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I know we talk a lot about ageism in this industry, but does this not happen in other industries? I genuinely don't know. I just don't think this angle has been

by ddek 5y ago

I know we talk a lot about ageism in this industry, but does this not happen in other industries? I genuinely don't know. I just don't think this angle has been explored. How many associates at top law or accountancy firms are over 40? 50? From my crude linkedin survey, not very many. It seems that in these environments you either progress up, or move down the tiers until you can progress. I think it's fair to compare programming roles to these 'entry' roles in other professions, with staff engineer and engineering management roles more analogous to 'partner'. I'm not trying to discuss the merits of older programmers - I'm just unsure that the ageism is more of (or only) a problem in tech narrative is that strong.

tharne 5y ago
> I know we talk a lot about ageism in this industry, but does this not happen in other industries? I genuinely don't know. I just don't think this angle has been explored. It can happen, but it's much less common. Right or wrong, people have different expectations of different fields. I you ask someone to imagine an outstanding lawyer or doctor, they probably envision someone in late middle age, maybe with some grey around the temples. If your doctor walks in the room and looks about 25, you're probably not going to be thrilled. Now, if you ask those same people to image an outstanding programmer, they probably envision a young person in the twenties.