How I was discriminated against
I was a mgr of a dispatch dept for a auto inspection co. & reported to the CEO. When I was asked to take the position the dept was not very organized. I made some changes; within a year the no. of daily inspections tripled and we won a mobilizer magazine award. I received written recognition from the pres and ceo. Shortly after that I was told a man was going to be joining our team and I would report to him. I was never offered the position. After a year my new boss told me I was laid off "certain" exec's did not think I was doing a good job & they always wanted him for the job but initially could not afford him.
What it's like being an older or younger job seeker
I was with my last company for a total of 10 years prior to being laid off so I have not had much experience as a older job seeker yet. I will soon. My primary experience has been as a manager interviewing older potential employees. I remember many women that I interviewed in their late 40's and up. They would pretty much open up to me in the interview telling me "I know I'm older but take a chance on me" I felt bad that they had to experience discrimination to a point that they would mention their age in an interview. I personally hired many older workers but I know there are companies out there that specifically do not.
Lessons Learned
- The lesson I learned is to speak up if you think you are being discriminated against. I wish I had documented specific events and reported to HR. The person that took over my dept. undermined me in front of my staff and made many derogatory comments to me. We started receiving many customer complaints and the numbers declined. It was a very unpleasant work environment for a year prior to me being laid off. I stayed because I hoped things would change. By staying and not speaking up my health declined, I became depressed and also gained weight. I would not put myself through that again.
