Age Is No Impediment to Achieving Career Success
Written on
Understanding the Income Ladder
Throughout my professional journey, I have collaborated with 25 companies across 18 distinct industries. Notably, I emphasize that I’ve worked “with” these organizations rather than “for” them. My focus was always on my own growth—if my efforts contributed to their success, that was an added benefit for them, but I typically reaped greater rewards.
In every role I undertook, I embraced ownership, whether it involved sweeping floors or maintaining cleanliness in restrooms—tasks I have performed. I’ve navigated assembly lines and high-pressure retail environments, often receiving inquiries from customers about whether I was the business owner.
At each position, I dedicated myself to absorbing every bit of knowledge about the organization. It’s likely I became a topic of discussion at many dinner tables, with comments like, “There’s this kid at work who keeps asking questions.” Indeed, my curiosity was insatiable, and that knowledge became invaluable. The more I learned, the more marketable I became to future employers.
In the video "Age Is No Barrier: What makes the difference for you? | Ava-Lillie Lee," the speaker highlights how age should not limit your career aspirations and discusses the impact of experience.
The Uneven Rungs of the Income Ladder
In the early stages of your career, promotions and salary increases tend to occur gradually. Initially, your work ethic and tenure are scrutinized more than your job-specific skills. However, as you accumulate experience and knowledge, opportunities for advancement start to present themselves more frequently.
It’s crucial to note that this doesn’t imply that the work itself becomes less challenging. In fact, as your responsibilities grow, so too does your stake in the outcomes of your efforts.
Today, the concept of labor has evolved; it's no longer solely associated with manual tasks, which are becoming less common. In our current landscape, knowledge is a powerful asset. For instance, writers on platforms like Medium illustrate this daily, as people are willing to invest in their insights.
Acquiring knowledge through hands-on experience cannot be replicated in a classroom setting. Age often brings a wealth of practical wisdom that is invaluable. Reading about playing the piano is one thing; mastering it requires practice at the keys.
Knowledge translates into increased earning potential. Many individuals spend their entire careers within a single organization. For example, the current CEO of Walmart began as a summer intern on loading docks while pursuing an MBA. After 20 years of dedication, he now holds the highest position in one of the world’s largest retail companies.
Taking Charge of Your Future
It’s essential to pause and evaluate your current situation. Many individuals find themselves in jobs they feel trapped in due to financial obligations like mortgages and childcare. Is this how you envision your future? Do you lie awake at night, anxious about potential job loss?
Are you being compensated fairly for your expertise? Often, individuals undervalue their worth because they are proficient in their roles. They fail to recognize that their skill set is built on knowledge and experiences that are often irreplaceable.
How valuable are you, truly? Be honest with yourself. Could someone with minimal experience step in and perform your job? If the answer is no, you possess significant value that may be worth more than what your current employer is offering.
Identifying Your True Worth
Consider the resume you submitted for your current role. Reflect on the experiences and responsibilities you have now compared to when you were hired. Unless you've been in your position for a very short time, there’s likely a notable difference in your value.
Utilize platforms like Glassdoor to check salaries for similar roles across the country. Are you earning what you deserve? If you find yourself in the lower salary range, document your contributions and present your case for advancement to your employer.
Replacing you would cost the company significantly in terms of onboarding and training a new employee. If your request is denied, it may be time to explore new opportunities. LinkedIn can be a great starting point for this search.
You don’t need to resign or neglect your duties—remember, your career is ultimately in your hands, not someone else’s.
Employers often fear losing competent employees, and this fear can work to your advantage. They stand to lose more without your contributions. We all resist change, preferring our comfort zones, but sometimes those zones may not be as beneficial as we think for our future or retirement.
Making connections discreetly within your industry can reveal job openings and opportunities that align with your skills.
Final Reflections
It’s true that some employers fail to recognize the value of older employees, which is both discriminatory and illegal. It’s your responsibility to showcase your worth. We don’t purchase products without knowing their benefits, and the same applies to hiring decisions.
As a former personnel manager, I always assessed whether a candidate would enhance the company. If the answer was affirmative, age was irrelevant in my decision-making process. Immediate contributions outweigh long-term training needs.
If you believe your age is hindering your progress, it’s time to shift that mindset. Today marks the beginning of your journey toward achieving your full potential.
I appreciate your time spent reading this. If you find value in my insights, I invite you to support me and other writers on Medium for just $5 a month, granting you unlimited access to a wealth of articles. Join my Medium family and enjoy the vast knowledge available.
Lastly, I extend my gratitude to my followers and subscribers; your engagement makes writing a rewarding experience. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive notifications for my new stories.
Check out Tom Egelhoff’s Amazon Best Selling Book, "How to Market, Advertise and Promote Your Business or Service in Your Own Backyard," and subscribe to my YouTube channel "The Art of Learning Small Town Business." Also, tune in to my weekly radio show, "Open For Business," every Saturday from 8 am to 11 am Mountain Time at kmmsam.com.