10 Ways to Overcome Ageism While Job Hunting During Retirement

It’s never too late to start a new job. It’s estimated that, on average, a typical American worker now has more than ten jobs over the course of their lifetime. But unfortunately, whether you’re inspired to enter a new field or want a new job after you retire, one of the biggest obstacles to re-entering the workforce can be ageism.

This type of discrimination involves treating an applicant less favorably because of their age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people aged 40 or older. Yet, in reality, applicant age often affects employment opportunities because many recruiters and hiring managers still struggle with unconscious biases related to older workers.

Ageism in the modern workforce

Older people face stereotypes about their competency or intentions when entering the workforce. According to a recent AARP study, 90% of people pre-maturely pressured into retirement never make as much money again if they re-enter the workforce.

The same study found that 3 out of 5 older workers have experienced or seen age discrimination in the workplace. In addition, almost 25% of team members age 45 and older have heard negative comments about their age from coworkers or supervisors. And the large majority…