A few years ago, I had a video call with a recruiter. I had been hesitant about taking the meeting in my hotel room while I was on vacation, but the recruiter had mentioned his clients were in urgent need of someone with my skill set. The moment he saw me, he blurted out that I looked much older than the photo on my LinkedIn profile. He seemed angry—nevermind that his comment was blatantly ageist and that video call lighting can be unforgiving, making anyone look like Nosferatu. I was upset, especially since my LinkedIn profile photo was only a year or two old. I got over it, realizing he was an asshole and not immune to looking bad on video calls. The call went nowhere, clearly due to looking ‘too old’. That was my first experience with work-related ageism. Many years later, letting my hair gray naturally would become the new source of ageism at work via comments by my male superiors. Side note, I now have a full head of gray and love it.
Women over 50 face a unique set of challenges, often experiencing ageism in the workplace, and of course sexism, that can limit their career opportunities. Whether it’s disparaging remarks meant to make you feel insignificant, being overlooked for promotions, facing pay disparities, or encountering biases in hiring.
Recognizing your unique experience and empowering yourself by building your resilience, maintaining a strategic mindset, knowing your legal rights, and seeking assistance when necessary is key to overcoming the challenges of ageism.
Understanding Ageism at Work
What Is Ageism in the Workplace?
According to an AARP study, in the USA, one in five adults 50+ (21%) report that they have experienced age discrimination since turning 40 years old. Ageism is discrimination based on age, often targeting employees over 40. Common examples include:
- Employers favoring younger workers for promotions or hiring
- Fostering negative stereotypes, such as older employees being “resistant to change” or “slow”
- Job postings that subtly exclude older workers (e.g., requiring “digital natives”)
- Layoffs disproportionately affecting older employees
- Disparaging remarks to or about older employees
What Is Sexism And How Does It Intersect With Ageism At Work?
Sexism includes discrimination based on gender, which can impact hiring, promotions, and pay. Women, especially those over 50, often face a double bias—age discrimination combined with gender discrimination. A National Bureau of Economic Research study found that older women are significantly less likely to be called for interviews than both younger women and older men.
What To Do If You Are The Target Of Ageism At Work
If you do encounter ageism, know there are steps you can take and laws that protect you.
Steps to Take
- Document Everything – Keep records of discriminatory remarks, hiring decisions, or promotion denials. Keep all supporting documentation.
- Review Your Company’s Policies – Check HR policies on discrimination and reporting.
- Know Your Rights – If you experience discrimination, file a complaint with HR or the EEOC (www.eeoc.gov).
- Seek Legal Counsel – If discrimination affects your career or financial stability, consult an employment attorney.
Legal Resources to Consult
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): www.eeoc.gov
- National Employment Lawyers Association: www.nela.org
- AARP Workplace Age Discrimination Resources: www.aarp.org/work
- Workplace Fairness (Legal Guides): www.workplacefairness.org
Transforming Ageism at Work Challenges into Opportunities
Confronting workplace ageism may seem daunting, but it presents an opportunity to showcase the unique value that comes with experience. Preparation empowers everyone regardless of age. Prepare by keeping your competitive edge top-of-mind and building your resilience.
Remember Your Competitive Edge
- Institutional Knowledge: You understand industry cycles and history
- Refined Judgment: You recognize patterns and anticipate outcomes
- Established Networks: Your relationships represent years of trust
- Crisis Navigation: You’ve weathered numerous professional storms
Build Resilience
- Skill Development: Focus on high-demand skills and technology proficiency
- Brand Management: Craft a compelling narrative highlighting recent achievements
- Strategic Positioning: Volunteer for innovative projects and mentor others
- Energy Management: Maintain wellness practices that preserve your enthusiasm
Maintain a Strategic Mindset
- Approach challenges as opportunities but be selective about where you invest your energy, seeking environments that appreciate experience.
- Recognize your professional value isn’t diminishing—it’s evolving into something even more powerful.
Final Thought
Ageism at work presents real challenges, but your experience, determination, and professional strength make you uniquely equipped to overcome them. Empower yourself further by building your resilience, knowing your legal rights, and seeking assistance when necessary.
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This post was researched and drafted with the assistance of AI. All sources were reviewed and verified to the best of their ability by the editorial team.
Disclaimer: Links to external websites and organizations are provided as helpful resources for informational purposes only. Marigold Brands does not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, or quality of the information, services, or products offered by these third parties. Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and exercise due diligence before engaging with any organization or relying on their information.
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