News & Trending Jobs & Career News

9 Signs Your Boss Is Ageist (And What To Do About It)

Age discrimination is illegal, but it can still crop up for older employees in the workforce.

senior business woman having headache
Updated Dec. 17, 2024
Fact checked

Finding and keeping a job as an older American isn’t always easy. While it’s illegal to treat a job applicant differently due to their age — the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 strictly forbids this — it still happens.

That reality can be challenging for those trying to find a job, or hoping they advance in their career so they can move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.

Fortunately, you have tools at your disposal to combat age discrimination. Here are some signs that your boss might be ageist — and what you can do to combat the issue.

Get paid up to $225 a month while watching viral videos

Instead of sitting around watching viral videos on YouTube, you could be getting paid actual cash taking surveys for InboxDollars instead.

It's simple. You sign up here and confirm your email. Then you watch videos and take surveys. Then you earn cash (yes, actual cash … not "points"). Log in during your spare time and see how you can earn up to an extra $225 every month.

BONUS: Free $5 when you sign up, confirm your email and phone.

Sign up and start getting paid today

Signs of an ageist boss

Andrey Popov/Adobe stressed female employee at office

Recognizing signs of ageism in your boss is the key to combating the problem. An ageist boss might:

  • Give older employees a shot at new learning opportunities while older employees are excluded.
  • Overlook older employees for special assignments.
  • Unfairly assign older employees tedious tasks.
  • Leave older employees out of meetings or company activities.
  • Use coded words in job listings. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) lists phrases such as “young,” “energetic,” and “recent graduate” in job ads as being potentially discriminatory.
  • Try to pressure older employees to retire.
  • Overlook older employees for raises and promotions.
  • Assume that older workers don’t understand technology.
  • Replace older workers with younger ones.

Solutions for dealing with an ageist boss

Wesley/peopleimages.com/Adobe businessman shaking hand with colleague

It may be a deeply unpleasant thought but don’t assume your boss is immune to ageism.

If you notice signs of ageism, even if they aren't directed at you, don't dismiss them. Acknowledge that it could happen to anyone, and stay vigilant against discriminatory practices.

Here are some options for dealing with an ageist boss.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Voice your concerns to the boss or human resources

Tinashe N/peopleimages.com/Adobe senior woman interviewing female candidate

This is the most direct option available to you. If you feel you are being treated differently, speaking up is important.

You don’t necessarily have to address your age with the boss, but you should at least express that you want to take on more responsibility or feel more like you are contributing to the team.

If you are uncomfortable raising your concerns with the boss, consider going to human resources. Just remember that the law is on your side.

Document everything

Cozine/Adobe documents stack with black paper clips

If you suspect you are being discriminated against because of your age, it’s important to document everything thoroughly.

Note dates, times, and people involved in ageist interactions. If you confront an ageist person, try to bring a witness and ask them to record their version of events in writing.

Keep a written timeline — such as saving emails — to support your case. If you face retaliation for reporting ageism, a detailed record showing the retaliation occurred after you made a complaint can be crucial, particularly if your complaint goes to the EEOC.

Look for chances to expand your skill set

bongkarn/Adobe asian business woman working from home

Combating ageism doesn’t always have to mean direct conflict.

Instead, you might want to invest in your growth and development. Stay updated on trends, check the headlines daily, and strive for improvement. Find a mentor, inside or outside your company, who is committed to supporting your success.

If you show signs that you are trying to grow your skills, it might convince the boss that you are a valuable employee regardless of your age.

Try to embrace change and new ideas

insta_photos/Adobe senior woman attending webinar online

Those who have been in the workforce for a long time likely have a wealth of institutional knowledge that should be valuable to any employer. But that doesn’t mean you should rest on your laurels.

Don’t use age to seek leniency from your boss, and don’t feel entitled to coast due to past contributions. Avoid those stereotypes.

Consider reaching out to an employment lawyer

NINENII/Adobe male and female lawyer discussing documents

This might be considered the nuclear option for many employees, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

An employment lawyer can help you understand your options and give you a sense of how you might want to proceed.

Start looking for other work

bnenin/Adobe stressed senior woman using laptop

It probably sounds obvious, but if you feel you are being treated unfairly at your job and you are unhappy, it might be time to move on.

The AARP offers a specialized job board for experienced workers. It also offers a list of companies that have pledged to hiring workers who are 50 or older.

Remember, there are plenty of workplaces that value the contributions of older workers.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Look for red flags in your next job search

Rido/Adobe stylish senior woman working from home

Preventing becoming a victim of age discrimination can be a tall order, but there are steps you can take to weed out prospective employers that might discriminate against older workers.

So, during your next job hunt:

  • Seek out companies with strong reputations and policies that promote inclusion.
  • Network with colleagues to identify ageism-free organizations.
  • Review county court records for past employment lawsuits so you can gauge a company’s culture.
  • Make sure company policies are transparent, and the business shows a commitment to a discrimination-free workplace.

Bottom line

Nola Viglietti/peopleimages.com/Adobe business man talking to employees

Although it’s illegal, the reality is that age discrimination still happens.

Signs of ageism include exclusion from new learning opportunities, being overlooked for assignments, and use of coded language.

To combat age discrimination, voice your concerns, document incidents, expand your skill set, and consider legal advice. Don’t let age discrimination derail your career and erode your ability to grow your wealth before you are ready to retire.