If you have a coach, organise your next meeting now. They'll help you with your approach and work through your fears with you.
If you need help right now to confront your experience of ageism, get in contact and let's have a chat to see if I can help you.
