Many Americans in their 80s are turning to self-employment or starting businesses due to age-related job rejection and financial instability, with some viewing entrepreneurship as a way to find purpose and supplement income, despite the risks and challenges involved.
Jamie Lee Curtis is preparing to retire from Hollywood, motivated by witnessing her parents' careers decline due to age discrimination, although she remains active in her career and values her experiences and relationships in the industry.
More Americans, especially those over 75, are working well past retirement age due to financial struggles, longer life expectancy, and changes in the nature of work. Many older workers face challenges in finding suitable employment, with some experiencing age discrimination. The shift away from traditional pensions and the potential depletion of the Social Security trust fund further exacerbate the situation. As the workforce ages, there is a growing need for workplaces to adapt to the needs of older workers and for investment in retraining and hybrid work models to support the transition to retirement.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated ageism and prejudice against older adults, leading to neglect in care and a lack of outrage over the high death toll among seniors. Experts believe that the pandemic reinforced negative stereotypes about older people, contributing to a hostile environment and a lack of concern for their well-being. They emphasize the need to change societal attitudes about aging and integrate older adults into the community, recognizing their valuable contributions and addressing the challenges of caring for an aging population.
Al Sobotka, a longtime Zamboni driver for the Detroit Red Wings, has filed a lawsuit alleging age and disability discrimination after being fired for urinating in a drain due to a medical condition. He claims that the Red Wings' parent company engaged in a cover-up and that the decision to fire him was made by executives who were not familiar with his case. Despite his 51-year career with the team, including iconic traditions like spinning octopi over his head, Sobotka feels he was treated unfairly and is seeking justice through legal action.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Meathead Movers, a moving company in California, alleging age discrimination in its hiring practices. The EEOC claims that the company intentionally excluded workers over the age of 40 and favored young college students. The lawsuit comes after failed settlement negotiations, with the EEOC initially seeking $15 million in damages. Meathead Movers denies any wrongdoing and states that they are open to hiring anyone of any age who can perform the job. This legal clash may lead to more enforcement actions against companies targeting younger workers and prompt rebranding efforts to avoid legal challenges.
Meathead Movers, a California-based moving company known for its young and fit employees, is being sued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for age discrimination. The EEOC alleges that the company's marketing and hiring practices discourage older workers from applying. Meathead Movers denies the allegations, stating that the job is physically demanding and requires individuals in top shape. The EEOC has been investigating the company since 2017 and is seeking a settlement of around $5 million. Advocates for older Americans applaud the agency's efforts to combat age discrimination in the workforce.
California moving company Meathead Movers is facing a lawsuit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for allegedly violating age-discrimination laws. The company, known for using young, physically fit workers, is accused of failing to recruit and hire workers over the age of 40. The case highlights the Biden administration's focus on addressing age discrimination in the workforce. Meathead Movers and the EEOC attempted to negotiate a settlement, with the agency initially seeking $15 million before lowering it to $5 million, while the company offered $750,000. The outcome of the case will shed light on how antidiscrimination laws will be approached under the new administration.
Former HP employees who were over 40 and laid off during the company's split in 2015 have won an $18 million settlement after a seven-year legal battle. The employees accused HP and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) of age discrimination, claiming that older staff were unfairly targeted for layoffs. The settlement, which still denies any admission of guilt from HP and HPE, was filed without opposition from the companies. If approved, each of the 358 plaintiffs in the California case could receive a minimum of $15,000 in net individual recovery.
Career coaches provide advice on various workplace dilemmas, including knowing when to step back from a job to advance education and earning potential, how to talk about an in-between career state without shame or criticism, dealing with a boss who treats you differently due to political beliefs, strategies for reentering the workforce when facing age discrimination, and tips for navigating tricky workplace situations.
In China, many millennials are facing the "curse of 35," where they are considered too old for certain job opportunities. This age discrimination is prevalent in the tech industry and other sectors, with job listings and recruitment sites explicitly stating age limits. The Chinese government also excludes candidates above 35 for civil servant positions. The issue is compounded for women who face gender discrimination and pressure related to maternity leave. Legal reform is seen as the best solution to address ageism and gender inequality in the workplace.
In this Work Friend advice column, readers seek guidance on various workplace issues. One person wonders how to decline being a reference for a former co-worker who performed poorly, while another questions the legality of employers asking for age-related information during job applications. A reader seeks advice on dealing with a colleague who has become exclusionary and petty, while another raises concerns about a delayed retirement plan match at their nonprofit organization. The columnist provides insights and suggestions for navigating these workplace challenges.
In China, the age of 35 is considered a turning point for workers, as many companies believe they lose their appeal and productivity after this age. Age discrimination in hiring is not illegal, with most civil servant positions explicitly stating job openings are for those 35 and under. Younger workers are favored due to being less expensive and more willing to work overtime. This trend is particularly apparent in the tech industry, where developers over 35 are considered too old to handle demanding work schedules. The job market for older workers has become increasingly challenging, leading to frustration and a sense of hopelessness among those affected.
In China, there is a widespread belief known as the Curse of 35, which suggests that white-collar workers face job insecurity after reaching that age. This age discrimination is prevalent in the job market, exacerbating the weak employment situation and impacting decisions regarding career, marriage, and children. The phenomenon has gained attention as the post-pandemic economic rebound in China has stalled. The job market is highly competitive, leading to delayed marriages and a declining birthrate. Older workers, particularly those in their mid-30s, are experiencing age discrimination for the first time, making it difficult for them to find stable employment and plan for the future.
A group of 17 former MLB scouts filed a lawsuit against the league, its 30 teams, and commissioner Rob Manfred, alleging age discrimination. The scouts, whose ages range from 55 to 71, claim that they lost their jobs due to their age and that MLB and its teams have prevented the reemployment of older scouts. The lawsuit seeks class action status and cites federal and state laws. MLB declined to comment but stated that it looks forward to refuting the claims in court.