IBM is in hot water once again for age discrimination. Looks like their ELT was openly discussing getting rid of older employees they referred to dinobabies. Sad thing is, we all know similar things have been happening here for years but nobody cares and nobody does anything about it. Our entire industry has an ageism problem, but since discrimination is so hard to prove, it remains unchecked. At least this latest leak will bring some attention to it.
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Retired and so glad to be out of the high tech rate race!
Any group, corporation or team who discriminates loses in the long run. The poor id--ts who can't see past their noses are doomed. Every time you run into this behavior, be happy ignoring the id--ts. I ran into this behavior many time while searching for a job, a better position will come along, just keep looking. Several times you could tell it was age discrimination and a few times I could tell the interviewer was threatened because of their actual lack of knowledge. It is sad. But thankfully I landed a fantastic position where I am respected and well compensated (over compensated actually).
The issue too is healthcare costs. You may have a Dinobaby making 75k and Oracle has no issue hiring a younger employee for some role at 90-95k simply because the healthcare costs much lower. They aren’t actively promoting at all and are passively trying to show older employers the door.
You 100% correct, even if you LOOK older than you are, you have two strikes against you. But the problem isn't confined to "silly Valley". I had a Zoom interview with a large manufacturing company. They took one look at my grey hair and beard and the entire tone of the interview (previous interactions were on the phone) changed. Needless to say the call didn't last long and I didn't get the job. I found something else and I'd glad, I wouldn't want to work at a place that can't see passed my hair color.
Never forget how the Silly Valley companies got caught fixing salaries and making agreements to not hire each other’s employees. Of COURSE they all participate in ageism, either overt or covert. All the while, many of the orgs have CEOs, ELTs, etc. with people over 50, 60 or 70 years of age in charge.
Because age and experience is only useful in the executive suite? Nope, just a helpful way to “cull” the herd while lowering your slavery and benefit spend. Older folks need healthcare, super expensive here in the US. Younger folks are happy with a latte machine.
Keep blowing the whistle on this bs!