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So in order to get a job, I colored my hair tonight. I think I look younger?
I hate that I had to do this. What kind of world do we live in that doesn't value age and experience?
It's a rinse so will last a few washings.

Akfishlady 8 Apr 18
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44 comments

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2

Sadly, I believe age discrimination is alive and well. They just don't tell you about it. I work in state government and am trying to promote into management. The way the process works I never know who, or see, my competitors. Nothing is said in the interview (if I even get one), so there is no way for me to know who was selected, only that I wasn't (and I may, or may not be notified of this). Oftentimes, the "fix" is in and the hiring manager fully intends to hire someone who already works for him or her, but they have to follow the legal (union mandated) process to advertise, screen apps, interview. Within my own dept, I feel there are various kinds of discrimination going on but can't prove anything. In HR, for example; managers are all female with one exception. In another office, a slew of young women were hired as managers (we're talking 20-somethings here) and I wasn't even interviewed.

8

Not valuing age is far more prevailant in the hiring of women than it is men even in the language used to discribe grey hair on a man is different; men look distinguished and women are referred to as old or haggard. When it is someone like you who is an educated professional in the scientific field it is really disturbing that you are pressured to conform to this.
You do look younger though it is just sad you have to. Good Luck.

6

This makes you look completely different to your profile pic.

It looks good, but is it only me who thinks that jobs should be given to those who can show that they can do them well? It shouldn't be about looks or age (except, perhaps, for jobs involving attracting/keeping customers because you have to allow for human predilections).

6

You look great! I hope you feel it too, so you absolutely shine at the interview - let me know how it goes 🙂

Jnei Level 8 Apr 18, 2018
5

This is the downside to aging, discrimination. More experience doesn't seem to count, or employers would rather have someone that will be around longer than someone who has less time 'til retirement. I could take courses qualifying me for a certificate, yet at 70, which person would get hired? Me or someone in their 30's?

5

You do look fabulous, are you considering makeup as well? It totally sucks that I have to ask that, but you have to pull out all the ammunition in your arsenal when you have a challenge. Men never have to deal with crap like this. It seems for men age means wisdom, for women it means we're not relevant.

5

Good luck. It sucks having to do this but it's reality. I even leave qualifications and experience off my resume because I'm tired of getting the "You're overqualified run round."

Kimba Level 7 Apr 18, 2018
5

It's not the world, it's the country. Other parts of the world age means wisdom and is respected. In this coumtry age means go play bingo and senility, and isolation.

4

You do look great and wishing you luck.. Some people do value age and experience so you never know 🙂

4

You look great! Go nail that interview!

4

Ageism is the last "ism" left, and I see it at work all the time.
Old guys get pushed out just for greying out.

It's a serious ism but still racism, sexism,, classism, lookism,. And more!

4

The color looks very natural.

4

I started dying my hair 6 years ago after we got a new manager younger than my daughter. He was replacing people because he wanted a fresh look. That means younger.

I started going gray in my 20s and was used to seeing it. Everyone said I had a nice shade of gray but the young people see old.

I am nearly 55 and pass for low 40s all the time. In fact a 38 year old tried to pick me up this past weekend. Hauled ass when I mentioned I had grandchildren.

Pic taken last night- Im the one in the back.

4

You look gorgeous though !

4

And yes, you look wonderful Very pretty. Bet of luck with the job search. Age discrimination is real in the U.S. [npr.org]

4

I do agree that the focus on a youthful look for women is disgusting when it interfers with pursuing a career or any financial/economic opportunity. Once it is apparent we can no longer give birth, in the U.S. culture we no longer exist. I have traveled rather extensively on five continents by myself and this is not universaly true, even in some thrid world countries. Rwanda has the highest number of women in their parliament of any nation on earth. However, if you like wearing makeup, plucking your eyebrows or the ocassional chin hair, pay someone to cut your hair, wear a bra and whether buying clothes at Goodwill or Nordstroms, you try the rags on and look in a mirror, you have stepped on the the slippery slope or simply enjoy decorating your body which humans do all across the globe. I love clothes and I wear a bit of makeup. I'm not about to burn my bra anytime soon. I do not judge women who dye their hair whether to be more employable or because they just are not ready to go gray.

Try being a male musician.

4

Looks great, frustrating that you feel it necessary, I don't disagree with you, I know I prefer not to tell people my age in business. Strange, 40 years ago I would hide my age as well.

4

I hate that you had to do this. But you're probably right that it will increase your chances.
Good luck! 🙂

4

It's just ridiculous especially when you look at the bosses of these big companies and all humans get old.

3

There is ageism out there-I got used to doing it - no makeup though mostly. It looks natural Grace.

3

To look younger, shouldn't it be bright blue or fushia?? Just saying ......

You look mavelous! Go getem!!

3

You look fantastic, Grace! Of course, you always do. 🙂

A year ago, before I was downsized, I would have argued with you. When I attended seminars in which industry pros firmly stated that agism is alive and well but there's no way to prove it, I didn't believe it. Or at least I didn't think it applied to me. Six months after that, I took their suggestions to totally "de-age" every online reference to me, and on my resume as well. It's stupid, it sucks, it's frustrating ... but always remember that their stupid bias is not a reflection of who you are, how old you are, or how competent you are. It's their shortcoming, not yours. So go boldly into your interviews with a confident gaze, that glowing skin, and your sweet smile, and one of them will learn to look beyond the stereotype. It may take longer than you thought it would, but you'll eventually get your dream job.

3

Even though you aren't supposed to discriminate against anyone over 40 I think it is far too common. Employers want young, ambitious people that they can work harder and pay less.

3

You look great. I think the pressure is more on a woman to dye their hair. I used to dye mine but I've let it go naturally lately. One pic in my profile shows me at last Thanksgiving.

3

Good luck in your pursuit of an honest life... always!

3

You look beautiful! ?

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