64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
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Re: 64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
#2[deleted]
Re: 64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
#3Heartbreaking. I'm only partially in what could be considered tech, but I constantly try to move groups in my industry every few years to constantly pick up new skills. I honestly think I have enough random skills now: databases, programming, systems integration, mastery of a variety of common industry tools, project leadership, specific domain theory and understanding of the math that underlays my industry. However, is it enough and if the whole industry fades, where do I go next?
Re: 64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
#4Heartbreaking. I'm only partially in what could be considered tech, but I constantly try to move groups in my industry every few years to constantly pick up new skills. I honestly think I have enough random skills now: databases, programming, systems integration, mastery of a variety of common industry tools, project leadership, specific domain theory and understanding of the math that underlays my industry. However,…
The problem with tech is that if you did something just a few years ago you are considered "outdated" and this experience doesn't count. For example I wrote heavy duty C++ code until 2012 for more than 10 years but during interviews I often get zero credit for this experience. "You haven't used C++ 17".
Re: 64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
#5I feel for this guy. Ageism is completely real and mostly missing from D&I initiatives.
However there is a 2nd lesson to be learned here. Why in the world does he not have any savings at 64? The article is scant on details, but does mention he was in the computer industry from his 20s, and raised his son, say, until roughly his 40s. That leaves 20 prime years of earning power w/o savings? Something is amiss.
To me this is the lesson learned. If you're in the IT space, live way below your means. Most of us should be earning fantastic salaries and saving it for the day when the same industry that called us "Rock Stars" dumped us as fast as one leaving their 15 minutes (read: years) of fame.
Re: 64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
#6I feel for this guy. Ageism is completely real and mostly missing from D&I initiatives. However there is a 2nd lesson to be learned here. Why in the world does he not have any savings at 64? The article is scant on details, but does mention he was in the computer industry from his 20s, and raised his son, say, until roughly his 40s. That leaves 20 prime years of earning power w/o savings? Something is amiss. To me th…
"If you're in the IT space, live way below your means."
That translates to: "If you're in a high paying, in demand field, save more aggressively than if you're in a low paying field with limited opportunities"
Honestly, those in the IT field should be able to get away with saving a bit below recommended levels, in part because pay is higher, in part because demand is growing with no signs of slowing down. It's all those other people who should be saving more aggressively!
Re: 64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
#7Work-to-hire needs to be more prevalent. Start this guy off as a janitor so he can work his way up. No American feels above mopping floors, in case you, hiring manager, were unaware. Source: unemployed techie who gardens and moves in Silicon Valley, for people who would love to hire me if they had a computer job and is dodged by recruiters.
Re: 64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
#8The population of this town is 6,300 [1]. This area of Canada is not known for tech (at all). I totally feel for this guy, it must totally suck, but moving might be a good option too. Or, try starting a business or remote work, if you have to live there. These are all hard things to do, but if you are really down and out, all options should be on the table. Or, look for something in a different line of work, where maybe you can leverage your tech skills? I know this isn't what the thread it about, as age is a major theme here. But, this seems like a little clickbait given there are likely not many jobs in this town. You could likely burn though all the job postings in a few days. I know this comes across as totally tone deaf too.
Re: 64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
#9Heartbreaking. I'm only partially in what could be considered tech, but I constantly try to move groups in my industry every few years to constantly pick up new skills. I honestly think I have enough random skills now: databases, programming, systems integration, mastery of a variety of common industry tools, project leadership, specific domain theory and understanding of the math that underlays my industry. However,…
The problem with tech is that if you did something just a few years ago you are considered "outdated" and this experience doesn't count. For example I wrote heavy duty C++ code until 2012 for more than 10 years but during interviews I often get zero credit for this experience. "You haven't used C++ 17".
Seriously? Like how hard is it to go from C++ prior to 2012 or whatever to 2017? Would it take you a couple of months to get up to speed on the features in 2014 & 2017 that they're actually using? I can understand giving you a bit less credit than someone with up to date experience, but zero? It makes me so glad I'm not a developer.
Re: 64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant
#10I feel for this guy. Ageism is completely real and mostly missing from D&I initiatives. However there is a 2nd lesson to be learned here. Why in the world does he not have any savings at 64? The article is scant on details, but does mention he was in the computer industry from his 20s, and raised his son, say, until roughly his 40s. That leaves 20 prime years of earning power w/o savings? Something is amiss. To me th…
Divorce or family illness are two things you can't plan for, either one of which could wipe you out no matter how much you saved.