Age Discrimination

This is a topic of interest to guys like me, who have been working for thirty years and would like to keep going while we still have the energy and interest in working - not to mention the desire to have some folding green to pay our bar tabs.

A former colleague and I were discussing the topic of age discrimination the other day. We both agreed that we felt our ages were a challenge in looking for a job in this economy. But, I pointed out, it was not because we were geezers, it was because we have been making too much money. Whether we like it or not, hiring managers don't think they need to spend a lot of money to get their problems solved. Hiring managers today have tight budgets, unlike the glorious period from 1993 to 2001. They are willing to settle for more affordable less experienced employees - who are probably younger.

If we present ourselves as "willing to work for less" they are (rightfully) suspicious of our commitment. They know that as soon as the economy improves we will be looking for that old level of pay again. It's not age discrimination so much as intelligent staffing. we would do the same thing if we were doing the hiring.

I hear Home Depot is partnering with AARP to hire geezers to work in their stores. Who knows, this could be a trend. The phone will probably be ringing soon!