Experience Is an Asset: Learnings from Our Ageism Awareness Day Roundtable

Last Friday on 10/9/26, I brought members of the Phase2Careers community together for a roundtable discussion in recognition of Ageism Awareness Day. My goal was to have an honest, thought-provoking conversation about the challenges experienced professionals face in today's workplace, what concerns them most, and how we can raise awareness while helping one another stay competitive. I wanted to share some of the insights and lessons from that conversation with our broader community.

Experience should make us more employable, not hold us back.

We started by discussing the value experienced professionals bring to an organization. Years of work mean a breadth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and lessons learned that can be applied to new challenges. Experienced professionals have often faced similar situations before, giving them the confidence to hit the ground running. As one sentiment captured the discussion: "I've got this. I've done it before."

Lifelong learning is also essential. Experience doesn't mean being stuck in the past; it means building on what you've learned while remaining open to new ideas, tools, and ways of working.

Staying current means staying engaged

Our members shared how they're keeping their skills sharp and remaining competitive. They're taking classes, particularly in AI; joining industry groups and attending events; networking; and using resources from organizations like Phase2Careers to strengthen their LinkedIn profiles, resumes, and interviewing skills.

AI was a significant part of the conversation. For many Baby Boomers and Gen X professionals, AI represents a new learning curve after careers built long before these tools became commonplace. There's a genuine desire to embrace AI and use it to improve productivity, balanced with a concern about maintaining authenticity and ensuring the work still reflects their own voice, experience, and thinking. The takeaway? Keep learning, experiment with new tools, and use AI to enhance—not replace—your expertise.

Job search is a process that requires patience

Perhaps the most valuable discussion centered on what we've learned and the advice we'd offer others by navigating a job search or career change later in their careers. Patience and humility matter. So do self-care and balance. A job search can easily become a full-time occupation, but taking breaks and protecting your well-being are essential to avoiding burnout.

Volunteering is another way to put your skills to work, contribute to a meaningful cause, build connections, and even add relevant experience to your resume. And above all, don't underestimate the power of networking and community. We can learn from one another, share opportunities, and provide encouragement when the process feels discouraging.

Our roundtable reinforced something important: Experienced professionals have tremendous value to offer, but staying competitive requires continued learning, adaptability, confidence, and connection. Employers need to recognize the strengths that experience brings, and we must continue to advocate for ourselves and one another.

Let's Change the Conversation About Experience

Experience should open doors, not close them. It's time for employers to look beyond age and recognize the skills, perspective, adaptability, and value experienced professionals bring to the workplace. And it's time for experienced professionals to continue investing in themselves, sharing their knowledge, and advocating for their worth.

We all have a role to play in challenging ageism. Start a conversation, question an outdated assumption, share your experience, or encourage an employer to rethink how they evaluate talent. Together, we can help build a workplace where ability and potential matter more than age.

What is one thing you believe employers should understand about the value of experienced professionals? Share your thoughts and help keep this important conversation going.

You Don't Have to Navigate Your Career Journey Alone

Phase2Careers is here to help. We provide experienced professionals aged 40 and older with free resources, workshops, coaching, networking opportunities, and a supportive community to help them navigate today's job market and take their next career step. Whether you're looking for a new role, considering a career change, or working to strengthen your skills and professional network, you don't have to figure it all out on your own.

Learn more about Phase2Careers and explore our free resources at www.Phase2Careers.org.

Together, we can help experienced professionals recognize their value, connect with new opportunities, and show employers why experience matters.

Footnote: One attendee described the forum as inspiring. We welcome opportunities to share the experiences of individuals who have attended orientation meetings and explore how career transitions have impacted their lives.

Ron Visconti is the Founder and Executive Director of Phase2Careers.  He facilitated a discussion with Ann Greenhaw, President of Phase2Careers’ Board of Directors for Ageism Awareness Day on 10/9/26

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