NY Times Article: Over 50, Female and Jobless Even as Others Return to Work

[Jeromeville]

Then a friend who worked at the place cut the red tape and introduced me to a supervisor who happened to be my age.

I think you just made the "money point" on this issue, though.

A woman is far more likely to be considered for a job at an older age, if there are women with authority at the company who are an older age.

I'm not over 50 (getting there, though) and I was offered a job this week after a five-month search. The workplace I'll be joining is composed of a very even age mix (on a relatively small team, so the supervisor probably doesn't have outsize influence). There are people younger than me, people about my age, and people older than me. I'm right in the middle of the age range.

So I think you were also very lucky that that supervisor wasn't some twenty or thirtysomething guy. That is really the big elephant in the room as to why older women can't find jobs... it's because too few women are in charge of hiring processes.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by Jeromeville

I think you just made the "money point" on this issue, though.

A woman is far more likely to be considered for a job at an older age, if there are women with authority at the company who are an older age.

I'm not over 50 (getting there, though) and I was offered a job this week after a five-month search. The workplace I'll be joining is composed of a very even age mix (on a relatively small team, so the supervisor probably doesn't have outsize influence). There are people younger than me, people about my age, and people older than me. I'm right in the middle of the age range.

So I think you were also very lucky that that supervisor wasn't some twenty or thirtysomething guy. That is really the big elephant in the room as to why older women can't find jobs... it's because too few women are in charge of hiring processes.

Absolutely. A mix of ages is the best case scenario at any workplace.

[TracyFletcher]

Yes, it is often the case that law firms are looking for junior attorneys and will not accept more experienced attorneys to take these positions because then it sets a precedent for the other attorneys in the firm. See this article for more information: Is Taking a Step Back in Class Year Enough to Make a Move? | LawCrossing.com

[Just Conversation]

I have never worked for an organization that hired anyone over 55 for a non supervisory position- NEVER. (what a shame- so much lost- they still have things to add to our society.)

[Suburban_Guy]

Originally Posted by Just Conversation

I have never worked for an organization that hired anyone over 55 for a non supervisory position- NEVER.

You seem quite proud of that.

I have, many of my previous companies in fact.

[Minervah]

And the beat goes on.

My friend's sister, a professional photographer, has worked for the same company for over 25 years. Just before her 62nd birthday she was told she was being laid off due to a lack of work. What a joke. There have always been slow times and boom times in this profession and at this company. It's the nature of the business.

And do you think any of the younger more recently hired people are being let go? No way.

Her work is just as good as it ever was. She just had the misfortune to get older. I don't know if it makes a difference or not but she is also the only woman photographer in the company. Double whammy.