Choosing a Specialty in Physics: Is Age a Barrier?

[plife]

Thank you to all for your greatly appreciated input.

I have a story to tell you about "age discrimination." At the company where I worked they were looking for a new Firmware Manager. We had a great firmware guy who was a good friend of mine. He was in his early 30's at that time and he had been with the company for about 5 years. He was brilliant, hard-working, and knew absolutely everything about our project. However, the VP stated that my friend was too "old school." He wanted to hire a new grad because a recent grad would have all the latest information, tools, techniques, and ideas.

Long story short, he hired the new grad who lasted about 6 months before he got transferred to production (if you have ever worked in industry, you know what that means *_*). My friend and co-worker eventually got the job he deserved, improved and grew the department and is now a VP at the same company.

It is not just "older" people who get stuck in age discrimination issues...it happens all along your path. However, skill, intellect, and dedication will always win out in the end.

 

[carlgrace]

However, the VP stated that my friend was too "old school." He wanted to hire a new grad because a recent grad would have all the latest information, tools, techniques, and ideas.

For the viewers at home, who may not have worked in industry (and many who are still in high school) let's be clear that this is code for "We want to hire someone cheaper".

Long story short, he hired the new grad who lasted about 6 months before he got transferred to production (if you have ever worked in industry, you know what that means *_*). My friend and co-worker eventually got the job he deserved, improved and grew the department and is now a VP at the same company.

I worked for a company who transferred most of its hardware development to India in 2004. About 75% of it is back now, for similar reasons.

It is not just "older" people who get stuck in age discrimination issues...it happens all along your path. However, skill, intellect, and dedication will always win out in the end.

I agree mostly, but disagree with the "always" part. People can take responsibility for their own careers but that struggle is constant.

I salute you in your mission! When I was in grad school in a UC 10-15 years ago I had several fellow grad students in their 40s and one who I believe was in his 50s. So it is most certainly NOT impossible.

And don't listen to what dipole said. If you were a test engineer in the Valley (particularly in a startup!), you can surely handle graduate school.

 

[plife]

Thank you, Carlgrace. Dipole's post did get me thinking though. I am pretty sure I can get into grad school if I am determined enough. His statement about a young person being more "entitled" to an advanced degree gave me pause, because I think it made me feel somewhat guilty - but only until I put it into perspective. I know lots of young people who think they are entitled, and so don't put the effort and resources into achieving what they think they are entitled to. I also know lots of young people who work very hard, and excellent individuals and students, and are much brighter and more ambitious than I am. So, the competition is the issue, not whether or not one is "entitled." If I am better than my competition, so be it - if I lose out to them, kudos to them for their success. Either way, I have decided (with the help and encouragement of all of you kind folks) that this is a worthwhile journey and I am not wasting my time.

Thanks again.