How I was discriminated against
I went on an interview at a small law firm in Florida, run by an attorney and his wife. They obviously wanted to know my age, so this was the ploy. The wife interviewed me and said that although they offered no health benefits, they might in the future, so they would need to know how old I was.
Can you believe that? Pretty cheesy, huh? I was in my 50s, but she was no spring chicken appearing to be in her 40s. Don't people realize that they too will be older one day? The age thing is all BS. When I moved back up north where I had a good job network, I was told I was always the best of the best, so there!
What it's like being an older or younger job seeker
I went on an interview at a Tampa law firm and got the impression an older person was not what they were looking for. About two weeks later, I was sent there on a temp assignment. Their new hire, a 20 something, (for the job I applied for) was also in the reception area waiting to start her new job. Same kind of thing happened at another Tampa law firm. They were hiring a receptionist and I filled in as a temp and did a lot of other legal work at the front desk.
They thought my work was fantastic, but still they hired a 20 something and I was out the door. It really doesn't matter how good you are - they just don't want "old" no matter how sharp you are and look!
Lessons Learned
- I would recommend everyone have a Plan B to earn income. The Plan B should be a way to earn a living doing something entrepreneurial which does not require being someone's employee.
- All those people who discriminate against older people will find themselves in the same boat when they get older and maybe they should think about that when they're discriminating against someone.
- Most older people I know are not out of touch, out of date or sickly. HAVE A PLAN B!!!! Discrimination will ALWAYS be around.
