Who would dare to patronise me!
DON’T ruddy patronise me just because I’m over 50 (Femail)? Aged 71, I am in what appears to be the small minority that doesn’t feel patronised. It never ceases to amaze me when intelligent, attractive women who appear to have it all moan about being looked down on. I have never been called ‘dear’, felt invisible or been condescended to by my GP. In my opinion, it is down to how you feel about yourself and how you portray yourself to others. Concentrate on the important things in life and don’t make a big issue of how you think others see you. After all, you have only one life, so embrace it, be positive, make the best of what you’ve got and, most of all, be yourself.
SUE WESTLAKE, Looe, Cornwall. I AM a professional woman who looks stylish, has written books and has been headhunted for jobs in newspapers, magazines and as a commercial designer. In my 50s, I had an interview with a company that designed cruise liners. I had worked on the refurbishment of the QE2, so I thought I had a good chance of being offered the job. The young woman interviewer was suddenly called away to talk to a man in the open-plan office. I heard him say: ‘Get that old lady out of here at once. I don’t want clients to see her.’ The interviewer returned, looking embarrassed, flicked through my portfolio at lightning speed and dismissed me. I went on to be employed by other firms who appreciated my experience, knowledge and contacts. However, despite the fact I made my employers a lot of money, I had to fight against ageism, even to the extent of being called ‘Granny’ by sniggering young architects.
LENA CHAPEL, Brighton. I FIND that people in shops and public services use ‘we’ instead of ‘you’ when talking to me and call me ‘dear’. If I mention my grandchildren, I get the annoying and condescending response: ‘Ah, bless!’ At an interview, I was surprised to be asked if I could manage a short flight of stairs to the meeting room and if I was able to use a computer. I may have white hair and I may avoid social media, but for 17 years I worked for a software company and still have all my wits about me. Don’t write off 50-plus women — we are a force to be reckoned with!
Name and address supplied. AS A company director, I never shied away from employing people aged over 50. I took the view they would be more likely to stay in the job for the next ten to 15 years than candidates 20 years younger, and I was right.
ROGER SHERLOCK, Leeds.