Age Discrimination: Overcoming!

Over 50 won’t keep me down!!

Age Discrimination. Have you experienced it yet? I saw blatant age discrimination during some of the challenges on Project Runway last season against Bert Keeter, the over 50 designer. I have seen it in our neighborhood where several men over 50 have suffered layoffs…two became alcoholics when door after door slammed in their faces. The 2010 Census revealed that 24.3 percent of the U.S. population are women older than 40….women with intelligence and great abilities!

I discovered this article in the newspaper this week about the struggles for over 40 actresses: Age Still Matters for Actresses. It’s amazing to me that women are actually filing lawsuits when their real ages are disclosed!!

Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft online
Liz Clairborne Blouse: Marshalls
Denim Skirt: Lane Bryant
Tights: Lane Bryant
Boots: Ross



I am also struck with the fact the problems are really no different from any other profession. I have seen this occurring in too many other career paths. Therefore, we must clothe ourselves with hope and perseverance first. 

Necklace:  Chicos
(Sorry, I do not remember where I found this bracelet…I have had it for awhile!!)

 Meet my friend Jean. She is an amazing woman, who did not begin modeling and acting until late in life. Now she is a cover girl for AARP, hired for runway shows, and in movies.

I have begun my resurgence to the world as a writer and though slow, I have made progress. This post is not to minimalize our circumstances, but hopefully encourage us to persevere through them. I have a husband currently looking for full time employment so I am well aware of the road blocks and the challenges out there. But, with a big dose of confidence there are so many reasons to believe others will see we still have a lot to offer in talent and wisdom.

Do not be discouraged….have courage…persevere…and there is no telling what will happen!

Tomorrow, Mr. B and I are headed downtown to one of the beautiful five-star hotels on our fabulous Riverwalk. I was awarded this weekend by KENS TV and The Tips Family for being Over 50 and Fascinating!! I hope to bring you a series of posts from the weekend!! You can experience San Antonio at Christmas along with us!!

May all of you have a wonderful weekend!!

 

More of my snowmen!!

25 Comments

  1. I felt some what discriminated against in my old job. I think age was a factor although not the only one. It's a difficult thing to prove. I am so happy that the boomers are going to be the majority. Someone has to do the work, and we have a wonderful work ethic and life experience to offer!

  2. Ugh. I can't believe that the wisdom and experience that comes with age isn't important in an employer's eyes. Ridiculous. On a positive note, I love your outfit and the jewelry! xo

  3. You look fabulous today. Age discrimination…every time I go to the store and someone calls me sweetie. I have white hair and I'm in my early 60's. I am still raising 3 kids with disabilities at home and am involved in all their school and after school activities. Yes, I have a 14 year old and can run circles around someone 30 years younger. Save the sweetie for when I hit 80! On another note, my husband was laid off at 63. Now that has been a challenge to rise above but we have.

  4. Congrats on your award, Pam, well-deserved! It is very frustrating the middle aged people do not always get the respect we've earned in the job market. I am fortunate that in my filed, mental health, many practitioners are older than even me! : >

    Your friend is stunning and so are you, dear Pam.

  5. A romantic weekend get away! Congratulations on your award. Age discrimination is a difficult reality. Your blog is part of the antidote to the myth that we lose competence as we age, when the opposite is true.

  6. Love your outfit today, even in teaching people always want the youngest person for the job. I have friends trying to get jobs too and it seems to go to the younger person.

  7. Have fun with Mr B. Your outfit is gorgeous. Love the belted crisp white shirt with a gorgeous cardigan over it. That necklace is great too.

    Ageism is terrible. I wish it didn't exist. It's pretty scary.

    xo,
    Tracy

  8. Congratulation on the work that you do and your award. Sounds like you have built up an audience over the years and a respect for your message that age is a compliment not a detriment. I just started my blog a few weeks ago and want to send the same positive messages you do.

  9. It's a tough world out there! As I looked for a job last summer I fretted constantly about my age and what was the "right" response or look to keep some 30-something hiring manager from perceiving me as not useful.

    We can never rest on our laurels.

  10. First, congratulations! You are a mover-and-shaker, Pam!

    I agree that age discrimination is still alive and well. I love your advice to clothe ourselves with hope and perseverance. Hang in there, and never give up.

  11. First—congratulations, Pam!

    I agree with the other comments; age discrimination is definitely out there and is probably made worse by the economy.

  12. Hi Pam! Congrats! you deserve it!
    Age discrimation happens here as well, but not in the field i am working in – engineering, they are forever looking for avionics specialists and age is not an issue – As for me being a translator if i would decide to work full time as a translator- age would not be an issue –

    Looking forward to your post tomorrow, mine will probably be Monday pm –

    Ariane xxxxxxx

  13. Such a great post! I am in my early 30s and started my blog only recently. I still feel overwhelmed by how Fashion industry and blogosphere is tailored for the young! But you are right, there is no substitute for experience and wisdom that comes with age!
    Love your blog!

  14. This made me smile 🙂 I'm much younger but I'm sure I'll be in that spot one day and I don't think I'll let anything get me down. My professors, especially the older ones, are some of the most brilliant, kind people I've ever met. Age discrimination is absolutely silly and I think it's just sort of a defense mechanism…When people don't understand someone or can't relate to someone they just ostracize them. At least, that's been my experience. Anyway, your friend is absolutely lovely 😀 She looks so elegant in that second photo!

    Yasmeen
    Castle Fashion

  15. My mother decided to retire early because she ended up leaving a job that wasn't working out and ran headlong into age discrimination. She's a librarian, and one would not think that of age discrimination in library science because of the stereotypical view of librarians. Yet, that is exactly what happened.

    She is an avid watcher of Project Runway, and she also made comments about Bert.

  16. I'm way too far on the 40s, 50s age bracket but wishes to age gracefully like you. Thanks for inspiring us..

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