Right On Time: Webinar Recap with Kerry Hannon
Adda Birnir and special guest Kerry Hannon join forces to discuss ageism, how to combat ageism in the workplace, and internalized ageism. Read our top four webinar takeaways and join the conversation.
Whoever said, “age is just a number,” clearly never considered ageism in the workplace.
It’s unfortunate, but a common concern for career changers and professionals reentering the job market is that they’re “too old” or that their “time has passed.”
To tackle this age limit stigma, Skillcrush CEO Adda Birnir sat down with futurist Kerry Hannon for “Right on Time” — a webinar addressing ageism in the workplace.
We’d love for you to join us on the webinar replay, but if that’s not an option for you, stay tuned for our handy wrap up.
Table of Contents
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What Is Ageism?
Whoah! Before we jump in headfirst, let’s make sure we’re on the same page — namely, on the definition of ageism.
The World Health Organization describes ageism as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.”
In other words, ageism is the act of treating someone less favorably solely because of their age.
Ageism in the workplace can range from microaggressions to explicit acts of discrimination. Let’s take a look at a few ageism examples that impact workers every day. Ageism examples include:
- Hiring or promoting a younger professional based upon their age.
- Excluding older coworkers from office functions because they are “too old” or “don’t get it.”
- Using ageist terms like boomer, geezer, gramps, or biddy when referencing older professionals.
These ageism examples are not only hurtful but, in some cases, illegal.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects people who are age 40 and older from discrimination. The law prohibits employers from granting job assignments, layoffs, promotions, benefits, and other terms or conditions of employment based on age.
Accordingly, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC) recorded 12,965 ageist charges filed and resolved under ADEA in 2021.
That said, we have a long way to go. Continue reading for more.
Is Tech Right For you? Take Our 3-Minute Quiz!
You Will Learn: If a career in tech is right for you What tech careers fit your strengths What skills you need to reach your goals
Right On Time Webinar
Adda Birnir and special guest Kerry Hannon join forces to discuss ageism, how to combat ageism in the workplace, and internalized ageism. Read our top four webinar takeaways and join the conversation.
Featured Contributor
Source: Kerry Hannon
Kerry Hannon is a workplace futurist, ageism expert, and author of “In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work.” Hannon is also an accomplished TV, radio and podcast commentator, author, and keynote speaker. Her work as a personal finance and entrepreneurship expert appeared in The New York Times, MarketWatch, Forbes, as well as on ABC, CBS, CNBC, NBC Nightly News, NPR, Yahoo Finance, and PBS.
Key Takeaways
#1 Take Advantage of the Remote Environment
Remote work is not a new concept but is more popular in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is a BIG win for professionals who prefer the flexibility of working from home to the office setting. It’s also a huge win for older professionals. Being out of the office reduces opportunities for ageist behavior, allows employees to continue working despite medical or physical hurdles, and makes the global job marketplace accessible.
#2 Consider Your Strengths
Ageism is an ongoing epidemic in workplaces, but our worst critics can also be ourselves.
“The whole job seeking bit comes down to believing in yourself and having a vision of what kind of work you want to do and what you’re good at,” states Kerry Hannon, addressing internalized ageism and career changes at 50+, “We often take our best skills for granted.”
To fight back against our own internalized ageism that holds us back, Hannon suggests taking stock of your skills and goals. Answer the following:
- What are your hard skills?
- What are your soft skills?
- What do you love to do?
- What was the first job you ever had and why did you love that job?
- What aspects of your first job that you loved can you find in other work?
- What do you want to accomplish?
Seek the feedback of your coworkers, friends, and family, or review old performance evaluations. This practice allows us to gain a granular understanding of our capabilities and will, hopefully, give you the confidence to reject internalized ageism and see yourself for the talented professional you are.
📌 Related: How To Feel Confident Starting A New Career In Tech After 40
#3 Create a Mission Statement and Get Excited
I’m not tech-savvy enough. I don’t have an artistic eye. I’m “too old” to change careers.
Our limiting beliefs are just that… beliefs, meaning they can be changed. One way to dump these limiting beliefs is creating a mission statement that excites and guides you.
“Companies aren’t the only ones that need to have missions. People have missions. If you know what you stand for and what matters to you — and it’s short — but when you have that [mission statement], then that directs you to the kind of companies you want to look for and work at or clients that you might want to have.” ~ Kerry Hannon, Right on Time
Pursuing a passion that excites you can push you to become your best self.
#4 Continue Your Education
Inevitably, the hiring process can be difficult. However, at 50+ years of age, there’s the added stigma that older professionals may be stuck in their ways or “too old” to make a career change.
To challenge this stigma, Hannon says to stay curious to demonstrate a willingness to learn new skills. Continued education changes the way you think and empowers you to see the world differently, even if it doesn’t apply to your dream job, according to Hannon.
In the post-pandemic digital age, learning is easier than ever. Online schools are abundant and accessible to professionals of all ages, including our online coding school Skillcrush. Here at Skillcrush, we created an inclusive coding learning environment, perfect for professionals over 50, career changers, and individuals who are curious about tech applications.
Our Break Into Tech + Get Hired program teaches you the appropriate tech skills, including front end development and web design tracks, so you feel confident entering the tech industry no matter your age. And with our money back guarantee, we guarantee you’ll Get Hired in six months or we’ll refund you the full cost of the program ($2499).
Join our community of Skillcrushers defying their limits. Take our tech quiz and find out where your Skillcrushin’ journey will lead.
Is Tech Right For you? Take Our 3-Minute Quiz!
You Will Learn: If a career in tech is right for you What tech careers fit your strengths What skills you need to reach your goals
Desiree Cunningham
Category: At Any Age, Blog, Career Change, Diversity and Inclusion
