How Old is Too Old?

The age thing is tough and getting tougher with a society obsessed with youth. I just turned 38. Now hold on! I know that's not very "old" per say, but I've been through a whole lot of really bad "luck"/ attracting negative stuff, and I feel much older. And I have never really found a career, so that can make a person feel older, too. Right now, I'm doing odd jobs and giving myself some much needed relief from a string of toxic environments - one right after the other. Regardless of opinionated, negative advice from others, I am looking for a work-at-home job that will not stress me. Worrying about the future has NEVER helped me in the past, even when I was actively striving for something. I realized that "something" was never what I really wanted. Anyway, it's tough enough being discriminated against because you're a woman who happens to be overweight, black, intelligent, and attractive, then you get older. Oh well, keep thinking positive, striving for what you really want, and letting the good times roll!!

I am in my 30's and find this to be too true. I guess I was raised with the same ideology, know your job, and do your job well. I find that my personality doesn't necessarily get me promotions rather it gets me used! I try to tone down my approach as well, but its hard.

My company recently went bankrupt and I am in the "homestretch" of my career so to speak, I am a young 53. Recently I have been passed over after 5 interviews reference checking and a solid comprehensive HR background. I am in the business so to speak and although as an HR professional I have never personally passed on a candidate because of their age, I must say that after my recent experiences I am beginning to believe that I was passed over due to my age. I have interviews with people who were decision makers young enough to be my children. I have HOPE but it sure doesn't feel very good.

I do find challenges as a seasoned professional, but I use each as a learning experience. I apply my lessons learned whether fair or not to my own professional growth and understanding of generational issues. I chose contracting in my 40's because it is project based. I find it more flexible and I gain more exposes me to various professional scenarios.

Your information was very inspiring. I work in IT as a contractor and have found that the younger generation is more interested in proactive technology contributions than age. However, I did accept a contract in a more operational driven environment and was let go. Reason given:"not culturally fit". Interesting way of saying too old.

I agree in theory but isn't the reality more complicated? It isn't enough for older people to feel this way. For real progress, the younger ones have to believe it too, no?

It is refreshing to read that there is hope for us over 35 or even over 40 years. However, my experience is that expectations and reality do not always mesh.
Between November 2006 to as recent as March 2008 I was offered employment by 4 separate companies over the 16 month period. I accepted each of them because on each occassion I was unemployed. I did everything I could possibly do within ethical and principled reasons to build work relationships and be hired and on each occassion the "teeny bobs" born from the 70s-80s were selected and my employment ended. In one instance it was even done with subtle discrimination while another during a trainig session for the position, after I had out done everyone else who were alot younger than I on the tests, the trainer then said to me so you are trainable. What does that mean I do not know.
So now I have found a position that I cannot possibly afford to live on but gives me the opportunity to work remotely and some semblance of an income. Thanks to technology.
I do not consider myself unemployable but believe I am unemployed or passed over for upward opportunties when employed because of cultural indifferences. I have observed that this is a society that is based on merit, personality and not necessarily on skills and the willingness and ability to do the job and get the job done.
I come from a background where problem solving attitude and the ability to take charge of situations, be self resilent, assertive and deomonstrate leadership skills are a part of every day survival. However, even after "toning" down my approach and almost losing my self to the point that I am "professionally unrecognizable" by those who really know me and the assets I can bring to the table to any organization, I still have not been able to gain any employment and started to believe that age is the only factor contributing to this.