Navigating Change: A Tech Veteran's Quest Against Ageism and For New Opportunities
In recent weeks, my journey through confronting ageism in the tech industry has unfolded in ways I never anticipated, sparking a significant conversation and leading to moments of both challenge and change.
The sequence began when my wife and I closed on a new piece of property, a significant milestone that set us back in excess of $218,000 at closing, in addition to taking on a mortgage of multiple hundred thousand dollars. This considerable financial commitment left our cash reserves nearly non-existent. Later that same day, in an unforeseen turn, I lost a long-standing client due to their need to scale back suddenly.
This event was not just a financial blow but also marked the first time in my 37-year career that I hadn't secured a contract within 24 hours, a stark departure from my professional norm.
Two weeks following this financial and professional setback, a conversation with a recruiter highlighted the stark realities of ageism. He suggested that my age made me less desirable to his clients and he would not be able to represent me. Sharing this experience publicly, I was astounded by the response: my post went viral, amassing more than 3 million views, 15,000 interactions, and thousands of comments, emphasizing the pervasive issue of ageism.
This dialogue extended across platforms, from LinkedIn to Facebook, Reddit, Twitter/X, and was even highlighted on national news media outlets, catalyzing a broader discussion on the value of experience and the need for inclusivity within the tech industry.
This widespread coverage served as a testament to the urgency and relevance of combating ageism, drawing attention from major publications, each highlighting different facets of the struggle against ageism and the push towards inclusivity:
Wired featured an in-depth look at how ageism affects tech workers, especially during layoffs and the race to get rehired (Read the article).
Business Insider shared my story, exploring the shock and realization that confronting ageism brings, despite my years of valuable experience (Read the article).
Forbes highlighted the significant outcome of our advocacy, with LinkedIn's decision to pull ageist ads after backlash from my comments on the original viral post and in interviews I have given to news outlets like these, showcasing the impact of a collective voice (Read the article).
An integral part of this journey was my appearance on the podcast "It Gets Late Early", where I delved deeper into my experience, the viral spread of my story, and my perspectives on combating ageism in our industry. You can listen to/watch this insightful conversation here: https://youtu.be/r2g3QcbziRU.
However, this journey took another unexpected turn. After interviewing with a potential employer, feedback through that recruiter revealed a new concern: my "newfound audience and fame." The client appreciated my skills and saw me as a great fit, yet they expressed fear. Fear that if ever a disagreement arose, I could potentially leverage my platform to their detriment. This perspective led them to decide against moving forward. This is a very troubling assessment of my character and is highly offensive.
I understand the concerns about the influence of social media and the responsibility that comes with it. I want to use my platform to advocate for change positively, to highlight issues within our industry that need addressing, and to support those who face similar challenges.
To companies wary of hiring individuals with a platform: Understand that our voices are not weapons but tools for change, education, and advocacy. Our aim is not to harm but to help foster environments where diversity of age, thought, and experience is not just welcomed but seen as invaluable.
As I continue on this path, I remain committed to using my voice and influence constructively. I believe in the power of community and conversation to bring about change. Let's work together to build a more inclusive, understanding, and innovative tech industry.
This concern over the potential implications of my public advocacy underscored the complex dynamics at play between personal advocacy and professional opportunities.
With 37 years of experience in software engineering, project management, and a deep expertise in Linux administration, I find myself in an urgent search for new opportunities. This journey, filled with both advocacy and adversity, has reinforced the importance of resilience, community support, and the industry's need to value diversity in all its forms, including age.
As I navigate these challenges, I extend a heartfelt invitation to my network and the broader tech community to share any opportunities where my skills and experience can contribute. Your support, advice, and insights have been invaluable, and I am eager to embark on this next chapter.
Thank you for being part of this impactful journey. Let’s continue to advocate for change, support each other, and build a more inclusive and equitable tech industry.
I need a job! So please share this. :)
Update: For some odd reason, LinkedIn keeps removing the links when I try to embed them in the text of the above article. Here are the links to the articles I mention above:
Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/ageism-haunts-tech-workers-layoffs-race-to-get-hired/
Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/shocked-when-recruiter-said-too-old-tech-job-ageism-2024-3
Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sheilacallaham/2024/03/23/linkedin-quietly-pulls-ageist-ads-after-months-of-backlash/?sh=7851950e2830&fbclid=IwAR0WklB9ih68GEMD5r9APhRf33-Sawe0AkPhWpbxA43hokljvJTpkRRl_UY
#AgeismInTech #DiversityInTech #InclusiveTech #TechIndustry #CareerJourney #Advocacy #ChangeMakers #TechCommunity #LifeLongLearning #ProfessionalGrowth #AgainstAgeism #InclusionMatters #TechVoices #Empowerment #Leadership #Innovation #SocialImpact #CareerChange #SeniorTech #ExperienceMatters #ageism
Retired
1yAs an in-house recruiter for many years I have witnessed multiple examples of ageism discrimination, and other forms. It is often swept under the mat by corporates, and it's rare that I've seen positive action for change. This is a real issue and it's bold and brave of you to confront this and to make a call for action.
Freelance Translator - ATA Associate Member - SINTRA Member - Accuracy and parlance-fluency in sciences & engineering
1yExcellent article.
Building in Ai
1yKelly Perdew great US Army Veteran software engineer available for your portcos 🇺🇸
Vern: I am still trying to capitalize all this move. One more time, people (recruiters, companies) need to understand what our values are, and why they should hire us instead of youngsters. Without falling in the opposite "youngeism" (haha), I can think of more than a dozen reason of why we can help a company to achieve its goals much better than younger candidates. I think that this is a more eye-opener reason than trying to simply stop joking about old guys at IT.
Career Acceleration Strategist for Senior Leaders | Clients have landed $190K-$500K+ roles at Amazon, Novartis, LinkedIn, Meta, Stripe etc | INSEAD MBA | LinkedIn Top Voice 2024
1yI will never for the life of me understand ageism. We will all likely work well into our 70's, work keeps our brain active. So hiring a 55 year old, means there's a good chance they will work another 10-15 years. And what about these older workers? Well, they tend to stay longer, take fewer sick days, have a great work ethic...I mean, you bring them in, and somehow, they just know their way around the kitchen, so to speak! And make great trainers for a multigenerational workforce. (great article on this, I can share if there's interest. Ageism is just dumb. And costs companies just as much. I'm so glad you shared this, and wish you the best Vern. You've just gained a new follower.