Breaking Stereotypes: Why Age is My Career Superpower

This month, I turned 60 and in between celebratory dinners and planning a European birthday getaway, I've found myself being asked about my career plans. "So, when are you retiring?," a well-meaning friend recently asked, and it got me thinking. Retire? While it's a natural question, I'm nowhere near ready to step away from a role that still ignites my passion every day.

At 60, I feel like I’m really hitting my stride. I not only get to enjoy the strong connections I’ve built over many years, but I’m still very much energised by the task of learning about different organisations, meeting new people, building successful teams and connecting HR professionals with fulfilling opportunities.

As I reflect on my own milestone birthday, I'm filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what's to come. Yet, I can't help but notice a disconnect between how I feel and how many mature women in senior HR roles are often perceived in the workplace. It's time to challenge these perceptions and showcase how our age can be our greatest asset.

The view from here

With over 15 years working as a HR recruitment and search specialist, I've had the privilege of working with countless talented individuals at the peak of their careers. This vantage point has given me insights into the challenges and opportunities facing mature professionals in the HR field.

Many of the people I meet (especially women) express concerns about age bias in in the workplace. For others, imposter-syndrome looms as they start to wonder if they're still 'relevant' in today's fast-changing world of work. But believe that our age and experience are superpowers, not liabilities.

The experience paradox

In the HR world, we've seen strategies come and go, only to be repackaged and presented as the 'next big thing'. Remember when 'employee engagement' became 'employee experience', or when ‘HR management’ became ‘HR Operations’.

For many seasoned professionals, this cycle can lead to a sense of déjà vu, or even jadedness. But there's a flip side to this coin. With years of experience comes the wisdom to see patterns, anticipate challenges and navigate complex organisational dynamics. The trick is to harness this knowledge without letting cynicism and other people’s stereotypes creep in.

Leveraging age as your superpower

So, how can seasoned professionals navigate a business world that sometimes fixates on age rather than expertise? Here are some observations I've made over the years:

1. Embrace lifelong learning
   Stay curious. Whether it's reading widely, reverse mentoring with Gen Z colleagues or diving into the latest HR tech, there's always something new to learn. Your experience provides the perfect foundation for integrating new ideas.
   
   
2. Energy is everything
   We all know that enthusiasm is contagious. While it can be easy to feel jaded from time-to-time, it’s important to bring a sense of dynamism to your work (or job search). It's not necessarily about acting ‘young’—it's about showing that you're engaged, passionate and ready to tackle new challenges.
   
   
3. Look the part, feel the part
   While we would like to think experience trumps looks, it‘s a fact of the business world that perception matters. Ensure your personal brand continues to inspire confidence. This isn't about chasing trends, but about projecting an image that says you're current, capable and ready to lead – in both appearance and vitality.
   
   
4. Flex your adaptability muscles
   Change is the only constant in HR and business. Showcase your ability to navigate new technologies, changing workforce demographics and evolving business models. Your track record of successful transformations, whether company-wide or within your function, is a powerful narrative.
   
   
5. Reframe your experience
   You're not 'old school'—you're a seasoned strategist. Use your experience to provide context, offer innovative solutions and mentor the next generation of HR leaders. Your ability to connect historical insights with future trends is invaluable, whether you're shaping organisational strategy or reimagining your department's approach.

Charting your own course

As you navigate the later stages of your career, it's important to take a planned approach. I suggest reflecting on what truly matters to you. Are you aiming for that top job, or are you looking to transition into consulting or part-time roles that offer more flexibility? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but the key is to be intentional about your choices. Without this self-reflection, you'll find others steering the ship for you, rather than charting your own course.

In my role as a recruitment and search consultant, I often see people grappling with these decisions. Some are energised by the prospect of a high-powered executive position, while others seek fulfilment in a greater work-life balance, mentoring roles or consulting work.

A personal reflection

For me, turning 60 is about celebrating where I am and looking forward to what's next. I'm energised by the amazing professionals I meet, the transformative work I do and the constant learning that comes with being in this field. The fast pace of recruitment consulting, balanced with a rich personal life, keeps my mind fresh and my outlook positive.

As I prepare for a European holiday with family and friends, I'm not just marking a milestone—I'm gearing up for the next exciting chapter in my career and life. This break will give me time to reflect on my achievements, celebrate with loved ones and recharge for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Here's to embracing every stage of our careers with enthusiasm, wisdom and a touch of well-earned confidence. After all, our age isn't just a number—it's the sum of our experiences, insights and potential to make a lasting impact in the world of work. It's our superpower, and it's time we owned it.

Your Next Step

If you're inspired to harness your own superpower and shape the next exciting chapter of your career, I'd love to help. Book a time in my diary for when I get back from overseas, or speak to any of The Next Step team who can assist you in navigating career decisions and planning your future moves.