Ageism & The Reality of Silicon Valley: Beware of Older Tech Folks (Like Me)

As an old guy now, I definitely see the raging ageism that is rife in Silicon Valley. God help an older tech person applying for a job at Google or Facebook, let alone a series A/B startup. And I understand it, older people tend to be rigid and not want to learn new things. Or are usually just set in their ways. Even worse, they are just unable to keep up with the rapid amount of change.

There is a cult of youth here because they bring energy and new ideas.

Yet I would argue that there is a lot to learn from older people who are still in the game. We’ve seen the up cycles and down cycles. Most of all, we’re survivors. For those who have grit and grind to survive the downturns. Sometimes survival is enough in a darwinian environment like this. 

It’s like the old joke of two friends walking in the woods. They see a bear charging them. One of the friends bends down & starts to tie his shoe laces. The other friend says: “what are you doing? You will never outrun a bear.” The friend with tied shoe laces responds “I don’t need to outrun the bear. I only need to outrun you.”

This brings me to a commentary that I love by Bohdi Sanders:

“Beware of An Old man in a Profession Where Men Usually Die Young”

Old warriors did not get old by accident; they got old by being wise, having the right knowledge, and being tough. Never underestimate an old man who has grown up in a rough profession or a rough environment.

These men have been around. They have done things, and experienced things, that you probably have never even thought about. They are tough, their minds are tough, and they have the knowledge, the skill, and the will to finish you off, if you force them to do so. A boy will fight you, but an older man will hurt you.”

Word to the wise young ones! :) 

And for all you fellow old tech biz folks, keep on swinging and keep on grinding forward.