I am 64 years old and recently retired — but not by my own choice. I was an advertising exec for many years and have been unable to find comparable work. Fortunately, I don’t need a big income any longer but I do want to continue working. I applied for a sales clerk position at a major department store, and at one point the interviewer asked how I would feel about taking direction from a much younger boss. I said that wouldn’t be a problem. I didn’t get the job, and I can’t help but feel like my age had something to do with it. What do you think?
It’s impossible to know what the reasons were for your rejection — and not fair to speculate. But I can say this objectively: It is inappropriate if not unlawful to make a reference to your age in the interview — and certainly to make an employment decision based on someone’s age.
All that aside, keep at it. While you’re unlikely to get hired at Juicy Couture or Victoria’s Secret, most large mass retailers have employees representing a broad cross-section of the work-force demographic. Present a positive, polished, customer-service oriented disposition, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities in retail. Good luck.
A co-worker of mine is under investigation, and I’ve been told that I have to cooperate and be interviewed for what I may know about the situation. I’m no snitch and don’t want to participate. What are my rights?
You have the right not to be a “snitch” and not cooperate. Your employer also has the right to fire you for not cooperating and telling them what you know. Listen, I know that in our pop culture being a “snitch,” “rat” or the more genteel “informant” is often associated with unsympathetic characters, but we’re not talking about double-crossing your mob boss here to save your own skin from being a guest of the state. We’re talking about a shared obligation to ensure that your workplace is free from unethical, unscrupulous, unlawful behavior that threatens the company and everyone’s livelihood. So you have a choice to make.