The Diversity Issue Silicon Valley Isn't Trying To Fix: Age Discrimination

DEAD7

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The tech industry has recognized it isn't as welcoming to women or minorities as it should be, and is loudly taking steps to solve that issue. Major companies are now releasing diversity reports to highlight their efforts. But as Stephen Levy points out, none of them seem interested in doing something about a different diversity issue that's been pervading Silicon Valley for years: age discrimination. He says, "One company, Payscale, does supply some estimates. Looking at its numbers in 2012, Payscale noted, 'The typical tech employee wasn't around for the original release of Star Wars. And as of last year, the average age at Google was 30; at Facebook, 28; LinkedIn, 29, and Apple, 31. In comparison, the average age in more traditional tech industries like data processing or web publishing was almost 10 years higher than Silicon Valley/Internet firms. In my view, age information should be included in those diversity reports, to underline the need for change— and, even more important, those in charge of company cultures should view age diversity as a plus. Right now, that's not happening."
 

Red Shield

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Tech industry moves faster now than it did back then :manny:


old dudes are gonna have to be willing to move and take pay hits
 

TheDarceKnight

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I've noticed this even in the south. I work for a web design and SEO firm, and I'm 30 and out of 15 current employees I'm one of the 3-4 oldest people there. It's double 20-somethings at my job for the most part. A lot of people have come and gone too and they were the same. We've had older guys come in and interview and a question that always comes up is "How do you think they'll fit in with the culture here?"

On one hand I get it but I also know I'll be older one day and I'd hate to not be able to get a job because of my age. We did end up hiring a guy that was 60 but it's a sales gig and he's not in the office very much.

Tech industry moves faster now than it did back then :manny:


old dudes are gonna have to be willing to move and take pay hits

That's a big thing too. There seems to be an assumption that older people aren't as tech savvy (and obviously many aren't) or that even if they they just won't be able to keep up as much as someone that grew up surrounded by technology advancing at a faster pace.
 
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