Share:
‘I was told I was too old to do my job’.
Anne, from Yorkshire, was shocked when her boss told her in public that he felt that she was too old to do her current job. Her long-standing role has since lost several of its responsibilities, and she was also asked to change her previously agreed flexible working pattern.
“In one of our regular team meetings, with several senior and junior staff present, my boss said without any notice that ‘We’ve decided that you’re too old to be doing the things that you have been doing, and you’re going to retire soon, so someone else will be taking over parts of your role’, explains Anne.
“I was so taken aback, that I must have looked like a goldfish with my mouth open, and I had nothing to say. I was so embarrassed to be told something so hurtful and rude, and in front of others too.
“To be informed that I was too old was an insult, and also untrue. My competency for the role isn’t in any doubt, as I’m still frequently asked to help others perform tasks that have been officially taken away from me.
“To be told that you’re too old, when I’m mentally and physically fit, is so unfair. It’s really knocked my confidence in what I’m capable of doing.”
Anne feels that she’s being pushed out, but leaving isn’t an option for Anne. “I can’t afford to retire and give up working. I have lots of responsibilities and a family to support, and I need to build up more savings.”