Breaking Through Ageism: Your Career Deserves More Than a Number
- Laura Leach
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
By Laura Leach, MPCC, SPCC, RCC
In my years as a career coach, I've watched ageism quietly destroy some of the most capable professionals I know. And it breaks my heart every single time.
October 9th marks Ageism Awareness Day—a day that shouldn't need to exist, but here we are. We're still living in a world where the year you graduated somehow matters more than what you've accomplished since.
The numbers tell part of the story: AARP estimates ageism costs our economy $850 billion annually. Behind those statistics are skilled professionals facing longer unemployment, missed opportunities, or unwanted retirement.
Here's what really gets me—workplace ageism is sneaky. It doesn't announce itself with obvious discrimination. Instead, it shows up when recruiting algorithms filter out candidates based on graduation dates rather than demonstrated abilities. It's there when "restructuring" decisions consistently target experienced employees first.
But I've also seen something hopeful. The professionals who not only survive but thrive throughout their careers? They consistently focus on three foundational elements: Purpose, Community, and Mobility.
Purpose changes everything. When you're clear about your purpose, age becomes irrelevant. Your decades of experience aren't a liability—they're proof of your ability to adapt and deliver results. Articulate what drives you, what problems you solve best, and what impact you want to make. When you lead with purpose, employers see capability, not age.
Community is your lifeline. Stay connected to professional associations, mentor younger colleagues (they need your wisdom), and maintain relationships across all generations. Here's something encouraging—younger workers are increasingly vocal about workplace inequities, and they can become powerful allies.
Mobility keeps you vital. I mean this in two ways. First, take care of your physical health. Get regular exercise, eat whole foods, and be aware of new preventive healthcare options. When you feel strong physically, you project confidence that transcends any age. Also, stay professionally agile. Update your skills, learn new technologies, and stay current with industry developments.
Lastly, your career doesn't have an expiration date unless you assign one. This narrative that professional relevance peaks at a certain age? It's not just wrong—it's economically destructive and personally devastating.
This Ageism Awareness Day, I'm asking you to take one concrete action. Have an honest conversation about age bias with someone in your network. Support organizations fighting age discrimination, or better yet, donate below! Remember, your experience matters. You matter!
Laura Leach is Board member of Phase2Careers and been a tireless advocate for our mission.
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