Millennials face ageism in tech industry
Recently, foreign media "Business Insider" reported that millennials are facing increasingly serious age discrimination in the technology industry. One millennial woman with 20 years of software development experience said she used to get regular interviews but now doesn’t even get a single call back. The experience of this 38-year-old software engineer is not unique. Many technology practitioners in their 30s and 40s feel the pressure of being marginalized by the industry.
The technology industry has always been known for its youthfulness, and many companies pursue a "young" and "innovative" corporate culture. However, the Millennials, who were originally regarded as the "younger generation", are now regarded as "obsolete". Companies tend to recruit younger and more energetic employees, believing that they are more innovative and can more easily adapt to a rapidly changing technological environment. This bias has led to neglect and even direct discrimination against older employees; the same situation is even more obvious in the encryption industry.
Some experts pointed out that this phenomenon reflects the technology industry’s age stereotypes. On the one hand, companies believe that younger employees are more familiar with new technologies and more receptive to new ideas; on the other hand, they believe that older employees lack flexibility and find it difficult to adapt to new work models. Additionally, payroll costs are also a factor. Younger employees are often willing to accept lower salaries, while senior employees usually demand higher salaries.
How ageism affects the future of tech
Age discrimination not only harms individuals, it can also have a negative impact on the future of the entire industry. Senior practitioners bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the team, bringing valuable insights and leadership. Ignoring these talents may lead to knowledge gaps and weaken the competitiveness of enterprises.
However, because it is difficult to prove that they have been subjected to "sex discrimination", many victims choose to remain silent or are forced to change careers. This phenomenon not only limits personal career development, but also causes the technology industry to lose opportunities for diversification.
Industry experts call on companies to recognize the value of diverse teams and abandon age bias. Only in this way can we ensure the sustainable development of the technology industry and provide fair opportunities for professionals of all ages. At the same time, governments and industrial organizations should also strengthen supervision to ensure that companies comply with the principles of fair employment.
How should corresponding countermeasures be formulated?
To combat age discrimination in the tech industry, companies and individuals alike need to take proactive steps.
On the corporate side, a more inclusive recruitment and promotion system should be established to ensure that employees of all ages have the opportunity to develop their talents. This includes providing ongoing training and development opportunities to encourage employees to keep their skills updated.
For individuals, continuous learning and adaptation are key. Stay current on emerging technologies and industry trends and continually enhance your skill set. In addition, building strong professional networks and participating in industry events and communities can also help increase employment opportunities.
All in all, age should not be a criterion for assessing a person’s worth. Whether it is the technology industry or the encryption industry, professionals of all ages need to work together to continue to innovate and progress. Only by abandoning age prejudice can we bring a brighter future to the industry.