Over 50 and out of work

Re “Experience little help in job hunt,” April 10

I enjoyed reading the article regarding the difficulties in obtaining meaningful work for those of us over 50. However, the piece reinforced many of the stereotypes that the younger generation holds regarding baby boomers.

We older workers too could write an article stereotyping the younger generation workforce, with generalizations regarding their lack of social and interviewing skills (unless they are on a cellphone), their inability to write a coherent memo using fully constructed sentences (not texting), and their loyalty to a workplace seldom lasting longer than two years. However, I would refrain from such over-generalizations.

The article would have been more balanced if it had highlighted the talents that the older generation brings to the workforce.

Additionally, I started using a computer 25 years ago. I don’t consider myself “technologically challenged.”

Anthony Lewis

Ventura

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Your article on the resistance older workers face in the current job market misses on a number of points.

The most glaring is that your “helpful hints” counsel older job seekers to be coy about their age. Where is there any mention of our wonderful age-discrimination laws that protect older workers so they don’t have to obfuscate to apply for a job?

How about The Times showing a little leadership in pushing for enforcement of discrimination laws or beefing up existing laws so they actually are enforceable?

Mark O’Connell

Irvine