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?
With all these old folks posting on Slashdot? Don't they know it's a site for young people? Sheesh, go hang out on cnn.com, grandpa.
As a respectable web pornographer I would have to say that when we consider subjects for our titalating erotic material, or as the 31337 call it, pr0n, we do choose to go with the younger crowds. Anyone over the age of 30 is typically considered outdated and useless. Unless of course you are visiting one of our spectacular granny sites.
postmodernsideshow.com
Cliff, himself probably around 30, cannot spell the word "hire" correctly, while most teenagers probably can.
Of course, this behavior could be explained away as economic concerns, as the decision to higher younger (and typically cheaper) employees can directly affect the bottom line.
I am outraged that the widespread discrimination against short folks has taken another, worrying, twist: even in evaluating programming skills!
Sigged!
...because no matter how good you are there will always be an 11 year old asian girl who is better than you'll ever be.
Well then she must be destroyed.
-CausticPuppy "Of all the people I know, you're certainly one of them." -Somebody I don't know
I tried to learn the piano, but I was getting errors with #include.
Uh, if you have to list "Graduated from High School" on your resume, that's not a good sign.
Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
Solution: Hire a smart gay programmer in his 30's/40's. Usually no children. Oftentimes single or in a relationship that's not as co-dependent as that in hetero relationships. Rejected by youthful gay social culture as being too "old" for anything.
Result: An experienced programmer with lots of time on his hands (and other things you shouldn't ask about).
Steve Magruder, Metro Foodist
I think a better question is whether a programmers ability is affected by the length of his beard.
Pre-emptive strike on Asia is in order.
Pedophilia ha ha funny...
"If you're thinking what I'm thinking, you're right." -