What' s your say about age limit when you are looking for a job?

I need a job - It is very common that there is an age limit while looking for a job in some countries. But do you think that it is fair?
China
June 7, 2010 7:15pm CST
When you are looking for a job, have you ever noticed that there is an age limit to quite a few jobs, not only physically but academically as well? It seems, from my observation, that one over forty or forty-five is gradually losing his or her advantage of getting a job than one who is under that age. I am wondering why there should be such an age limit since one is getting more experienced above that age. As the saying goes, "Life starts at forty." At such an age period, actually we are getting more and more experienced with our work and life. What's more, we are still energetic and even more knowledgeable than we were before forty. To this kind of age limit while looking for a job, I consider it an age discrimination. I don't think it fair, either. To this age limit, what is your say, please?[/b] Your views are welcome. Thank you in advance for your comment. Have a good day and enjoy your life.
6 people like this
21 responses
@cheongyc (5072)
• Malaysia
11 Jun 10
Although I would like to believe in good things in the world, but so the real world is not as good as what we thought sometimes. I agree that people with higher age are more experienced. But the corporate world usually like to hire fresh graduates, because they are more energetic, more willing to learn and more importantly, request for lower basic salary. A person with high qualification and experience, find it's tough to get a job, especially during recession period. Therefore, age limit is a important factor for the companies and job seekers to consider.
@cheongyc (5072)
• Malaysia
12 Jun 10
Luckily my company is willing to hire people with higher age. They value the experience brought from other company. When I moved from my previous company about 5 years ago, I was given a much better pay. Happy posting and enjoy your life too!
1 person likes this
• China
13 Jun 10
It is wise of your boss to do so. This way he can have always talents working for him. Good luck with you, cheongyc.
1 person likes this
• China
12 Jun 10
There is some point in it that some corporates consider hiring fresh graduates for those reasons you listed here. I agree with you on the point though people with higher age are more experienced. Enjoy your work and life.
1 person likes this
@marinarovi (1318)
• Argentina
8 Jun 10
Hi williamjisir, long time no see! I hate age limits for a job. But I hate it more when the requirements are impossible, like "age 20 to 25, 5 to 10 years' experience in the same area" What?? How do you acomplish that??? I think age limit is a stupid discrimination. I could understand (although I don't agree either) that someone doesn't want employees with kids, because they may get sick, because you have to pay family support, because a single person with no kids has less obligations that would cause them to skip work. But age limit? What's the point? Especially if you need experience, emmm, flash news: experience means years of work, that means you can't be 18 and have experience!!!
1 person likes this
• China
9 Jun 10
Hello marinarovi. I did not give it a try when reading the age limit. So I am planning to stay working in my old school where I have been working for more than ten years. I find it horrible for me to get aged over forty when it comes to seeking a job. lol. Anyway, I appreciate your nice idea for it. Have a good day, marinarovi.
1 person likes this
• Argentina
9 Jun 10
Well, I hope you do find a job you like, since I think 45 is still young for a teacher (unless you're a kinder teacher, if you are, you may be tired of 4 year-olds running around you all the time, lol) Have you tried sending your resume as if you didn't see the age limit? I have a theory that you have to bend those rules a little. I mean, you already have "no" for a answer, you have nmothing to lose by sending it. And maybe they read your resume and find that your experience is worth trying despite your age. Good luck and let us know if you find the job for you!
1 person likes this
• Argentina
9 Jun 10
Well, I hope it works for you. Have a nice day, happy mylotting!
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
8 Jun 10
There shouldn't be an age limit, but for some jobs, age does actually matter, and yet in some countries it is illegal to put an age limit on a job post. Personally I think it should be more about your experience, more than qualifications, qualifications are fine on paper, but when it comes to common sense and experience of life they come in a poor second. Older people are far more reliable, settled and have overall a better attitude from my experience. I am not blanketing everyone in this field. Unfortunately there are other discriminations too, like nepotism and whether you are male or female. It comes down to the occupation too. In an ideal world if a 20 year old had the same qualifications as a 50 year old, both should be equally considered and age not a deciding factor! In actual fact the 50 year old should have the advantage, in theory, shame it doesn't work that way in real life my friend!
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
9 Jun 10
Indeed my friend and I forgot to mention it's not always what you know but who you know that is also a big decision maker in the job industry which you pointed out.
1 person likes this
• China
9 Jun 10
Hello wolfie. I quite agree with your points of view in this comment. There is a special part that I share the same idea with you when it comes to looking for a job, that is, nepotism. With that so-called nepotism, it is much easier to get a job rather than to take the trouble of trying to find one. It seems that this kind of nepotism exists everywhere. Also a good relationship is very important in finding a job if you happen to have someone working in the company or institute, one you have a good relationship with...Take care and thank you for the nice comment.
@youless (112096)
• Guangzhou, China
10 Aug 10
This is a discrimination. And it's also very unfair. Due to the large population, and it makes the heavy pressure for the employment. And the government doesn't have any methods to protect it, then it leads to a serious competition. This is why today even if a college graduated students have difficulties to find a job. So it is harder for the elders to find a job. I love China
1 person likes this
• China
14 Aug 10
It is an age discrimination and I don't like it, but what you say is right. If it were fair to everyone when it comes to employment, it would be nice. Have a good day, youless.
• China
8 Jun 10
I am in Shenzhen, China, perhaps the most youngest city in China, In the degree, I agree with you , but from the management's review , lady's above age 30, always have family and childen , sometimes it will make conflict with your career. and we must admit that China has a large amount of workforces, so the employer's has the space to make choices. If you want to get a job, just stop complianning , put youself in the emplyer's shoes, make them believe you are the best choice for them .
1 person likes this
• China
27 Jun 10
Morning, friend. I am so happy to have read your response to my question. I do appreciate it a lot. I used to have taught children from five to seventeen-year-old senior high school students in a summer camp in Wenzhou together with my foreign colleague. It was an unforgettable experience and I like it a lot. With the information you offered, I would like to give it a try to find a job in a training center or high school. Thank you so much for it. Have a good day.
• China
8 Jun 10
Hello friend. You are right that a better policy is to put yourself in the employer's shoes to show your talent. By the way, how about getting a job related to teaching or English training job in your city, please? I have never been there though a lot has been heard about it.
• China
25 Jun 10
Very sorry for so late reply.About your question, It's really depends. If you ever have experiences living abroad, maybe you can find such kind of job in big training center just like EF , WALSTREET ,ETC. If not , and you are willling to teach children , I think if it is not hard to find a work here is Shenzhen.so many people and a lot of parents are eager to improve them or their children's English. Hope this will help you .
1 person likes this
@markphil (285)
• Philippines
10 Nov 11
I think that there are some companies that really needs to restrict the job placement requirements for their applicants because they needed to. For instance, the company is a fast food chain, of course it would be rude to hire a person 40 or 50 years old above with that type of business operation. It would be better for to hire an 18 to 25 years old for a fast food chain.
• China
5 Dec 11
In this case as mentioned in your response, it seems that it is better to have some young people. Thanks for responding, markphil.
@tigerdragon (4297)
• Philippines
15 Jun 10
you to wake up to the reality that it is a requirement of certain companies just like our standards in choosing our frends, clothings and stuff, if it does not fit you then you choose another one, and to lessen your stress and weed out the ones you do not need you put a required limitation to your choices. Now, put yourself in their situation, if let us say you are to sell some beauty product, would you hire a sales person who is nearing forty? No, you hire a much younger person to attract customers. I think it would be unfair for these companies if you impose your own set of standards to them.
1 person likes this
• China
18 Jun 10
It could be understood that the policy maker has the final say about hiring the person he or she wants. Thank you for your comment, tigerdragon.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
30 Jun 10
I am not sure why this happens either I think they are trying to give the young people more opportunities but then again, people over 40 also risk losing jobs and have to find a new one they should be able to get a job too
1 person likes this
• China
4 Jul 10
Yeah, to have young people means that they could save a lot more, which is also one of the major reasons, I guess.
@julyteen (13252)
• Davao, Philippines
8 Jun 10
I noticed also this is a kind of discrimination. If you are above forty it's very hard to find a decent jobs although you are rich of experiences. I don't know what's on their mind when people reached this age. I think it depends on how they look the personality of a person. Despite of their experiences and educational background. I think better to hired old age than fresh faces of a certain kind of job. Maybe in that case they want workers that are multi tasking. Can do job beyond individuals limit. Either, by the use of their force or their brain. Many people on their position look job seekers that can make things more than the jobs they are applied for. It happened to me before I work in different departments but received a salary intended for one job only. This is the reason I resigned my previous job. As of the moment my superior treat me and give me assignment base only to what my job description is. Hope it will not change in the future. I enjoy my job now although sometimes we experienced pressured by our Head of Office.
1 person likes this
• China
9 Jun 10
Hello julyteen. I am happy to know that you have got a decent job so far and enjoy it. I wish you to have a smooth job as always. Good luck to you.
• Philippines
8 Jun 10
hi there. before i didn't care when older friends tell me about age limit when it comes to looking for work. i didn't think that age would be a basis for job qualification. i see job postings stating the age requirement. i kinda feel bad when i see them. first, i feel that am slipping away from the peak of my qualifications...i feel bad. second, i feel as if the age limit is discriminating, because they several companies are limiting their employees to younger people. thirdly, i feel that the skills are overlooked. though this is the reality, i just hope that people who are a lot older will be given chance to work especially the drive and motivation is there. one has to work to survive. i hope that there would more job openings that do not limit the qualifications to age.
1 person likes this
• China
9 Jun 10
Hello goddessjes. When we are young, we don't feel about it, nor do we pay attention to it. It is only when we are aged to a certain age and wish to find another job shall we pay more attention to it like I am doing now. If I could not find another job elsewhere, I would stay working where I have been. Take care, goddessjes.
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
8 Jun 10
Age should be a secondary consideration in jobs. Ability and capability should come first. If you are able and willing to perform a job, it should not mayyer how old or young you are. Your performance on the job will be the proof.
• China
9 Jun 10
Hello sender. You are right that performance on the job should be the proof aside ability and capability. Good day, friend.
@juggerogre (1653)
• Philippines
8 Jun 10
I don't think there should be an age limit for a job as long as they are qualified in the job description and they achieved the minimum educational requirements. And their skills improves while they aged. Its really hard to find another work when you reached 40. At that age the only positions they can apply are mostly managerial or higher positions, which are seldom available. Companies will seldom or never hire a person with that age in a entry level position, which is usually available.
• China
9 Jun 10
Hello juggerogre. If I were an employer, I would pay more attention to their experience rather than age limit. I am glad that we hold the same opinion. Enjoy your life, friend.
@oldchem1 (8132)
8 Jun 10
As a 59 year old I am slightly biased, but I know that I have a lot more 'go' about me than many of the lethargic young things that serve me in so many shops and restaurants!! As the saying goes, 'there's many a fine tune played on an old fiddle', so employees should give us biddies a chance
1 person likes this
• China
9 Jun 10
Hello friend. I agree with the saying that there is many a fine tune played on an old fiddle. So chances should be open to anyone with talent and ability. Thank you so much for the comment.
8 Jun 10
Certain trends have been around in the labor market. There is hell of a lot of people whose only wish, from day one in a new job, is to dream of the pension years. On the other extreme are people similar to your case, whose purpose is to be useful to themselves, family, friends and the society in general. I think that a individual can choose (or compromise and adapt to real life conditions), the level of activity, up to which he/she wants to be involved with in life. In the modern (western) society, people are given the option, in fact this is something earned after centuries of class conflict, to select their working lives' schedule. Of course, this can only happen in a perfect world, since our economic needs and wants act as a constant push towards a longer working life. To come to the subject, the recruitment of an older person is not a matter of the employee or the employer. It is a matter of the recruited person's suitability to carry the tasks in the expected by the employer manner. The real problem: since an older person holds a certain amount of experience, this means that he/she has "crossed the same bridge before" and that would make him/her think twice before acting. That would not apply to a younger person, who would act on the spot, often in the flair of the moment. This is what employers are looking for: Operatives following orders without a second thought. With an older person, there would always be the possibility of second-guessing and the expression of a different opinion, usually based on a similar amount of experience, as that of the manager's. 1)If older people feel confident and they can prove themselves to be more serious, productive and profitable workers than the younger ones, then they should go for any job, matching their area of expertise and level of experience. 2)If not, then, their mature, usually more mature than younger workers',way of thinking should be a good reason for them to go for the alternative option, which has to do with jobs requiring more kind of "been there before" or, "tested solutions" attitudes, or, capitalize on their precious and well-earned experience and try to engage into more advisory and strategic roles.
• China
9 Jun 10
Welcome to mylot, informationshelter. You have well analysed this case. I agree with you on those points. Thank you so much for the informative response. Have a good day.
• United States
8 Jun 10
I haven't had much of a problem with getting a job. There are some that won't hire older people for whatever reason. Their loss. You get what you pay for.
1 person likes this
• China
8 Jun 10
Hello friend. I agree with you that it is their loss not to hire older people for whatever reason. I wish you all the best, ElusiveButterfly.
@knewfy (82)
• United States
8 Jun 10
I am 66 years old. So I am probably prejudiced. But my opinion is that ages below age 80 should make no difference unless there are obvious physical limitations to obtaining or performance of the job. After 80 things might start to go downhill :-) ! But a person's mental stability plays a big part in holding a responsible job, an many of the world's top officials, scientists, composers, artists, brainacs, hav performed well beyond the age of 80. And some people are losers at thirty!
• China
8 Jun 10
Hello knewfy. It is well said that many of the world's top officials, scientists, composers, etc, have performed well beyond the age of 80 unless there are some obvious physical limitations to the job related. Otherwise it sounds ridiculous to have age limit. Have a wonderful life, dear friend.
@smartie0317 (1610)
• United States
15 Jun 10
I hope no one takes this the wrong way, but I think once you reach your 30s you have to get settled in your career. It's a shame for those who started later in life or had problems in their youth, but the job market is too competitive for someone to just enter at say age 40. Also, many companies put a lot of importance on senority. You can have as much experience, or more, and better experience than a coworker who is there longer, but the job only looks at your time there. Also, when you're older, you maybe have family and other responsibilities. So, a job sees you as taking more. You need more salary and more benefits, if you're sick and/or have family. So, if I was hiring someone I would pick someone younger with less experience. You can pay them less and they probably don't have a family. Also, you can't be greedy. People in their 20s need to get a job and get their foot in the door. If you're 40, and over, you have your chance and wasted it. Why take a way someone else's chance?
1 person likes this
@warvial (1146)
• Singapore
8 Jun 10
Hi, sad to say, not just age limit, there are many factors when one is looking for a job. From those relevant to the job requirement such as experience, qualifications and certifications to something less relevant like age, gender, and even how you look contributes to your chances of being selected. With regards to age limit when applying for job, I can understand if the job requires someone with physical attributes but if they are looking for people for senior managerial level, I don't find it appropriate for them to cut off those applicants simply because of their age. If they really do, it's the company who will lose out eventually because they refused to hire the right people for the right job because of the age factor.
1 person likes this
• China
8 Jun 10
Hello warvial. I agree that there are more than age concern while applying for a job. It is true that it's the company that will lose out eventually if they refuse to hire the right people for the job due to the age factor...
@sagar21 (1579)
• India
8 Jun 10
Hi williamjisir, I'm 23 yrs,but let me say my opinion "age is not what matters but..the person's willingness" Its not fair to discriminate jobs on age basis.. thanks for starting the discussion... have a great day/night....
1 person likes this
• China
8 Jun 10
Hello sagar. Often it makes me think that it is nice to be always young in age without getting old. To be young benefits you a lot in looking for a job. Have a good time, friend.
9 Jun 10
I really do totally agree with you. The world we live in is rather ageist and I don't think that will change a lot. There don't seem to be people out there campaigning in the same way as they do for feminism, multiculturalism, etc - i do think these are perhaps worthier causes - but what about ageism, hey!? I am an actor and you should see the discrimination on that whilst posting for jobs. Here are some examples - "We are looking for someone... -Waif- like" -Between 5 ft 7 and 5 ft 9 -Caucasian -From South London -with a driving license -attractive!!
1 person likes this