Last week, we asked you to describe your experiences with age discrimination. Here is what you had to say.

Age Discrimination Is Not a Problem for Me

I am of the 60+ set and work as a contract safety advisor in construction. I do not feel that I am discriminated against at all. In fact the grey hair and people skills as well as knowledge are far more important.

The only time I can recall being discriminated against I was younger and in an Emergency Response role and the crew boss didn't think I could climb mountains like a younger person and had me replaced without asking me to show what I could or could not do. The very next job the crew boss said "good and older guy" (same job type), his opinion was that the older guys did not wander off and into trouble. The final part of this story came later while doing the same job I had to go to rescue a injured worker on a mountain side, with some heavy climbing, I did the job, got the worker to a hospital safe and sound.

I guess to sum up my experience, a lot of it comes down to your own attitude and confidence in yourself, and that there is some one out there that needs your skill set. My job search is based on friends, networking and doing a lot of fishing (casting the line out to snag a job).

Bill Neilson
Construction Safety Advisor
Prince George, BC

It's More about Salary than Age

I was working when I was approached with an offer to take on the quality and safety programme where I am presently employed. As a safety officer in my late 40's, I brought with me 24 years of experience and knowledge and only a few certificates for my wall. I now have 24 certificates hanging on my wall and I'm still getting more. I have been turned down for jobs that I was fully qualified for and told that I was overqualified, as some companies use this reason because they don't want to pay the salaries deserving of the position but rather hire someone at a lower wage and save the money. I hope this helps you all out and remember that wherever you go in life, discrimination plays a big role in decisions being made by the top executives.

With all due respect, Bob W.

Discrimination in the Not So Friendly Skies

Yes, I too have been discriminated against due to my age. After spending 21 years as an Air Traffic Controller in the US Air Force, the Federal Aviation Administration wouldn't hire me on as their policy was you had to complete their training program before your 32nd birthday; I was 39. I am certified and licensed to operate in control towers, radar approach control and ground controlled units; plus I earned a private pilots license. I retired from - the USAF as Chief Controller, Air Traffic Control.

I applied for a job with the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005 for a "Ramp Controller" position, whereby you just control taxiing aircraft. That job too was turned down, even with my 21 years of experience. My age being 50, had to be the determining factor.

Rob Stacy

The Other Side of Age Discrimination from the Other Side of the World

"I am a 40 year old Australian, who has been working in Vietnam for the last five years. I was recently a victim of age discrimination when I applied for a position with a large firm in Singapore. I had all the experience (15 years in their field) and a University Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, but was crest-fallen when I was told that I was too young for the job."

Yes guys and girls, it does go both ways. So for all of you old safety people with grey or receding hair, those getting long in the tooth, all those who are monetarily challenged and wondering how to make ends meet in the retirement years, get your bums to Asia. Age here is respected.

Best wishes to all

Scott Williams
Senior Instructor / QHSE Advisor
SEATAG Offshore, Vietnam

ASK LAURYN

Whether to Accept a Job Offer from a Hiring Manager Who Ignores You

By Lauryn Franzoni

Q: I have been pursuing an opportunity at another company. The hiring manager has been very poor about communicating. Two plus weeks without a phone call. After I called to see the status he returned my call 4 business days later and stated all was good and progressing. Another two week stretch happened earlier in this process. This time I asked when I should expect to hear and he said mid last week at the latest. He has now called with an offer. My concern is working for this individual will be tough. I can not expect he will respond quicker once I am his employee. However, he will be in another office and I will have my own staff in my office. The company is well respected and the opportunity appears to be good and pay and benefits are very good as well. What are your thoughts on taking a job with a company you like but knowing the manager may not be the best? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

A: I'd talk to the other folks at the company, including those who work with the hiring manager. And since, the hiring manager isn't a person you will have to deal with all that frequently once you get the job, if those others check out, I'd be inclined to accept what sounds like an otherwise great offer.

I would also suggest that timing in the hiring process is always very different from timing on the job. If the job and immediate boss look like a good prospect, then I would advise you to seize the day.

Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet

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