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?

Comments

Re:Do younger minds absorb quicker?

[Nix0n]

For the most part younger kids learn piano better simply because they put in the time and are willing try new things.

This kind of posting is indicative of the selective ignorance that most people engage in.

Humans are not Gods. Humans are not divine. Humans are not limited only by willpower, determination, and drive. I know it's a romantic thought to believe in, and I am sometimes guilty of this conceit myself. But it's all self-delusion.

The fact is, we are a big fucking collection of cells, bound by the laws of physics. Our brains are extremely complex massively parallel computers, also bound by the laws of physics.

The physiological fact of the matter is that cognitive capacity declines after age 35 or so, as neural connections break down and neurons themselves die off, never to be replaced again.

The fact is that capacity for memory and manipulation of complex ideas peaks in the 20s and declines after that.

These are the biological facts of our existence. The question of whether it is morally right to discriminate based on these facts is another question altogether, and I would be incluned to say the answer is "no" - but when people begin spouting off with claims of X, Y, and Z reasons for the relative capabilities of younger people, giving NO thought to the underlying biology that governs all of our capabilities, I want to puke.

Yep... And there's a solution, too.

[pythorlh]

Age discriminatino happens, yep. And it's nearly impossible to prove, so there's not a lot that can be done about it. But there is a solution, though it's almost a dirty word in the tech world.

Unions

Unions enforce collective bargaining, and union seniority rules can prevent an employer from getting rid of all the older workers. Depending on the size of your union, it may even help you get a new job when your company goes out of business all together.

Unions have been demonized in some places, and a poorly run union can do a lot of damage... but a good union can save your butt, too.