Act Your Age - Overcoming the Ageism Gap
by Trevor Calton
Age shouldn’t matter, but let’s be honest, sometimes it does.
Whether you’re:
- Too young to be taken seriously
- Too old to be considered “nimble”
- Or just feeling like you’re not the right age for the room...
You’ve probably felt it.
“Am I being passed over because of how old, or young, I am?”
You’re not imagining it. But you’re also not powerless.
Let’s Get One Thing Straight
Your age is not the problem. The story people attach to it is.
And the good news? You can rewrite that story.
If You’re Early in Your Career…
You might hear:
- “We’re looking for someone with more experience.”
- “You’re great, but this role might be too advanced.”
Don’t let that make you smaller.
Instead, show up like someone who:
- Learns fast
- Brings fresh perspective
- Adds energy and execution
- Owns their role without ego
You don’t have to pretend to know everything. You just need to own what you do know, and be hungry to learn more.
If You’re Later in Your Career…
You might hear:
- “You’re overqualified.”
- “This position isn’t really at your level.”
- “We’re concerned about salary expectations.”
That’s code for: “We’re not sure how you fit into our mold.”
Your job is to show that you bring:
- Experience without rigidity
- Leadership without ego
- Wisdom that solves real problems
- Adaptability backed by evidence
Show them you’re not here to take over, you’re here to contribute.
Control What You Can: Your Framing
When you speak about your age, speak from value, not defense.
Instead of: “I know I’m a bit older than others applying…”
Try: “Here’s what I’ve learned that helps me deliver outcomes faster.”
Instead of: “I just graduated, so I’m new to all of this…”
Try: “I bring a fresh lens and a quick learning curve, I’m ready to add value right away.”
People respond to the frame you create. So choose one that supports your story.
The Bottom Line
You can’t control bias, but you can control what you amplify.
Your job is to lead with:
- Clarity
- Competence
- Curiosity
- And confidence in what you bring to the table
Age is just a number. Your value is what you do with it.
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