Here’s a shocker: an analysis of 330,000 employees from 43 U.S. enterprises has proven that ageism definitely exists in tech.
But “ageism” probably isn’t what you think it is. The term’s typically associated with baby boomers — but now, in the tech biz, it’s being applied to an even younger crowd.
Sorry mid-lifers. We know you’ve worked hard to be thought of as young and cool, but in Tech you’re just “the old person” (Google refers to employees over 40 as “Greyglers” — not their best invention).
The irony with this? According to the numbers, non-managers over the age of 40 are more likely to receive top performance ratings as they age, mature, and gain experience (AKA, the “Tech Sage Age”). Yet, techsters in their 40’s are still hired 33% less than their workforce representation.
Just check out the average ages of employees at the big tech firms:
Baby Boomers are being hired a whopping 60% less in both tech and non-tech related fields.
If it’s tough for Gen Xers, it’s understandable that Baby Boomers don’t exactly get a fair shake at a company whose primary concern could range anywhere from regulating autonomous cars to “How do we install a Soylent drinking fountain?”
Our advice to job-seeking oldies: maybe put a pin in your “Lazy Millennial” think pieces.