I have heard similar stories from many others who have called or written my office in recent months. In addition, I have heard from the families of some of the college students who have flocked to computer science departments in recent years. These families worry about jobs being there when the students graduate in 2001 and beyond. Many of us are troubled by the possibility that when industry says it is desperate for information technology workers, it may only be desperate for overseas workers. Some view middle-aged Americans with a wealth of expertise either as too expensive, not worth retraining, or too old.
Age discrimination is rampant. . . .
At job fairs many older people, myself included, are rudely treated by young recruiters from human resources. In one blatant case, I saw a recruiter from a major local computer manufacturer and software firm refuse to talk to anyone who looked over 35. Resumes from older people were tossed in one pile. Resumes from younger people were put in another . . . . I watched for a while and wished I'd had a hidden video camera.