I have noticed that my children and their friends have been saying that I am cute. I am 56 years old, silver haired, over weight and for the first time since toddler hood – cute. I think this is in part due to the fact that I am an admitted fan of Lady Gaga. Older moms liking pop divas is cute.
I do love Lady Gaga tunes on my iPod when I am working out at the gym. I also like the Black Eyed Peas, The Killers and some selected Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and the club versions of many other pop tunes. I
My lovely son called me after his first day of classes and was complaining a bit about an “old man” who was in one of his advanced math classes who, apparently, had not taken algebra very recently and held the class up asking some really basic questions. He praised the man for going back to school to pursue his degree, but hoped that the entire class would not be held back due to his ancient algebra skills.
The conversation moved on to my frustration with my job search and the fact that I applied for a second time for a job that had been re-posted. A job which I have the perfect qualifications and skills for, but it is obviously for a youth focused company. It is behind the scenes but I am sure there is concern whether I would fit in. The do not know I am cute and cool.
My son expressed outrage at this. I pointed out that it was no different than his attitude about the “old man” in his math class. How old was he? He sounded sheepish. I understand that young people have an attitude about older people. As an older person who really needs to work, that discrimination is damned frustrating and virtually impossible to fight. I do believe that I could make a good case for myself given the chance to interview. In 11 months I have had 1 phone interview.
I am the same age as Oprah. How many employers would pass on the opportunity to hire Oprah? If they looked at her resume blind, based on her age, they probably would.
3 comments:
How frustrating. And of course there's no way to prove age discrimination in this case. I'm crossing my fingers that something will come along soon!
Better to be thought cute than embarassing.
If only those people would just talk to you. Good luch with the job search.
You know, I've been pondering my gray roots lately...but I don't feel middle-aged. I love Lady Gaga, top 40 music, and trendy (ish) clothes (with the caveat being that comfort trumps fashion). Old is a state of mind!
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