With Age Comes Wisdom

It doesn’t feel good to say, but it’s the unfortunate truth: If you’re looking for a new job in your 50s, you’ve got your work cut out for you.?

According to a recent survey, 38 percent of hiring managers admitted to age discrimination when reviewing resumes. “And those are just the ones who copped to it,” says Janine Vanderburg , the head of Changing the Narrative, a leading anti-ageism initiative .

Older workers get a bad rap: They’re dismissed as unambitious and unwilling to grind like their younger peers, and they suffer from the “old dog, new tricks” bias. That’s really not the case, experts say, yet a prejudice persists —?and it’s not just hurting Baby Boomers. Gen Z has to contend with misperceptions based on their age, too, and this pattern is especially damaging for women in the workplace.?

In today’s Wake-Up Call at Work, we’re unpacking how ageism — on both ends of the spectrum —?plays out in offices. We’ll discuss how to find an “age-friendly employer,” delve into? the grim reality of “gendered ageism,” and share tips for supercharging your career at any age.?

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Punching Up

Ageism is sometimes called the “last acceptable prejudice.” And in corporate America, at least, it’s thriving: Nearly 80 percent of older workers say they’ve either seen or experienced age discrimination on the job, per a recent AARP survey. That’s pretty bleak, to say the least. Fortunately, there are steps more seasoned employees can take to protect themselves, Vanderburg says. She and author Ashton Applewhite discuss the insidious ways ageism manifests at work and what older jobseekers can do to stand out.

The New Glass Ceiling

Unlike men, who are thought to hit their professional prime in their 40s and 50s, there seems to be no sweet spot for the working woman, according to new research published in Harvard Business Review . Throughout their careers, they’re viewed as either too young to be credible, too old to be relevant, or stretched too thin by the family responsibilities of middle age. The study’s authors Amy Diehl, PhD , Leanne Dzubinski PhD , and Amber Stephenson discuss their findings and what we can do about this “double whammy” of ageism and sexism .

Better With Age

The haters are out there, sure, but more and more companies are beginning to see the benefits of bringing on older folks. And it’s difficult to ignore the assets the over-50 set brings to the table, workplace strategist and author Erica Keswin writes. They’re often more resilient, have decades of experience under their belts, and possess the soft skills so coveted by managers —?to name just a few of their desirable qualities. In this guest column, Keswin explores how Boomers and Gen Xers are transforming teams for the better.

Whether you’re looking to climb that corporate ladder or simply want more calm in your 9-to-5, we’ve got expert advice to help. Subscribe here for more tips from the best in the business.?