Ageism in Tech: How to Overcome Pay, Bias Issues
Ageism in Tech: How to Overcome Pay, Bias Issues Dice Insights
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The Impact of Ageism in the Tech Industry
The tech industry thrives on innovation and disruption. Yet ageism remains a prime concern, and tech professionals over 50, a demographic brimming with experience and wisdom, often face significant hurdles in their careers. Layoffs, lower pay, and an undercurrent of bias can make it feel like the industry they helped build is pushing them out.
Studies show a clear issue across industries. In 2022, for instance, AARP reported roughly 80 percent of workers between the ages of 40 and 65 as having either witnessed or personally faced age discrimination at work. “This percentage represents the highest recorded by the organization since it began conducting polls on the issue among older adults in 2003,” the BBC helpfully added at the time.
Meanwhile, the tech industry is filled with younger workers, which can leave their older colleagues feeling pressured. “According to a recent CompTIA survey, workers over age 55 make up only 17 percent of technology professionals,” Builtin noted in a blog posting last year. “Tech industry companies skew even younger. The median age of workers at the top 18 firms in the industry has dropped to 31 and continues to fall, PayScale recently found.”
Strategies for Overcoming Ageism in the Tech Industry
Sharpen Your Skills, Showcase Your Relevance
- Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly. Commit to lifelong learning, which means taking online courses, attending workshops, and doing your best to stay updated on the latest trends in your field. Certifications are another great way to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying current.
- Focus on Soft Skills: Experience brings a wealth of soft skills (communication, problem-solving, leadership) that are invaluable in any team, no matter how rapidly technology evolves. Highlight these skills in your resume and during interviews; in the latter case, come prepared with stories about how you used your communication and teamwork abilities to deliver extraordinary results.
- Build a Strong Online Presence: Maintain active social-media profiles (such as on LinkedIn) that showcase your skills and experience. Regularly share insightful content related to your field. Network online and build connections with industry leaders.
Challenge Ageist Biases
- Resume Revamp: Tailor your resume for each position, focusing on relevant skills and accomplishments. Use keywords from the job description. Consider a skills-based resume that emphasizes your abilities over your entire work history.
- Confidence is Key: Project confidence during interviews. Age brings a wealth of experience, which you can use to your advantage. Highlight past successes and how you can contribute to the team.
- Fight Back Against Subtle Bias: If you encounter ageist questions in an interview, address them head-on. Focus on your qualifications and how your experience benefits the company.
Embrace New Opportunities
- Network Strategically: Target companies with a strong track record of valuing diversity and experience. Look for organizations with programs or initiatives focused on age inclusion.
- Consider Contract or Freelance Work: The gig economy offers flexibility for experienced tech professionals. Freelancing allows you to leverage your expertise while potentially earning a higher hourly rate.
- Become a Mentor: Share your knowledge with the next generation of tech talent. Mentorship allows you to stay connected to the industry, build relationships with younger professionals, and give back to the community.
Final Thoughts
- Ageism is Illegal: If you suspect ageism, document the situation and seek legal advice.
- Experience is an Asset: Don’t let age define your value. Your experience brings a unique perspective and problem-solving skills that younger colleagues may not possess.
- Stay Positive and Proactive: Don’t be discouraged by ageism. Focus on the things you can control, including your skills, experience, and attitude.
The tech industry needs experienced professionals with a proven track record. By staying relevant, challenging biases, and exploring new opportunities, tech professionals over 50 can overcome ageism and thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving field.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university. | Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issue of ageism in the tech industry is connected to SDG 8 as it focuses on promoting full and productive employment and decent work for all individuals, regardless of age.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The issue of ageism also relates to SDG 10 as it highlights the need to promote the social and economic inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of age.
SDG 4: Quality Education
While not directly mentioned in the article, SDG 4 is indirectly connected as it emphasizes the importance of equal access to education and training, which can help individuals stay relevant in the tech industry.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
This target is relevant as it addresses the need for equal employment opportunities and fair pay for individuals of all ages in the tech industry.
Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
This target is relevant as it highlights the importance of promoting the inclusion of individuals of all ages in the tech industry, regardless of their age.
Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
This target is indirectly relevant as it emphasizes the need for equal access to education and training, which can help individuals overcome ageism in the tech industry.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 8.5 by assessing the average hourly earnings of tech professionals of different age groups, including those over 50.
Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.2 by examining the proportion of individuals, including those over 50, who are living below 50 percent of the median income in the tech industry.
Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex
This indicator can be used to indirectly measure progress towards Target 4.3 by assessing the participation rate of individuals over 50 in formal and non-formal education and training programs in the tech industry.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university. | Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: dice.com
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