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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think you can find a job after 45

62 replies

Hoppity80 · Yesterday 20:54

Just saw an insta post by the influencer Stacey Duguid.

She is a former fashion journalist who has been chronicling her experience on insta of being rejected from hundreds of jobs across multiple sectors. She argues that inbuilt bias in AI applicant tracking systems mean mid life women are often automatically rejected and is speaking up about women having to minimise their experience to get past the systems.

Her latest post says that women are now being split into two groups by employers: under 45s and over. And if you are over 45 you are classed as old and unemployable.

I know there is lots of age based mysogyny out there but AIBU to find this utterly terrifying and to think the situation is not quite as extreme as this.

I am around that age and feel I’ve only properly got going - although I’ve been working for over 20’years. I am full time with bags of energy and a real learning mindset!

if you are an employer pls can you give some insight about why you wouldnt employ a woman over 45?

i

OP posts:
AMarkAMissionABrandAScar · Yesterday 21:47

I dunno. I think it's harder for women generally. If you're 20-40 then some hiring managers assume you're about to give birth at any moment. Eyeroll.

That said - I am in my 40s and I was pushed out of a role I'd retrained for last year. I've taken a part time, related but easy role for some breathing space. It's in the back of my mind that if I don't get back into financial services by the time I'm about 45 I may very well struggle even though I am quite young-looking and haven't particularly changed in personality as I've got older.

Ponoka7 · Yesterday 21:46

In a lot of job roles, it's difficult to get work after 40 and it gets worse, at 50/60. Then there's those who can't physically do the jobs they've always had. I'm wondering what's going to happen to the immigrants who are coming over in their 30's re aging and pensions, our welfare bill is going to soar, because the recourse to public funds gets lifted, after a time period. None are going to want to return to the Congo, Sudan, Nigeria etc at 50.

Gengha · Yesterday 21:46

I moved jobs easily at 47 and 52 but I’m in a field where there are more jobs than people to do them

Its depressing though companies don’t employ women under 45 in case they have kids and now they won’t employ them over 45 either.

Choose11 · Yesterday 21:46

We can’t win as women can we? Some people say we are unemployable when we are of child bearing age in case we take maternity leave. And now we are also unemployable apparently after 45. 🫠😭 WTAF?

wanttoworkbut · Yesterday 21:42

I have offered jobs to women in their 40-60s. Because they met the job criteria.

Having also just come out of 5 months of unemployment in my 50s, there are some employers who give older women a chance. But it was much tougher than when I was in my 40s.

BrilliantBetty · Yesterday 21:37

Probably somewhat depends on the industry.

In my industry and job role there a few under 40 as you need a fair bit of life experience and work experience behind you to do the job. That said, my bestie is a stylist at a fashion brand and literally everyone working there is 20-40. She’s getting worried as 40 draws closer.

Original poster
Hoppity80 · Yesterday 21:30

but why do employers have this bias? I actually think many older millennial/Gen x are often more pliable than younger gens these days!

OP posts:
Iftheskywasbkue · Yesterday 21:18

I was a SAHM from age 41 to almost 50 years old and I was offered the second job that I applied for. It is in education (not teaching) and I’m told it can be more forgiving for employing ‘older’ people.

NoWordForFluffy · Yesterday 21:15

I went for and was offered a new job last year when I was 49 (I didn't take it in the end). I got the job I'm in when I was 46. I imagine it depends on both the person and the industry.

mamaof4losingmymind · Yesterday 21:14

I think it depends on the industry but I definitely think its harder to get a job the older you are as the managers know they won't have the control over you like they would an 18 year old. Definitely not unemployable though

24caratgoldlabubu · Yesterday 21:12

All I can say is... I hope so!

Original poster
Hoppity80 · Yesterday 21:05

I have just seen a number of talented women - hardly older but late 40s - made redundant at work. By contrast on Linked In earlier I saw a useless man who I have worked with in the past, announcing a fantastic new job in his early 60s!! Completely anecdotal I know - but it has got me thinking!

OP posts: