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You know how it works: The tech industry is for the young. Imagine a Google employee and you picture someone well under 40-years-old, probably in their mid-20s. It’s not a myth, but the dark secret of the tech industry is that your services are no longer welcome — regardless of how well you code — after you reach a certain age.
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\nWhile little can be done to fight this perception in the industry, as a culture we can do more to train engineers.<\/p>\n
Engineers out of college are enthusiastic. They’re eager to join an energetic, fast-paced, and growing industry. They work hard, long hours, they’re thrilled to be a part of it. No one in that position thinks that they’re going to get older and their services become less desired.<\/p>\n
Some kids burn out. That happens a lot. Others keep plowing away, completely unaware that their age is making them less and less desirable. Eventually, they get the pink slip. Worse: They can’t find new work at any company due to their age. While this discrimination is illegal, the high tech companies get away with it in various, sneaky ways.<\/p>\n
The article recommends that aged tech workers — which means people over 40 — can still find value in their work. Consulting, entrepreneurship, and other options are always available. I write books and do training. That’s because I’m wise enough to know that no matter how excited I’d be to join a tech company, regardless of my skills, my application wouldn’t percolate to the top of the pile.<\/p>\n