Correlation between age and layoffs: Do you think that older folks will be targeted more than younger? I am pushing 60 and I am really concerned this time - I know that I cost more from the benefits perspective, also from the total comp perspective I am sure I am more expensive. Not sure if they will sink that low, but you never know. What are your thoughts?
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It does exist... 127493 You are correct. HR justifies their decisions but it is truly age discrimination. Seen it several times.
Don't think you are at any more risk than others unless your performance has been poor. Sad news though is this is just the first round with more pressure for layoffs the longer oil stays down. Been through the ups and downs for many years - this one looks serious.
Don't worry. I know an older gentleman who was told his position is close.
By federal law they have to break down every employee by age and show who stayed and who got let go. When you sign your severance package this information is contained in it. The last few ROM's the older employees were not let go. There was no project Matrix though. I got a copy of the two severance package age lists and very few of the older farts were canned. I am an old fart, just one more year and off to retirement. But I will consult. If you have the right skill set you will do what the other poster said, sign short term contracts. Make more money and work your butt off and have a blast. Either way you are ok!
If you are over 60 and get cut, considering going into contracting. Age is much less of a factor when you sign up for a 6 month contract. They want someone good who can do thejob with little training. It seems to work for me.
I posted the original message. Thanks for the replies. Let's hope for the best, I'm not sure how things will turn out, but I'm hoping for the best
Dear Anon127469, my humble opinion is YES... If you are pushing 60, unfortunately the odds are not in your favor this time. As you stated correctly, you are costing the company more in Total Compensation (pay, basic life insurance, medical, pension, etc.). You are also deemed by the company as surplus (not in the kindest way). Unless you are someone who is indispensable or knows where all the "dead bodies" are buried, I'm afraid this can be the end of the road. Two years ago, I got ROM'ed out. I was a productive employee with 27 years of service, always got good PMP ratings. But I was booted at 57 years of age. I survived though. I found a new job and enjoy this new gig much more. Good luck.
I agree with 127496. I think 127493 is overcome with paranoia. What will count most is cost versus value. If you're good at what you do, still productive, and not retired on the job, you have as good a chance as anyone. If performance has slipped, you've fallen behind the times, or you're doing something that is deemed to be of lesser value for some reason, you will be at risk.
I don't think age will be the deciding factor...all things being equal, I think it's your current PSG relative to the job you're applying for is what will make you or break you. If you're a PSG 25 and you're applying for a job that is CL 23-25 and competing against solid 23's and 24's, you might be in trouble.
Having said that, if you're really good at what you do and you haven't pissed anyone off, you will probably be OK. There are a lot of lazy young people out there with bad attitudes that will be let go before an older, hard working person does.
You will most likely be targeted. The HR apparatus will make it look like it was your "poor performance." Did you get a 2- ranking in the past three years? Age discrimination starts at age 40; if a 40 year-old supervisor found fault with any of your projects, you are both in the same age bracket. See how it works? You will be just one of many in the 60-66 age range with your career cut short. Record, record, record.