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The trials of a seasoned contractor

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    The trials of a seasoned contractor

    In a previous role (in Europe) I was greeted by "I didn't expect someone so old". I'm seasoned, not old. Being at the half-century in years certainly brings its challenges. My cv goes back around seven years in detail (which has a particular focus in terms of work) and then the past is lost in vagueness. Most of the great work I did was long ago and to highlight it also highlights age. Walked into an interview last year and clearly they were expecting someone younger. I've managed to get through to the next round in a couple of interviews which are meetings in person. Why are you interested in our company? Well, I've looked at the Website and everyone looks so ... young. I thought you might like to hoist the D&I flag...

    How to you deal with reactions to your seasonedness?

    #2
    Originally posted by ruasonid View Post
    In a previous role (in Europe) I was greeted by "I didn't expect someone so old". I'm seasoned, not old. Being at the half-century in years certainly brings its challenges. My cv goes back around seven years in detail (which has a particular focus in terms of work) and then the past is lost in vagueness. Most of the great work I did was long ago and to highlight it also highlights age. Walked into an interview last year and clearly they were expecting someone younger. I've managed to get through to the next round in a couple of interviews which are meetings in person. Why are you interested in our company? Well, I've looked at the Website and everyone looks so ... young. I thought you might like to hoist the D&I flag...

    How to you deal with reactions to your seasonedness?
    Plastic surgery. Expensable and Tax Deductible, of course, as its for the benefit of the business.

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by Paralytic View Post
      Plastic surgery. Expensable and Tax Deductible, of course, as its for the benefit of the business.
      I've done as much as I can on cosmetics. I'm thinking to become more social. Should I start using Snapchat? Facebook is for oldies, right?

      Comment


        #4
        I DARE them to say anything.
        "I can put any old tat in my sig, put quotes around it and attribute to someone of whom I've heard, to make it sound true."
        - Voltaire/Benjamin Franklin/Anne Frank...

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by ruasonid View Post
          I've done as much as I can on cosmetics. I'm thinking to become more social. Should I start using Snapchat? Facebook is for oldies, right?
          Send an Insta to all the females in the office asking them Send Nudez, and they'll take you on board as a hipster. Grow a beard. Wear no socks.

          Comment


            #6
            The trials of a seasoned contractor

            Here in Switzerland, age discrimination is rampant !! Quite open as well, many job adverts would specify age limits! HR am told would filter on age and dismiss anyone reaching 50!! Mainly because they have to contribute higher rate for their pension which is a government obligation !
            In the office people are quite open displaying age discrimination, even head of department the other day referred to anyone who is 55 as if they should curl up and just have a boring job. A Swiss lady I know who is 53 in her office overheard younger employees refer to her by saying ‘ here comes the Old One’ which was incredibly hurtful !!
            It’s incredibly hard for anyone who was made redundant in their 50’s to get a new job!! And most companies would make anyone reaching 55 redundant to avoid paying the extra pension!!
            It’s a disease spread like cancer here!!!
            Awful!!
            Last edited by SandyD; 8 November 2019, 11:05.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by ruasonid View Post
              How to you deal with reactions to your seasonedness?
              Charge more.
              Down with racism. Long live miscegenation!

              Comment


                #8
                Just retire, no one wants experienced contractor these days when they can get more drinking buddies in


                Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by cojak View Post
                  I DARE them to say anything.
                  Yes, but...

                  You certainly have a lot of experience...
                  Cultural fit is important for us...
                  We are progressing with a candidate who most closely matches our requirements...
                  We have free food on Fridays...
                  You can choose a Mac or PC..
                  etc.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by Paralytic View Post
                    Send an Insta to all the females in the office asking them Send Nudez, and they'll take you on board as a hipster. Grow a beard. Wear no socks.
                    Well, I was thinking of getting a clip-on hipster anvil beard and a Mr Whippy haircut wig. Would piercings help?

                    Comment

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