Ageism at work help

summerspring

BBH123 wrote: »

I did find out that a previously older person asked to be transferred to another dept as she was so fed up with it but I like the job.

It sounds like you are feeling isolated on the team, which is understandable. I don't think I could hack being surrounded by 20-somethings day in day out!

As a long-term possible solution I would ask the manager if they would consider employing older people next time a job is advertised. Otherwise it isn't very fair on the one person who is sitting there and has nothing in common with the rest of the team. I wonder why it is that the rest of the team are all so much younger? Is it a job that's usually done by younger people?

purpleshoes_2

missbiggles1 wrote: »

You sound as prejudiced as the people she works with. Unless she lives in a vacuum somewhere, the OP presumably watches current films and TV just like the rest of us, whether we're 20 or 80!

I'll be 48 in 3 years, I wonder if I should stop going to gigs because I'll be surrounded by youth who I won't be able to identify with.:rotfl:

I listen to a lot of 80s music, just my preference, I wouldnt listen to radio 1 if you paid me, its wall to wall rubbish.

No one should have to find a middle ground with people who are acting in an obnoxious fashion. Ive worked with and socialised with people who were a lot younger than me and a lot older than me.

We didnt sit around discussing the merits of one direction/the wanted/v the smiths/depeche mode/duran duran and the jesus and mary chain, age wasn't relevant because we just got on.

Its the nasty undercurrent to whats being said thats the issue, not that shes 48 and they are a lot younger, their manner is the problem.

meer53

I'm 57, i work in a team of 10 people, the average age is about 27. It doesn't bother me at all, i just accept the wisecracks, i know they love me really

Although it does help that i have a 14 year old ! I have no option but to keep up with all the latest music,films,tv etc !

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone ,

I don't want people to think it's just wise cracks it's the messing about aswell , it's like being at nursery school and there is little control. I actually get on well with them but want to do a good days work and I'm just getting a little tired of the quips and lack of control from a supervisor who seems
oblivious to the messing about whilst some are trying to work. It's interesting that some say just muck in with them and I do but I also want to work. Maybe it's not the place for me long term which is a shame as I enjoy the job.

fivetide

You enjoy the job so I would give a bit back. My boss used to tell me "I've got fillings older than you" and nearly 15 years since I left we are still friends.

If you are the top performer it is worth mentioning at any review "that's because I don't mess about all day". Never know, could be a promotion in it.

Indie_Kid

A

purpleshoes wrote: »

I'll be 48 in 3 years, I wonder if I should stop going to gigs because I'll be surrounded by youth who I won't be able to identify with.:rotfl:

Whereas I have the opposite issue - I'm 25 and tend to go gigs frequented by people old enough to be my parents.:o Although, I do tend to identify with them more.

Its the nasty undercurrent to whats being said thats the issue, not that shes 48 and they are a lot younger, their manner is the problem.

Agreed

cloudy-day

BBH123 wrote: »

Hi everyone ,

I don't want people to think it's just wise cracks it's the messing about aswell , it's like being at nursery school and there is little control. I actually get on well with them but want to do a good days work and I'm just getting a little tired of the quips and lack of control from a supervisor who seems
oblivious to the messing about whilst some are trying to work. It's interesting that some say just muck in with them and I do but I also want to work. Maybe it's not the place for me long term which is a shame as I enjoy the job.

Ah now thats different. If the Supervisor is oblivious how about a word to their boss?

Or a loud 'Blimey its like being at school....can you lot shut the f*** up and get on with your work? Don't you agree <insert supervisors name here>?'

Name and shame sometimes does it.

pickledonionspaceraider

cloudy-day wrote: »

Ah now thats different. If the Supervisor is oblivious how about a word to their boss?

Or a loud 'Blimey its like being at school....can you lot shut the f*** up and get on with your work? Don't you agree <insert supervisors name here>?'

Name and shame sometimes does it.

This, I think is the wrong way to deal with it unless you want to alienate yourself further.

No one likes an office tattle tale (I am not getting into the rights or wrongs, it's just the way it is). Don't shout or tell them what to do, unless you are in a supervisory position as otherwise you have no right to - and they know it.

Every office I have worked in, is like a clique - you either fit in, or you don't. I wouldn't take it personally OP

Stay focused on why you are there

cloudy-day

pickledonionspaceraider wrote: »

This, I think is the wrong way to deal with it unless you want to alienate yourself further.

No one likes an office tattle tale (I am not getting into the rights or wrongs, it's just the way it is). Don't shout or tell them what to do, unless you are in a supervisory position as otherwise you have no right to - and they know it.

Every office I have worked in, is like a clique - you either fit in, or you don't. I wouldn't take it personally OP

Stay focused on why you are there

Well if your other option is leaving then this is how I would do it.

But then I'm a mouthy cow with no time for the lazy!

swingaloo

gfplux wrote: »

First step, tell your work mates politely and firmly you don't like that type of banter or bullying.
If that does not do the trick tell your line manager you feel you are being bullied and discriminated against.
If you are the top performer he will look after you.[/QUOTE]


Sorry but I think thats a sure fire way to isolate yourself and cause ill feeling amongst the very people you have to work with.

Im 62 and work in an environment with both male and females, the majotiry of whom are on the 18-30 age range. Ive been there 6 years so was no chicken when I started. Ive stayed on past retirement because I love the job.

Im the eldest person employed by the company, the next eldest
is 18 years younger than me so still quite a gap. The work can be quite physical but I can match any of the workforce achieving the targets (otherwise I would call it a day and leave).

I honestly have never had any negativity about my age. At breaks in the canteen the girls tend to form groups and there are one or two groups I wouldnt choose to join as they dont tend to interact with me much but I can join the majority of the girls without a problem.

My boss described me once as being like 'everybodys favourite auntie'. I dont get involved in any 'nights out' with any of them but enjoy having a laugh about the things that have gone on when they go out. I dont feel I get left out of things or treated any differently because of my age.