The trials of a seasoned contractor

[SteelyDan]

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?

Before this thread gets dragged off at a tangent, I thought I'd let the OP know, & maybe offer some reassurance by mentioning that, a few years back I was on a contract with a pub sec organisation & one of the guys - another contractor - had his 65th birthday. So don't let your being 50+become an issue & don't let it mess with your mind, as can sometimes happen.

Yep, you might feel out of place in certain organisations, they do seem to get younger I know, but remember you've been hired for your skill & depth of experience, which clearly the organisation just doesn't have.

Any rudeness either deal with it yourself, or report it, but certainly don't tolerate it.

I'm unpleasantly surprised at the 'fun' being made about the subject on here to be honest by 'fellow contractors' who may find themselves in a similar situation as time passes.

[ruasonid]

Before this thread gets dragged off at a tangent, I thought I'd let the OP know, & maybe offer some reassurance by mentioning that, a few years back I was on a contract with a pub sec organisation & one of the guys - another contractor - had his 65th birthday. So don't let your being 50+become an issue & don't let it mess with your mind, as can sometimes happen.

Yep, you might feel out of place in certain organisations, they do seem to get younger I know, but remember you've been hired for your skill & depth of experience, which clearly the organisation just doesn't have.

Any rudeness either deal with it yourself, or report it, but certainly don't tolerate it.

I'm unpleasantly surprised at the 'fun' being made about the subject on here to be honest by 'fellow contractors' who may find themselves in a similar situation as time passes.

A sense of humour helps so I'm OK with that. However, as you suggested, anyone who has intent will soon find themselves in the same boat and a lot earlier than they might think. Thanks also for your encouragement. Ageism hasn't quite got the incendiary aspect of other forms of discrimination in terms of follow through but it certainly has the potential. That said, you need to pick your battles wisely. I know of some people who have been very much on the right side of various (and sometimes altogether far more serious) wrongdoings and have found themselves up against resistance at the highest levels and had substantial resources pitched against them. In hindsight, they should have just moved on.

The first challenge to overcome is with the cv and the usual barriers to getting that in front of the right decision maker. Judicious reporting of history helps. I think most contractors in this age group are going to have the wisdom to read the situation and the grit to get through any challenges that come. Of course, you are right, it can mess with your mind and it's easy for that to take over and turn into a hangup which then adversely affects interview performance.

I have a couple of interviews lined up and will be going in ready for whatever comes. Now, a quick poll on a few presentation items:

1) A tie. Yes or No?
2) Shoes. Loafers, brogues, or winkle pickers?
3) Hairstyle. Friar Tuck, full chrome dome, or a wig (cheese wedge style)

[GhostofTarbera]

Before this thread gets dragged off at a tangent, I thought I'd let the OP know, & maybe offer some reassurance by mentioning that, a few years back I was on a contract with a pub sec organisation & one of the guys - another contractor - had his 65th birthday. So don't let your being 50+become an issue & don't let it mess with your mind, as can sometimes happen.

Yep, you might feel out of place in certain organisations, they do seem to get younger I know, but remember you've been hired for your skill & depth of experience, which clearly the organisation just doesn't have.

Any rudeness either deal with it yourself, or report it, but certainly don't tolerate it.

I'm unpleasantly surprised at the 'fun' being made about the subject on here to be honest by 'fellow contractors' who may find themselves in a similar situation as time passes.

That was a few years ago, different times now

Logan’s run in Canary Wharf these days


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

[SteelyDan]

That was a few years ago, different times now

Logan’s run in Canary Wharf these days


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

Different times now...how & in what way?

More recent context, female friend of mine started contracting 5 years ago...she actually hired me as a contractor some time ago..she's now 55 or 56 and doing well & just moved from 1 previous role to a new contract role seamlessly. BA stuff.

I think it depends on 2 things; your outlook & your specialism.

If you come across as Victor Meldrew you're not going to fit anywhere, but if you're genuinely pleasant, enthusiastic & have a good sense of humour, as well as the required skills, you'd stand a better chance.

If you're tech related then it probably is more restrictive, although I personally do know some tech guys well into their fifties who are still contracting but I think there's maybe more scope if you're business focused & maybe operating in non-London places.

Just my humble opinion which OP might find of use.

[Lockhouse]

I was 57 last month. Contractor attitude definitely keeps me young and I don't feel like an old bloke. I'm in a niche market so don't have to continuously re-skill which helps. I'm only going for another year or two though as I want to enjoy the rest of my life.

[NotAllThere]

I've been recently chatting with these guys. 50 Experts | 50 Experts ... I don't need any extra income, but if something comes of it - why not? NB - they mainly work in Africa and Asia where older people are viewed with rather more respect than in Europe.

[ladymuck]

...

I have a couple of interviews lined up and will be going in ready for whatever comes. Now, a quick poll on a few presentation items:

1) A tie. Yes or No?
2) Shoes. Loafers, brogues, or winkle pickers?
3) Hairstyle. Friar Tuck, full chrome dome, or a wig (cheese wedge style)

Bow tie, spotty and one that twirls and squirts an odd smelling liquid when people get too close

Open toed sandles with nasty fungal infection on at least one toe

Comb over hair style that lifts up as one piece in the wind that you can hide things under

[BR14]

Bow tie, spotty and one that twirls and squirts an odd smelling liquid when people get too close

Open toed sandles with nasty fungal infection on at least one toe

Comb over hair style that lifts up as one piece in the wind that you can hide things under

sandals

[ladymuck]

sandals

On my mobile on the tube, in my defence your honour!

Or, I may have been talking about the resort chain

[BR14]

On my mobile on the tube, in my defence your honour!

Or, I may have been talking about the resort chain

Also spelled 'sandals'