Yes, ageism is alive and well and over the last few months I have noticed it is being discussed more openly. Could well be I am noticing it because I am in that older cohort and looking for ways to stay in the game.
I have spent my whole career in the public or not-for-profit sector so cannot speak to the Agency experience but I am guessing the barriers and stereotypes are the same.
No, I did not grow up with a tablet in my lap and a phone packed with computing power in my hand. I did however welcome them into the world, gave birth to some early science news apps, embraced the technology, and was an evangelist to bring new tech to the sectors I was working in. And just like the younger employees, my tech tool kit continues to grow.
The experience I bring to an organization includes some hard earned lessons that won't have to be re-learned by younger employees. I can incorporate the younger perspective into my experience and help create something newer and hopefully better. Without me at the table my knowledge and skill set is never brought to bear on the task at hand. Together we are a more complete package.
When the job interview comes to 'why do you want this job', my guess is I will able to articulate my underlying drive better than the younger applicant. 'Been there, done that, got the t-shirt' as the expression goes, means I can focus on doing the right thing without some of the very real and practical concerns weighing in on the younger candidate.
And as noted in some of the comments to Jay Bertram's post, I am not likely driven by financial goals. Doesn't mean you get me at Dollarama prices, but I am likely to be much more approachable and open to negotiation.
When he was in his eighties my dad was asked for his 5-year plan for his department at the airline he was working for. He was a bit surprised, but the company was serious. We should all be so lucky.
#hrcommunity #ageism #dei
![View profile for Jay Bertram, graphic]()
‘The Truth about Advertising,’ by Jay Bertram. Today’s Truth
Truth #8: 'Ageism exists and is hurting our Industry.’
Count the number of employees in your Agency over the age of 50. No doubt, you will find there are less than 5%. Why is that when the majority of our population is over 50?
Is younger truly better than older? I dare you to tell that to Lee Clow, Frank Gehery, Dan Weiden, Frank Palmer, or Sir John Hegarty.
Do your creative, account service, and planning skills decline with age? Quite the opposite, they strengthen with experience.
The sad truth is that our advertising industry does not value experience. Ageism is a non-factor in other professional service industries: doctors, pilots, film directors, etc. Experience is valued, respected, and highly regarded in these industries. Why is advertising different?
As the agency world is finally waking up to the business benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion, remember that DEI also includes AGE.
#ageism #agencylife #agencygrowth #creativeagency #chemarville #leadership #themessage #strategicthinking #frankpalmer
Lucky you !!