Do you agree that the job market is best for professionals in their 30s? (employees, average)

[Loudmouth]

I am 39 years old and will turn 40 soon. That has made me do a lot of thinking. I think back at the various offices I have worked in various jobs I have held in various settings and industries. It seemed like the offices were just full of people in their 30s.

I have a theory about this. Employers are nervous about hiring people in their early to mid 20s because they think they are green and will be restless and job hop. But employees in their 30s are more mature, better trained, interested in moving up, devoted to professional development, but still full of energy to work long hours and less likely to call in sick or have health issues.

At age forty employers want you to be on the management track, going places, full of confidence and expertise. That really does not describe many people. Most people are pretty average in ability and better in "worker bee roles," Indians not Chiefs. If you are 40+ employers want you in management and in any given organization there are far fewer management roles than staff roles.

By the time you are in your fifties you are pretty much damaged goods in most corporate settings. Sure, there are a few talented high energy executive types in their 50s but few staff workers, they are slowly but surely being pushed out.

Yes, the modern office has people of all ages but adjusted to the population demographics there is more people in their 30s than any other age group.

Yes, I believe that your 30s are your best years in corporate America! After that unless you are connected or moving up into high level management, you are done!!

[G-fused]

I don't think a hiring mgr looks at someone sitting across the desk from him/her and dismisses those who are not 30. I think they consider things other than one’s age a lot more...like a lot. It can vary from industry to industry but in general, I would think that was true.

But let’s go with your opinion. If we do then the moral to your story is that when you are in your 30’s and flyin’ high, make sure to spend time and effort towards getting connected or moving up into high level management.

[Hemlock140]

We have many jobs requiring 10 years specific experience, and it's hard to find people even in their 30s with that. From recent hires here I would put the age "sweet spot" at more like early 40s. In the higher paying jobs that I have hired for recently, those selected were ages were 53 and 48. At the lower levels, with only 3 years experience required, I have hired people ages 26 and 28.