The past two years have felt like an uphill battle. For many professionals, a challenging IT employment market means sharpening skills by earning new certifications, staying current with industry trends, and expanding their professional networks through targeted outreach and collaboration. It also means doubling down on efforts to stay competitive by demonstrating adaptability, mastering emerging tools, and consistently showcasing measurable results in their work. But when you’re over 40, like me, the hurdles multiply. It’s not just the economy; it’s ageism—a silent yet pervasive force—that adds weight to every rejection, every missed opportunity, and every moment I have to justify my worth to a world that seems unconvinced.

The trust I once had in traditional hiring processes has eroded. I can’t help wondering: Are decisions truly based on merit and skill, or are coded phrases like “culture fit” doing the heavy lifting for age bias? For instance, I once applied for a role that aligned perfectly with my skills and experience, only to be told that the team was looking for someone who would “grow with the company.” The implication was clear: my experience wasn’t seen as an asset but a liability, as if my readiness to contribute immediately was less valuable than perceived potential. When I receive a politely worded rejection, I question whether the choice was about ability or simply the assumption that a younger candidate might be more “dynamic” or “adaptable.” This suspicion has been fueled by the sheer number of instances in which my extensive experience—rather than being celebrated—feels like something I need to apologize for.

Yet if reason stands for anything, it should stand for the evaluation of evidence, and I have plenty of it. My professional history is documented, demonstrable, and verifiable, including publishing widely read articles on FinOps and leading content strategies that increased engagement by measurable margins. My published articles, strategic content projects, and demonstrated aptitude with modern technologies like Hugo and Docusaurus aren’t just line items on a résumé; they are tangible proof that I’ve not only kept pace with technological progress, but also contributed meaningfully to it. If being current and capable were all that mattered, these achievements would speak for themselves.

But there’s more: my dyslexic thinking. Far from being a hindrance, it fosters a uniquely innovative viewpoint. Dyslexia often encourages unconventional problem-solving paths—ones that deliver fresh insights, creative solutions, and a storytelling approach that stands out in a saturated market. For example, while working on a complex content strategy project, my ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas led to a solution that streamlined messaging across multiple channels while maintaining brand consistency. This perspective allowed me to approach the task in a way that others hadn’t considered, ultimately exceeding the client’s expectations. It’s an asset that should, logically, make me even more valuable. With age comes not inertia, but the fine-tuning of these traits into a formidable skill set that can see through complexity and communicate ideas more effectively to diverse audiences.

Reasoning through this situation, I reach a simple conclusion: The bias isn’t about ability or productivity—it’s about perception. My body of work and adaptive thinking style prove I am not only up to date but potentially better positioned than most to tackle evolving challenges. Ageism, if anything, ignores the evidence and resists the logic that I can still produce at a high level and solve problems from fresh angles.

I’ve been frustrated, yes, and at times even resentful. But I’m also certain that unwavering determination and the truth of my contributions will eventually cut through these biases. After all, reason and evidence should guide hiring decisions more than age-based assumptions. Despite these challenges, I’ve proactively honed my skills, expanded my network, and consistently delivered impactful results. This journey has reaffirmed my value, and while the system may lag in its recognition, I’ll continue to build my path forward with resilience and innovation.