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Original poster

Is 50 too old to get promoted to senior management

35 replies

YogaRebel · 27/12/2021 12:17

I don't look my age ( blessed with genes that make me 10 years younger ) but a few male friends whispered quietly in my ear that although - it's not fair? but it's true, that women just don't get promoted at 50 + so go for it now, before I look my age. At 50 they re considered past it ! I'm planning to apply for senior roles after 20 years part time in tech ... any tips ? Thoughts ?

OP posts:
JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 27/12/2021 12:25

They're talking rubbish. If you want to apply for a role go for it. Your age and what you look like don't come into it. Your capabilities are what employers are looking for. Having said that... if the company you work for has the same ridiculous outdated misogynistic views as you 'friends' I'd go and work somewhere else. You'd be snapped up where I work!

lomoloko · 27/12/2021 12:29

In tech, you should go for it as soon as you possibly can. It's so hard to get up out of AC after 40 in tech, and harder to stay AC too! For men AND women but harder for women. Once you're up in C-suite it's fine - it's making the jump. It's such a young profession that if you're not in a senior role by 40 people suspect you are incompetent.

That being said, the market is so hot right now it is absolutely the time to do it. Everywhere is desperate, so don't put it off.

www.gu.se/en/news/ageism-common-in-the-tech-industry

Original poster
YogaRebel · 27/12/2021 13:16

Yeah younger colleagues soon realise that although I don't code - what I know about implementing new technology and getting processes right for is beyond them. Im constantly mentoring - which I like. Not so happy when Im mentoring people senior to me though !!

OP posts:
orangejuicer · 27/12/2021 13:19

It's about the norm where I work (civil service). Go for it!

YellowMonday · 27/12/2021 13:25

Very dependent on the industry you're in.

Currently I'm a senior manager. I'm targeting a director role by 37 (2 years time), and head of department at 39/40. Beyond that point if I can go/want c-suite management, mid 40s.

ninnynonny · 27/12/2021 13:29

I'm nearer 60 than 50 and had an internal interview for a SM role last week. The reason I didn't get it was absolutely nothing to do with my age nor should it have and I will certainly apply for others again. If you have the experience, qualifications and passion for the job, go for it!

Teenagequeenwithaloadedgun · 28/12/2021 20:32

I know this is anecdotal but I just promoted someone in their mid 50s and another one that's almost 50.

I've always gone on skillset and attitude rather than age!

Bluntness100 · 28/12/2021 20:34

You do know the people who promote you will know your age and it’s doubtful they’d do it due to yout appearance.

Dontlookdownmuch · 28/12/2021 20:46

Hard to know what you mean by senior management - we'd expect someone to get to a Senior Manager level with 10 years experience max, we're expecting a high flyer...I'm not saying we would refuse anyone after that stage but we'd want to know why it took them so long.

Savoury · 28/12/2021 20:53

I’d go further and say it’s often the age when women stride onwards when men don’t.. Women are often part-time or preoccupied with family life in their 30/40s when men are moving upwards. It’s in their late 40s/50s that they suddenly go for jt.
It also helps not to give a flying f£*k and age helps in that regard.

Bluntness100 · 28/12/2021 22:34

@Dontlookdownmuch

Hard to know what you mean by senior management - we'd expect someone to get to a Senior Manager level with 10 years experience max, we're expecting a high flyer...I'm not saying we would refuse anyone after that stage but we'd want to know why it took them so long.
I’d not expect soneone who is capable of going for it and doing so based on their looks.

This shit gives women a bad name.

MsMeNz · 28/12/2021 23:00

Make yourself so good turning you down could be questioned as sexism and ageism via hr.build relationships with more senior ppl help solve issues for them take your credit when it's due. I hit director at 38 in tech. I never just did my job I always solved bigger problems and I didn't work longer hours as I have 3 kids all I can say that work for me is be seen to be solving bigger problems and prove it I.e. measure before and afters get your metrics. Then ask for a promotion with proof to back you up. Best of luck. Don't wait for it to be handed to you, go get it 🙂

Itsmemaggie · 28/12/2021 23:05

@Dontlookdownmuch

Hard to know what you mean by senior management - we'd expect someone to get to a Senior Manager level with 10 years experience max, we're expecting a high flyer...I'm not saying we would refuse anyone after that stage but we'd want to know why it took them so long.
Maybe it took them so long because not everyone - particularly women - has a linear career. Perhaps you should have a think about the inherent bias you’re including in that statement and the impact it has on your ability to run recruitment and promotions processes.
Kite22 · 28/12/2021 23:23

I don't work in tech.
I expect this is industry dependent, but in my line of work, experience is valued.
At 50, you still have 17 years before you can start picking up state pension, it would be a bit odd if somehow your working life were over with such a long period of time to work.

ShipwreckSunset · 28/12/2021 23:50

@orangejuicer as in common to see women of that age promoted or not?

Luredbyapomegranate · 28/12/2021 23:59

Someone once said to me you can reinvent yourself at 45, but not at 50*. Some truth in that so if you want to get into senior management, I’d get a shift on.

*they were talking about a corporate career, not setting up your own business etc.

eagerlywaitingfor · 29/12/2021 00:01

At 50 you've still got 18 years before state retirement age. So hardly past it.

Starcup · 29/12/2021 00:04

Don’t be daft! You’re friend sounds jealous tbh. Let’s be honest, you’re going to have another 20 years left of working so why on earth would they not promote you?!

stakhanovite · 29/12/2021 00:12

"Someone once said to me you can reinvent yourself at 45, but not at 50."

Uh oh. Hope that's not true...

lomoloko · 29/12/2021 00:17

I don't think many of the commenters here work in tech...

jennymac31 · 29/12/2021 00:19

God, I really hope I won't be considered as 'past it' when I'm 50! Am in my early 40s with primary school aged kids, so wasn't planning on going for Senior management roles until I reached 50. Sounds like I might need bring my promotion plans forward.

CruellaDeVilla · 29/12/2021 00:20

Not too old, apply

ElectraBlue · 29/12/2021 01:01

I think you need new friends....real friends would respect your skills and want you to do well, not try to crush your spirit with ageist. misogynist nonsense.

lomoloko · 29/12/2021 01:04

I think they are good friends trying to help you. They aren't saying this is how the world should be, but how it is. (And tech is like this.) So you should go for it as soon as you can. It's not that it's impossible to get into senior roles in tech later in life, but it's harder, so so so much harder. Go for it now.

middleager · 29/12/2021 01:05

Does it matter if you don't look your age?
I'm 48 and my hair is completely silver/white. I have a baby face but am not trying to fool anyone.
Do men think about looking younger, I wonder?