Slashdot Mirror
Ageism in IT?
Embedded Geek writes "It's hardly a new topic, but BBC is running a story about ageism hitting Gen-X, especially in IT. As a 34 year old coder, I was horrified to hear a quote from a *hiring manager*: 'In the IT sector (and coding in particular) younger minds generally work faster -- I would rather employ a keen teenager who code programs computers quickly than an older person.' It didn't help that the person is 32 years old. My kneejerk reaction, the same one anyone else over 30 would have, is that the guy is a buffoon (I'll withhold my preferred, spectacularly vulgar, term). The problem is that I do not believe his idiocy is unique - I have definitely felt the vibe when interviewing. It's frustrating, since Gen-X is finally shedding the media hyped 'slacker' stereotype only to run headlong into this garbage. Have any other Slashdot readers seen this? What is the youngest you can be before some PHB declares you fit for the scrap-heap? Other than stocking up on hair dye and botox, what steps can I take to prepare for the future? Share your war stories here." Ask Slashdot handled this topic over two years ago. Of course, this behavior could be explained away as economic concerns, as the decision to hire younger (and typically cheaper) employees can directly affect the bottom line. However, one has to wonder if the decision to go with less experienced programmers also affects software quality, in the long run. What are your thoughts on this subject?
A lot of employers understand the benefits of hiring a both young-ens and middle-aged coding vets. While you get experience and quality from the older crowd, they often fall into their own narrow-minded framework. The benefits to hiring fresh-outs is the great wealth of enthusiasm and open-mindedness they offer. The two age groups can work together to produce some very impressive results.
Kudos to you, my good man.
Its not ageism. Its Westernism.
The companies want to fire all the expensive western coders and hire cheaper 3rd world coders.
Makes good business sense to me.
Mac OS X and Windows XP working side by side to fight back the night.
Other than stocking up on hair dye and botox, what steps can I take to prepare for the future?
You can start by not whining about how other peoples decisions have such a major impact on your life. If you dont like the situation your in, start your own company and tell your boss to go fuck himself.
Oh, but its not so simple you say. I have all these bills, car, house, insurance, etc. Well chief, its your life and its your choices. For some people their materialism will always outweigh the desire to be their own person. No matter how good it sounds to be able to be in control of your own destiny, most people will cave into having the nice car and big house. Only you can decide where in your life heirarchy being more independent comes in.
You started on the rat-race path because you wanted the 'good-life', dont be afraid that its coming to its natural conclusion as it has for EVERYONE before you.