Is Being Older Bad For Your Career?
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I was let go (3 times in the span of 18 months) by either (1) or (2) - but definitely, and hopefully, not (3) - but still wonder, why me?
Before the credit crunch, people got laid off because they were either doing a poor job, they messed something up, or were constantly late to work. Or they didn't get along with the boss (we have all been guilty of this one!). They got paid too much money (how about a minor pay reduction then?). Or they sent inappropriate emails (we have all been guilty of this one, too), spent too much time on the Internet (again, guilty as charged), or maybe they were too old, had the wrong eye colour, or perhaps had horrible taste in clothes.
However, things have changed, and post credit-crunch, people are getting laid off right and left. So why is one person let go while another one is kept?
In the span of 18 months - and three different employers - I was always the oldest one in my department, and coincidentally, I got made redundant from all three jobs. Because of my age, I was also the most experienced. So why would they sack me? Was age a factor? Is being older the reason I was laid off?
In all actuality, I was happier that it was me being laid off instead of my younger co-workers as I have more savings from which I can live off of, should the search drag on and on. And I have more contacts in the business, so technically it should be easier for me to find another job (though it has not this time!). Also, if a co-worker who had children were told they were no longer needed, I would gladly step in to take their place as I have no kids to support.
So whether it was due to my age - or some other factor beyond my control - the reality is that it will happen again. But before I accept my next job I will look around to make sure there is someone in the department who is older then me!
Here Is The Writer : Tim Baros
Tim Baros has worked in the derivatives industry for several large financial institutions in both the U.S. and the U.K., and one now-defunct financial products company. Tim moved from New York City to London in 2003 to take advantage of the many job opportunities that London had to offer in the banking sector, easily qualifying for a Highly Skilled Migrant Programme Visa. Unemployed but now a UK resident, Tim spends some of his day looking for another job in finance and other parts of the day either at the gym, in the pubs, clubs, or just about anywhere, really.
view more articles by Tim Baros
Article Comments & Ratings
Chris Ahern 22nd Aug, 8:54pm
This is my answer to it all:
http://28wakefield.blogspot.com
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Paul England 4th Aug, 9:51pm
Older employees tend to have a higher salary base and unknown to many have a higher health insurance risk so higher premiums. I am certain these are contributing factors to HR choices when creating redundancies. Many positions have high turn over anyway. Keeping young less experienced workers is a way to reduce the payroll expense for goods and services. Of course no company would ever admit this in an interview or deposition.
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