Dear Dr. Mimi: Not Elderly

Dear Dr. Mimi:
Recently I’ve started to notice that I’m being passed over for promotions and assignments. I think it might be due to my age. I am in my early 60s and am in good health. I have always received stellar reviews, and I have no plans to retire any time soon. I keep seeing my managers give the bigger assignments to younger employees. How do I stop being overlooked?

—Not Elderly

Dear Not Elderly:
The best course of action would be to emphasize your desire and abilities. Request some bigger assignments and explain why you can handle them and thus deserve them. Let your managers know you are more experienced, how your skills are well-suited for the tasks at hand, and that you have a longer track record of consistent work ethic and good reviews. This may just be a minor oversight in your managers’ perception of their employees, but if this age issue continues, it may be time to speak with the human resources department.

—Dr. Mimi


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