I think that hiring decisions that work against older workers are based on a lot of unsubstantiated presumptions. There's no reason to resent someone being you

I think that hiring decisions that work against older workers are based on a lot of unsubstantiated presumptions. There's no reason to resent someone being your boss if they happen to be younger. If they are a good leader, that has nothing to do with their age differential. I do agree that VCs have a lot to do with youth bias in startup culture, and for the reasons mentioned. It is easier to get a younger person with no external obligations to work insane hours. Why else would Facebook and Google build campuses that employees never have to leave? I don't believe in homogenization of demographics, age and experience over the long haul. It leads to stagnation of perspective and ideas, because the experiences of the teams are so similar. I think that people can learn from each other, both directions, and that is good for a team that has the bravery to challenge the status quo.