Working women face middle-age blues

Dubai: Fluorescent pink circles stare back as they go in and out of focus on the classified pages. As she narrows down on three possible placements, Usha S. knows that by being jobless at 40, these are the best chances she has of getting a job.

"I must have sent around a 100 copies of my resume to various companies. Every time I get a call everything goes well until they ask me about my age. They promise to call back, but never do," she said.

The 43-year-old Indian expatriate, who was born in the UAE and has 16 years' experience working with reputed companies, feels that the lack of response can have a psychological as well as physical affect.

"I am divorced and living with my daughter. This makes me feel terrible about surviving on my daughter's earning, even though she tries to make it as easy as possible for me," she said.

Hesitant

Another woman who faced similar problems is 40-year-old Indian Mini Gangadharan. She came to the UAE looking for a better job.

She practised as a lawyer for more than a decade in India. In a job hunt that lasted for almost two months, Gangadharan faced many situations where employers were hesitant to offer her a job despite her qualifications.

She said: "The major reason behind their hesitation is my age, but it may also be due to a lack of local experience." She was even given a job offer by a company, which she accepted. However, later the company refused to process the her documents without a clear reason.

Other middle-aged women have also faced similar problems as they change jobs. 45-year-old Indian expatriate Kalyani Gaikwad has 15 years of experience.

She came to the same conclusion after a job hunt for an administration assistant for the past three months.

"Age plays an important role in the decision of employers. I have sent my resume to many companies who advertised for certain positions. The only offers received do not pay a decent salary."

A Lebanese expatriate, who did not wish to be named, will be hitting 40 in a couple of years. According to her, middle-aged women are also unable to get jobs with the same benefits as men do.

"Often employers look for women because they would have to pay less," she said.

"When I receive calls for a job, the first question people ask is: how old are you? Almost immediately after this question, they would ask about the package I expect," she added.

Because of these preferences by employers, she is now facing a problem because of her 18 years' experience in the field of human resources.

Shahida B.B., an Indian expatriate with 16 years' experience in general administration and procurement, said the problem was common.

She said: "I am lucky not to have faced such a problem. But from my discussions with other women, I have understood that the bias is prevalent.

She said: "By ensuring they have a likeable personality, middle-aged women will be able to neutralise the disadvantage."

Peggy Chamoun is senior marketing manager of Bayt.com, an online recruitment firm. According to her, many women above 40 return to the workforce after a prolonged absence.

"Women should persevere and seek expert help if facing difficulties getting a job. We would also advise them to set realistic targets if considering a career change or returning to the workplace after a prolonged absence," she said.

I think it is unfair that employers discriminate against people because of their age. 43 is not old.Even 6 years ago I remember seeing ads in UAE papers requesting applicants to be under 30. It is discrimination at its finest.
Tahani
Brighton,UK
Posted: November 15, 2008, 12:55

It is not only women who face the age problem in seeking jobs here. Men face a similar problem, perhaps with a different age band. I am a professional with many years of experience. I am often approached by agencies, but as soon as the age is revealed, things stop. What are older people supposed to do?
Sagoo
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 15, 2008, 12:31

I am 40 and I am facing similar problems.
Rita
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 15, 2008, 12:14