RJ asks:
"I would like to get some advice from others that may be going through the same situation I am. I am currently 19 and will be turning 20 in 1 week. I have held my current job, as Systems-Network Administrator, for almost a year now in very good standing according to my direct boss, the IT Manager. I have 5 years industry experience and a few certifications, yet I am more then qualified for my current position according to previous employers (and my work history/experience). It has recently come to my attention that our IT Director is trying to either find a way to get rid of me or transfer me into a miserable job position, all because of my age. My Boss explained to me he thinks it has to do with a bit of jealousy. Everyone I work with is over the age of 30 and the IT director is in his mid 40's." Either your too old, or your too young, or it's racial issues, sexual preference, and sometimes it can even be religion. Despite the fact that it's the
21st century discrimination still exists and many of us have had to face it in our careers. For most, it basically amounts to a career roadblock, while for others, it can also turn into an extremely humiliating and terrible experience. What options exist for those who experience it in any of the many forms it can take in the workplace?
"The IT Director has never approached me about any of this and treats me fine to my face, but seems to talk bad about me around my Boss, though my boss does his best to defend me. I have had no work problems (documented or not) and have a clean HR record. It's to the point I can't trust anyone at work anymore. Everywhere I work people like me but as soon as they learn my age they automatically hate me, become jealous, or try to find ways to get rid of me. I have learned to deal with this problem as I figured it went with the territory.
However, I also have a new baby daughter and a new wife to support
and I can't lose my job, especially in this economy. Needless to say
I am polishing up the resume and starting to look for a new job, but can anyone offer any sound advice, or legal actions which I can take if I do get fired, or even suggest employers in the industry that are friendly to my age bracket?"
Slashdot Mirror
". It's to the point I can't trust anyone at work anymore. Everywhere I work people like me but as soon as they learn my age they automatically hate me, become jealous, or try to find ways to get rid of me. "
Welcome to the real world, mommy isn't holding your hand anymore.
maybe not 19 and 5 but... i am 20 and have seven years experience!
has this proven anything?
NO!
I still wouldn't hire ANYONE withut a degree - especially today. Don't get me wrong - there are plenty of people who have tons of real world experience - but what happens if we need to approach things from a very different approach, a new language, more stringent specs, tightwads holding the purse strings(buyers market now - we have to give on somethings we wouldn't put up with before)? I'll be damned if I hire someone who can't think for themselves in a pinch, and can't show me up i have a degree and i know i don't know everything
Internet is Great!!! junis
Play buddy buddy to the manager - take him out for drinks (only 20? Don't drink yourself then) or throw a company party and make sure the boss is invited. Anyhoo - w/ alcohol he will loosen up and maybe you can either A: Catch him saying something like "I dont like you becaus you are young" or B: convince him your age doesnt matter
Ive been fired for being too smart for my age twice now and I am not even 20
The ultimate network admin tool needs HELP!
What about my too old and my too young?? You got somethin' against 'em, Slashdot editors?? You better leave 'em alone!
Palaces, barricades, threats, meet promises
Jesus H. fucking Christ, you goddamn computer nerds fail time and time again. There is this lovely game called "politics", you guys just don't understand.
I get paid twice as much as any member in our technical staff, and they know ten times more than me. Schmoozing, socializing, etc. etc. etc., it's stuff you computer nerds don't understand.
It's a fucking goddamn shame to see a 35 year old man driving a goddamn honda, scraping to get buy on a measly $55k/year job, with a goddamn wife and kids. Oh yeah, throw a college education and seven years experience in there as well.
As far as you go, my friend, 19 years old, married, and with a kid?! ROTFLMAO. Your life is truly fucked. You obviously can't play in the big leagues, go back home to your mommy.
Your life is a goddamn joke, your question is fucking pathetic (this should be in some self-help forum or some shit), and you're wasting our time here.
Welcome to the *REAL WORLD*, not a place for little kids like you. I hope you get fired and can't find employment, live on the streets, and die in a ditch. Eat shit, you teenaged twit.
If they think you have no company loyalty and will bail over a few thousand dollars then they'll usher you out the door as quickly as possible. Why don't you go back to whatever it is you high schoolers do, okay?