Systematic Exclusion Of 50+ From The Workplace Requires Action

by Sheila Callaham at forbes.com

Social belonging is a fundamental human need, hardwired into our DNA. In fact, a neuroimaging study shows that social pain is similar to physical pain, which means that social exclusion is damaging because it creates emotional, mental and physical pain.

    As destructive as social exclusion can be to an individual, the impact of exclusion when it is directed to a group of people has negative consequences that extend across society. Which is why the systematic exclusion of people over 50 from the workplace must be acknowledged and addressed.

    For almost two years, I’ve been researching and writing about the topic of age and aging in the workplace. 
 

It's easy to think that taking a lower-level position means putting the brakes on your career track or even taking a step back. But in fact, there can be a lot to gain with such a decision.

    Sometimes, you have to take a step back in order to take a step forward in your career. There are a number of practical reasons to why taking a lower-level position makes sense.
 

You’ve updated your LinkedIn profile for the one-millionth time but nada, nothing, zilch. No one is contacting you. What if I told you that having a dazzling profile is just one small part of getting found on LinkedIn.

    Sure, you need to have a keyword-rich profile. But in order to expand the reach of your LinkedIn profile, you’ll have to become active and actually use LinkedIn.

    But what kinds of stuff should you post on LinkedIn?
 

Since the pandemic first crossed our shores, all of us — Baby Boomers and everyone else — has had to learn things about our society, and perhaps about ourselves, that we wish we’d never had to learn. Some are consequential, some are frivolous. That’s what led BoomerCafé’s co-founder and executive editor Greg Dobbs to think through what he has learned during the pandemic.

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The end of the year typically is a time of reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the new year about to start. It’s also a time to reflect on yourself – where you’ve been, where you’re at and where you hope to be, over the course of the new year.

    It’s not uncommon for many job seekers – especially older job seekers – to find some “holes” in their soul searching. Here we’re talking about “holes” in the sense of shortcomings or areas that may need improvement.

    Whether or not this applies to you, it’s a good time to reflect on the concept of life-long learning. Most of us by now have accepted the fact – and many have been practicing this for years – that learning does not stop when you walk across that stage degree, diploma or certificate in hand. Learning is something that happens throughout our entire lives. It’s something that never really stops.

    As legendary basketball coach John Wooden said, ““It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” 

    Fortunately never before has learning something – anything – new been faster, easier, less expensive, more accessible, etc., etc. Even during the dark days of the pandemic, online learning is readily available through libraries, community colleges and universities.

    For many older learners (exact age will vary with geography and institution,) there are non-degree courses at many universities which are actually free. Just find the one(s) you want and/or need and sign up.

    Like everything else in your job search, life-long learning is a proactive undertaking. The more proactive you are on all levels, the more successful you will be.