How I was discriminated against
I was hired in 2008 with a promise that I would take over as office manager when the current manager retired in "about one year."
Found out almost immediately that the 'current' office manager had no intention of retiring... she couldn't afford to but indications from the boss kept me hopeful. In the end she told boss I wanted to move up to be with my children, hence he hired another girl who was "younger, more stable, married and with ties to the community." His words not mine. He wanted me to step down and take a lower position..when I wouldn't he let me go.
What it's like being an older or younger job seeker
It's been tough finding a job at 52/53. Unemployed for almost 7 months and I did end up moving closer to my children because I had to give up my apartment cause I could not afford it. I did aggressively seek employment and did end up with a job, marketing my 'mature' status as a plus.
Lessons Learned
- Stick with it and highlight what you do best even if it is your age, maturity and work ethic. Eventually you will find someone who appreciates it. Don't settle for less and let those employers out there know you won't as you have more experience and a better work ethic.
- I did attempt to get legal advice as to what happen to me but was told because the office was under 20 employees I didn't have a case. Something I never knew before.
- If people asked me why I left...I've told the truth. Found a lot of support that way.
