by Susan M. Osborn, Ph.D.

Q:  "I was shot down for a job because of the color of 
my hair (semi-gray).  A job that I knew I was the most 
qualified for.  Can you help?"

A:  Let's face it.  Age discrimination is alive and well.  
Due to corporate cost-cutting efforts there are fewer jobs 
and older, more experienced employees are shunned simply 
because they cost more.  What to do?  

	1.  More than ever before, access to jobs is 
dependent on who you know rather than what you know.  
Network at every opportunity.  Attend meetings of 
professional organizations.  Look for events 
posted in the news media and attend as many as you 
can.  Watch cable TV and write down the names of 
local experts.  Arrange to meet them as a way to 
become part of their circle of contacts.

	2.  Develop avenues to entrepreneurship.  
Find ways to make money independently by offering 
products and services that people want and need.  
Learn how to market yourself and your unique 

gifts/talents effectively.

	3.  Form a support group online or a discussion 
group that meets regularly.  Energize each other by 
sharing success stories and exploring non-traditional 
methods of job search.

	4.  Find out what people older than you are doing.  
Talk to people at senior centers, members of Gray Panthers, 
and representatives of AARP. Join their efforts to call 
attention to agism.  Become part of a movement for change.
		____________________________________

Q: "I am looking for information on the benefits of having 
older employees (like myself), both at lower and upper level management.  Can you help?"

A:  There are many advantages to having well-seasoned
managers.  First, older employees know the ropes.  
They know how things are done and who can do the best 
job.  Second, senior employees tend to be more stable 
and are less likely to take things personally than 
younger people do.  They have learned to roll with 
the punches.  Third, their seniority gives them 
credibility.  Direct reports are likely to respect 
older managers because they have a wealth of experience. 

Q: "I am at a point in my life where I do not see 
any advancement in my career.  I am too old to start 
over again but at the same time, too young to retire 
and too frustrated to go on this way.  Can you please
tell me what is the best thing for me to do?"

A:  This is a perfect point to take stock of where you 
are and ask yourself, "What do I really want to do with 
the rest of my life?" Perhaps you have been trying to
meet the expectations of others like your family, 
your friends, or your bosses.  There comes a time 
when it's important to be clear about what makes 
you satisfied, excited, and motivated.  Getting in
 touch with the real YOU deep inside can open the
way to paths you never thought were possible.

			_______________________________________

	Susan M. Osborn, Ph.D., is a consultant, speaker, and author of THE
SYSTEM MADE ME DO IT!  A LIFE CHANGING APPROACH TO OFFICE POLITICS.  
She can be reached at [email protected].

			________________________________________


Dr. Osborn's article at High Tech Careers - Western U.S. 
Edition: 

OFFICE POLITICS


Getting to the Heart of the Matter


Not to Play Is Career Limiting


The Number One Cause of Stress


Successful Tactics for Five Games


About Dr. Osborn  

 
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