I’ve been working as a nanny-governess for 14 years, currently abroad but want to return to the UK. I’m applying for jobs but I’m the victim of age discrimination! It’s not my imagination; the application goes well until they find out how old I am, suddenly interviews are cancelled, calls are not returned, I even had one PA put down the phone in mid-conversation after asking my age. I have removed dates of qualifications from my CV to disguise my age, but nanny recruitment agencies insist on me putting them back. They often include phrases like ‘ideally 25-35' or ‘must be young and dynamic’ in job adverts, but I have been told that discrimination is allowed because I would be working in a private household. Ten years ago, agencies were headhunting me for jobs, now that I have more experience, they are not putting me forward for vacant positions. No-one gets to choose the age of their children’s nursery workers or primary school teachers because age is not relevant to the job, but parents seem to think this is more important than qualifications, experience, fantastic references and a warm personality. Physically, I am fit and healthy, active and take regular exercise, I am not overweight, and a non-smoker. My job can be physically demanding: giving piggy-backs, practising football in the park, crawling around on the floor, etc but I know that I could do it in any new role, because I am already doing it! There is no guarantee that younger candidates will not get sick or have an accident, because this has nothing to do with age. I am mentally still ‘on the ball’, enthusiastic and proactive, always open to learning new ideas and developing myself professionally. This is my career and I had hoped to do this until I reach state retirement age. I can pass for a younger person and people are often surprised to find out my real age. Should I lie about my age until after the interview or refuse to answer the question and risk sounding like an awkward old lady?