Happened to me a couple years ago. Sucks.
Up or out. It happened to me in my 40s.
“Through 2016, our analysis found that between the time older workers enter the study and when they leave paid employment, 56 percent are laid off at least once or leave jobs under such financially damaging circumstances that it’s likely they were pushed out rather than choosing to go voluntarily.”
And this probably was brought on by a worthless Harvard MBA who was running the firm for which he worked. Harvard MBAs are among the most worthless people with whom I have ever had contact. They are imbued with the mistaken idea that their $hit doesn’t stink, although they know really very little about business and they treat people around the deplorably. The country would ream untold benefits if Harvard was to cease to exist. Yale should probably suffer the same fate.
Older workers are being squeezed out because companies are eager to hire all of the hard-working, gung ho Millennials who want to join the corporate rate race, I suppose.
I’d wager that two of the factors might be that some got “too comfy” and didn’t produce what was expected, and some had solid ethics and morals that were at odds with management - worked hard and did great but were forced for political reason....then there were those who fit the parameters of the meme of the article.
Unless you are in a “protected class.” gay/muzzy/trans/female/non-White/gluten allergy/.
Any one of them can lie and claim that it was fired because of being one of them, etc. Normal people can’t lie and so are fired.
White Privilege, indeed!
Ageism is definitely a real thing, especially in Silicon Valley.
If you are a white male, work in the private sector, you had better be prepared to retire at age 55 or be able to maintain your lifestyle and obligations at 1/2 of your peak salary. Just the way it is. Or as your grandfather may have advised: Securely save 1/4 of you ear.
I was with a company for 24 years. They went public and cut the old timers loose a few years later.
Now been with a new company for 8 years and at age 60 starting to get nervous.
Turns out it was the beancounters who saw a chance to save $$$ by getting rid of expertise. I was picked up by a company that saw my skills value and potential. I was extremely grateful (12 years ago) and my gratitude has been turned into productive activity for them. The ex-employer has sunk into a festering cesspool and I wouldn't choose to work there now if they doubled my salary. Amazing how these MBA's can filter everything by the $$$ and miss the mark on how what they do affect the total health of the company they supposedly are representing. Most of them (like the Brown Shirts) were the next on the chopping block, so Karma proves again that it's an itch...
I am in the trades and I have always been pretty much self-employed . I at 57 am in demand and I pray that I can be as fortunate as the ol’timers I saw growing up who worked (doesn’t matter what task)almost every day . I see myself gravitating to building 40’s-50’s era boats with some modern touches but the same hull and interior layouts ....I can’t imagine straight retirement....sounds boring and lack of physical movement to me spells a quicker demise .
There are several issues that need to be mentioned here:
1. The 50+ worker costs the employer much more than the 20+ worker, but is not always brining sufficient value to justify the higher cost.
2. Point #1 is exacerbated in technology jobs that involve constant change and advances.
3. I always advise younger people to be prepared to change their careers -- not their jobs, their careers -- every 8-10 years. Industries change so quickly that many jobs become obsolete even as you're advancing in them.
4. Education should never end for any working adult. You should spend the equivalent of at least 10% of your time in formal continuing education or informal reading to keep up with changes in your industry.
Just happened to my wife. If I could get the legal help, we could make a Federal case out of this one that would hit the headlines due to who let her go. My concern is there would be no support. That is what usually happens.
Happened to me as well in 2016. I had been with the same IT company for 19 years and was the last US based developer in my department. I got another gig but took a big hit in salary.
You're not entitled to, or guaranteed, continued existence. You're no longer indestructible. Death is staring you in the face. Therefore, every day you manage to not be fired, or not die from exposure living under a bridge is just a gift. Be happy.
Well, it took a while (previously posted threads attest to that) but I voluntarily left my last position while in my mid-50’s to take my current position that allowed our family to move to Phoenix. I am sole breadwinner, and putting aside 25 percent is impossible. I’m taking the alternative of not retiring.
Some employers are more willing to hire older folks, especially if they show flexibility. So, while I get to work at home, they do have me work 2nd shift andsome weekends.
I have also found the financial sector is more willing to hire older and experienced with a track record, at least for IT jobs. The young guns want the big bucks. Banks don’t like spending money on operations. That leaves folks like me in the talent pool considered.
The job opportunity spigot opened wide after Trump’s tax cut got passed.
It is going to happen, so plan for it.
..... If you ain’t the lead dog the view never changes yet theres always somebody on your ass 24 / 7 even then.