Shouldn't Age and Experience Be Honored in the Business World, Too?

Meryl Streep once stated in an interview that she'd never have plastic surgery. When asked to explain her reasoning, she simply said that every other actress in Hollywood had "work done" and she figured she'd be the only female over 50 who actually looked over 50. She'd naturally be a shoe-in for any "older woman" roles, as her competition would look too young to play the part.

GENIUS.

An intelligent, humble actress with a self-deprecating sense of humor - and in her early 60s - wins the Academy Award for her role as Margaret Thatcher. If you're not familiar with Meryl's work, you should know that she's won a total of three Oscars (nominated 18 times), has honorary doctorates from Harvard, Princeton and Yale (where she also earned an undergraduate degree in 1975) and is a natural beauty. If actors posted resumes of work on LinkedIn, Meryl's profile would be at the very top as an Influencer, next to Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Arianna Huffington. Meryl knows that with or without a facelift, she'd still be first choice for casting directors, as her name sells movie tickets.

Although the world of entertainment celebrates the young (if you watched the Emmys you may have wondered about all the "new" names and faces) it also pays tribute to the veterans. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, 53, has a plum role on HBO's "Veep." 58 year old Bryan Cranston won yet another award for his starring role on "Breaking Bad," and a stunning 54-year old Allison Janney won the Emmy for her role on "Mom." These "older" actors are offered juicy new roles and publicly recognized for doing their job, while millions of employees in their 40s and 50s at banks, construction sites and offices in corporate America put in 50+ hours each week, afraid to take vacation time, and wonder if they'll have enough saved for retirement.

Does anyone else over 40 find it disheartening when told by HR that you're now in a "protected class," as defined by the EEOC? You thought 45 was the new 25, right? Not in the workplace, apparently. You're making your numbers, pitching creative ideas and driving revenue, and on your days off you're taking care of the family, running marathons, involved at your place of worship and/or doing charity work. You're a man or woman who knows what it takes to get it done, and you actually get it done. Yet you might find yourself at the office looking over your shoulder far too often.

If you were in Hollywood you might be enjoying lunch at The Ivy during a set break, but instead you're eating a salad at your desk, wondering if you'll ever find a job again if you get laid off or resign. This is especially true if you're in a creative or digital field where anyone 35+ is perceived to be over-the-hill. And yes, there are plenty of out-of-work or underemployed actors who are over 30 and are in the same predicament as those in the business world. (Over 40 and out of work? I found this website - www.authenticlife.com - in a quick Google search. Rene seems legit and can help get you on track. If you know of other sites that target the 40+ worker please share in the comments section below.)


Let's take a cue from the entertainment world and make age and experience something that is sought-after by recruiters. I'm not sure we can get AARP to hand out awards at the end of the year (but if anyone from AARP is reading this, let's talk and try to get something going!) But we can certainly start an underground trend with the gray (and dyed!) hair brigade and make a serious effort to get key roles at big ad agencies and Fortune 500 corporations in 2014 and 2015.

Meryl Streep is 65 years old has three movies in production. Isn't it time we offer creative, well-paying opportunities to everyone, movie star or not, who has the talent, experience and work ethic, whether they're in their 40s, 50s or 60s?

HR Directors and Recruiters: if a resume shows 20+ years of work experience, don't automatically assume that the applicant is "over qualified" or not up-to-date with relevant skills. Call the candidate in for an in-person interview and you just might find the next Meryl Streep, Bryan Cranston or Allison Janney for your business. Please share your suggestions for starting a "40+ in the Workplace" movement. Together we can make a change!