My father, who is retired, told me that, from his own experience, it’s very difficult to get promoted once you hit age 40. I feel stressed about my career prospects, because I am approaching age 38. Any thoughts or advice?
I wouldn’t know, but when I get there myself, I’ll tell you. (What? What’s so funny?) You may have misunderstood your dad — which can happen at your advanced age of 37. He may have been referring to a law Congress passed in 1967, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. This act actually protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from discrimination, with respect to any term, condition or privilege of employment — including hiring, firing, promotion, layoff, compensation, benefits, job assignments and training. Despite this law, some people over 40 blame any adverse employment action on their age. The fact is, 40 may have been considered “old” in employment terms a half-century ago when the law was written, but it’s a ridiculous threshold today and needs to be revised. So you can stress out if you believe you’ve only got two or three good years left in you . . . or you can focus on being a productive employee and a pleasure to work with — someone who has talent and enjoy many more years of career growth.
I’m a woman in my 20s interested in having a successful career. There is always so much being written about how women can be successful in the workplace, find balance, act like a man (or don’t act like a man), etc. What advice do you have?
My advice is gender-neutral. Be really talented at what you do, and never stop acquiring new skills. Pay attention, and always look for ways to make yourself relevant and add value. Look and dress the part of success and confidence. Be self-aware and collegial — and don’t be a jerk. Do what you love, take charge of your career and don’t wait silently and hope someone will notice. This combined with a little good fortune, and you’ll be well on your way to a long, successful, happy career — man or woman. Good luck!