Jessica’s Answer:
I won’t deny that ageism exists in our industry. I also won’t buy into it. You know why? Because I’ve coached over 1,000 people one-on-one, and here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Anyone over 50 who thinks he/she is not being hired because of his/her age tells me, “No one will hire me, because I’m not the young, hip, it-guy/gal.”
2. Anyone under 30 who thinks he/she is not being hired because of his/her age tells me, “No one will hire me, because I’m not the old experienced guy/gal.”
3. Anyone between the ages of 31-49 who thinks he/she is not being hired because of his/her age tells me, “No one will hire me, because I’m not the young, hip it-guy/gal and I’m not the old experienced guy/gal.”
The bottom line is- I know people in their teens to people in their 90s who are working in this industry. If they can do, you can do it. You create the perception you want people to believe. My belief: you are never too young, never too old, and never in between. You are just right. Stay true to your passion and work with people who respect you for the job you do…
If you have a question, put it in the comment section.
To your success!