Dear Tech Community,

Let's address a critical issue that often goes unspoken: ageism. For many of us who have reached the milestone of 50, ageism is not just an abstract concept—it's a daily reality. It's the disappointment of seeing our dreams hindered, our skills undervalued, and our self-worth questioned by recruiters or hiring managers who dismiss us based solely on our age.

While I am not deeply immersed in social media, I feel compelled to raise my voice now because ageism is taking a toll on us—not just figuratively, but mentally and emotionally. The confidence drops, the crashes in self-esteem, the sense of invisibility—it’s all too real.

I urge everyone, especially Millennials and Gen Z, to stand as allies. Understand that career breaks or advancing age do not equate to a lack of skills, drive, or passion. We are talking about individuals with a wealth of experience and wisdom, ready to contribute meaningfully.

The journey has been challenging. The constant stream of rejection emails has, at times, made me question my worth. However, I realized that these experiences are shared by many who feel discarded, undervalued, and overlooked.

Despite the difficulties, these challenges have ignited a passion within me—a passion to drive change, advocate for others, and hopefully spark a movement that champions diversity in all its forms, including age.

I reach out not with bitterness but with hope and a mission. Let us come together, challenge the norms, and redefine what it means to be a tech professional at any age.

I would like to invite everyone to engage in open conversations, both online and offline. Let's address this pressing issue head-on and work together to find solutions that benefit us all. Remember, we were all once teenagers, young adults, and as life went on, we entered middle adulthood and faced different challenges. Aging should never be a barrier; it should be an opportunity to share wisdom and experience with younger generations. We appreciate the younger generations for their compassion and willingness to make the world a better place. Together, we can do it!

To anyone feeling overlooked or undervalued, remember this: You are not alone. Together, we stand ready to rise, advocate, and make a significant impact.

About the Author: Colette 't Hart is the Co-Founder and CEO of Idonea, a pioneering recruitment platform leveraging semantic ontology and AI-powered matching engines to eliminate unconscious bias and empower businesses to build diverse, high-performing teams. A seasoned tech entrepreneur, UX specialist, and DEI advocate, Colette has decades of experience transforming complex challenges into innovative, user-focused solutions. Passionate about redefining recruitment, she is committed to fostering equitable hiring practices and revolutionizing how talent and opportunity connect. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

‍