Oh, I've done it! Plenty of times. And I'm usually very sorry for it later on. That's why I want to preface this rant with the editorial that I am not supposed to include.
This rant is about ageism, NOT about the people who knowingly or unknowingly practice it. I have nothing personal against the pastor at church nor any of those once but not now potential employers who refuse to get deep inside my pretty gray head long enough to see what a precious and outstanding person I really am. I don't know those people any better than they know me. It's their loss, right?
I have been trying to get a job and have had no luck for at least six months now. Yes, I have graying hair, but I’m not inept. I can pass all background checks, and if hired I would show up to work every day, on time. I would work hard, not steal from, lie to, or cheat my employer. I wouldn't show up to work with a hangover or high on drugs. I would do my very best to perform my job duties with excellence, and I'm one of those people who tend to pick up the slack when co-workers fall short. I have a lot of common sense and good work ethic that can only be acquired over time, with age and experience.
Those people who interview me, why, some of them are every bit as old as I am, or even older! Charlatans! Some are too young to recognize quality when they see it. And they all think they are so smart! It is against the law to discriminate because of age. Therefore they don’t ask my age. Instead, they ask the age of my children and if I have grandchildren and how long I have been married. A little quick math mixed with a few assumptions and they file me away in the “too old to work” category of applicants.
Do they know that I was still an under-age teen when I married? Do they know I started having children before most kids are out of college? NO! Do they realize that they would have at least fifteen, maybe twenty more years of work out of me if they treat me right because I don’t want to have to get out and find another job—EVER? Do they stop to think that if they hire a young person, that person probably will not stay with them any longer than fifteen or twenty years before changing careers or moving on? NO!
The last few weeks have been filled with rejection. The worst came from the women’s ministry pastor at church. I go to one of those mega churches where most of the time I feel like just a face in the crowd. I know very few of the thousands of people who attend every week, and I can’t really call any of them a close friend. I don’t have a tribe or following there. In the few years I’ve attended that church, that’s all I’ve done. Attended. And due to the fact that my husband’s job required us to travel, my attendance has not been regular until recently.
Since every opportunity for employment has disappeared behind a slammed door, I started asking God for ministry opportunities and began seeking a place to serve. I jumped through the church hoops and filled out the correct forms and applications in hopes of leading a women’s small Bible study group. I have experience in this area and I've had successful groups in the past, but not at this church. Since I didn't already have a following, a group of women who have already committed to showing up and studying with me, I was denied by the pastor. At least that was the reason the she gave. But I have to wonder because she did ask some of the same questions I’ve encountered during job interviews; how old are my children, how long have I been married, etc. Then the final blow came when she suggested I try the intercessory ministry, mentioned Anna, (you know, the old woman who did nothing but stay at the church and pray) and then said it would be a good idea if I went through some deliverance and counseling sessions.
So now I’m old AND crazy? How does an old crazy woman handle this kind of rejection? *insert sinister cackle*
After some serious wound licking, prayer, and a long conversation with a BFF, I've decided to count it all joy and move on. I doubt the women's pastor meant to offend me. She does not know me from Eve. I know she is there to guard the group of women at that church, and maybe folks do get the feeling that they should use caution where I'm concerned. I don't know. But I can't slight the woman for doing her job the best way she see fit. And about all those people who refuse to hire me? Well, they don't know it, but they missed out on one great employee! Humph.
Today is a new day. And tomorrow will dawn with new opportunities as well. I’m still seeking, still asking God for direction, and… Oh yes, I’m thanking God He gave me something to rant about for this writing assignment! Isn't He good? Yes—all the time!