Just about two months ago, my job was eliminated (see previous post ‘Downsized in Midlife). I have not found a job yet. I should say that I have found plenty of jobs I’ve been interested in, but apparently they’re not interested in me! I’ve applied for over 20 jobs, mostly part-time which I would prefer, but am moving on to full-time. I’ve had some interviews that went really good and thought I would have been offered at least one, or more, of the jobs. So promising they seemed.
Unanswered Questions (we know ageism, and sexism exists)
Hmmm, I’m not sure why I’ve been turned down from all these jobs. I have the qualifications, the stability in my work history and come across professional, genuine and motivated (according to those close to me). So, what is it? I’m curious what individuals are getting these jobs? I don’t think I’m better than others, but in this smaller area I reside in, I know I have qualities that should have landed me at least one of these positions. I begin thinking, is it my age? Are employers (regardless of their ages) biased toward middle age women, and men for that matter? Does society think that middle age people looking for work are more of a liability than an asset? In reality, a middle age worker with experience, motivation and openness to new things, should be a premiere asset!
I’ve heard from some women that when they left a job or had to find a job (around the age of 50), they experienced the same issues. Nearly impossible to get a job. From my experience throughout the years, I’ve noticed that it is rare that a middle age woman was ever hired in the agency I worked for. If one was, they often had little relevant experience in the field. Well, that’s is a good thing. But, there are middle age women with impressive resumes and experience to what they’re applying for, and don’t get hired. Maybe not having experience is more advantageous (from the stand point of employer) for older workers, since they will not pose a threat. Threat being, the concern that middle agers are ‘set in their ways’, or may try to take over. Or, maybe know more, and could take over. I just don’t know.
Is it Just Me?
Then, I wonder how I present. I know I present confident, polite and unpretentious. I do dress well. I ‘dress up’, which technically is not really dressing up, but in our culture today, and especially in small town USA, anything beyond jeans, leggings and a shirt, is considered ‘dressed up’. My curiosity makes me wonder if people interviewing me base assumptions of me due to my attire. Such as maybe I look like I don’t ‘need’ a job? See pic below of an average interview outfit I’ve worn. I think it speaks professionalism, flexibility and willingness to get things done.
Many of the jobs I’ve interviewed for have never contacted me one way or another. I’m not falling for the game where a person has to call the prospective employer and ‘beg’ for a job. Did my enthusiasm at the interview speak to the potential interviewer? I send a ‘thank you for the interview’ email after. Is that sufficient? I’m professional. Shouldn’t an agency conducting interviews follow through with basic professional etiquette? Apparently not always. I plan on doing a post soon about some of the interviews I’ve attended.
Who are the Middle Agers Now?
Finally, we middle agers are Generation X! Seriously, we’re considered the forgotten generation, so maybe we really have to speak up, fight for our careers or have enough means to go on our own. Come on employers, hire us middle age Gen Xers! We’re independent, flexible, effective communicators, not afraid of technology and understand work/life and balance. Which means, we give it our all work so we can give it our all at outside of work
We’re resilient and adaptable. We grew up witnessing on television the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the LA Riots, Desert Storm and the AIDS Epidemic. And then we welcomed MTV, the microwave, the bag cell phones in cars, and the over sized computers you had to put a cd in to get internet. And look at us now! We are accepting and appreciative! We were the first to be exposed to everything on TV, bad and good, in a quickly changing world. And yet, we were fully grounded in reality.
On that note, I’m taking a break from this quite honestly depressing and exhausting job searching! Does this outfit look good for my next interview? Too caszh? Too dressy, lol!
One Last Thing
I read that Gen Xers also consume the most wine. Thank goodness! I was starting think there was something wrong with me!
Joie!
Maggie
Ageism, discrimination, racism and sexism in the workplace is real. Unfortunately this is all so real in our whole society. Not so long ago it seemed like our society was moving forward in many ways. Now, it’s moving backwards, fast and furious. Stand up, speak up!