Agism in UK?
 

I am considering a move back to UK. I am currently pursuing a new career path in US as a speech language pathologist. There is reciprocity between UK and US with a grad degree in this field. My question is I will be about 50 when I get my Masters and that is degree required to work in UK. At age 50 if I were to move back to UK would I find it hard to get work due to my age. Or will I already have been put out to pasture? There is a huge shortage in both countries in this field..I know there is age discrimination everywhere I only ask about UK as I have been gone for 25 years and left when I was 22..

Re: Agism in UK?
 

I was 54 when I came back. I had no trouble getting a job as a production editor for a major publisher. Obviously I can't speak for your field, but believe me, there are plenty of young 'uns applying for the same position I'm in, so if ageism was happening, I'm sure my CV would've been binned when they saw the date of my bachelor's degree. :blink:

Flea's OH also just got a job and (no offense meant) he's no spring chicken.

Re: Agism in UK?
 

PMSL :rofl::rofl: I just said to him "Sarah reckons you're no spring chicken" He's sulking now :lol:

Hi Fulwood

Mr Flea is 50. Dont worry about your age. He has just accepted a job offer, turned one down, has 4 more interviews lined up which he is going to cancel and also has work lined up with 2 agencies until he starts his permanent post.
I dont think age is an issue here, especially if you are in a field short of candidates.

Re: Agism in UK?
 

:o

Re: Agism in UK?
 

Dont worry, he thinks hes cute now, i told him hes the cutest 50yr old i ever met. His chest has puffed up :D

Men and egos!! :lol:

Re: Agism in UK?
 

I think it can depend on what field you are in ... and I really don't know about SLT ... but I think some employers would rather have a mature employee (rightly or wrongly, I think there is a perception that maturity brings a better work ethic and sense of responsibility). I also think it depends on whether you have the appropriate level of professional experience for a person your age. In academia, a middle-aged applicant with limited research publications might be looked at as having not progressed, for example.

Re: Agism in UK?
 

Also, I think it depends on if you decide to work contract or look for a permanent job. In my field, there are plenty of 12 month contracts (which I prefer) and no one seems to care about age. Trying to find a staff position may be harder but none of my friends who have returned seem to have had a problem.

Re: Agism in UK?
 

thanks everyone for your responses. it's given me hope..

Re: Agism in UK?
 

I think if you judge yourself negatively or are nervous about your age, it might pre empt an potential employers perception because they'll pick up vibes from you. If you are really confident and good at what you do, you'll be snapped up. I'm an employer. I'd far rather go for the older and wiser selection than the younger less experienced crew. Good luck with everything anyway. Get a good makeover if you're a bit shy and try and present yourself as a confident, able minded and switched on individual.

I think you're worrying too much anyway. If anything I think we've now gone in the opposite direction of needing and preferring age and experience.