What's so bad about being a worker in your 40's or 50's? Nothing. You've got a work ethic every employer is crying out for and crucial experience that can't be duplicated and that younger workers can benefit from.

Then why don't you think you're such a hot commodity? Why does a day not got by that I don't get a letter from someone asking, "What can a 50-ish worker do to get a job? Am I too old?" Why have you reduced everything you are to an age, so that no matter how great your qualifications, your age has become this overwhelming hurdle you can't overcome, leaving you feeling helpless?

I'll tell you why. You have been weakened by your fear that employers think you're washed up. You have been brought to your knees by conventional wisdom that others buy into that says technology belongs to the young and older workers hate change and can't adapt.

Fight back the urge to let stereotypes pervade employers' thinking. Educate them about their shortsightedness. But the fight begins with you and your own mind. You must recognize how easily you fall into the trap of worrying that no one will want you.

Despite what others may think, you really are more willing to learn new technology than your younger counterparts. In fact, many older workers are actually "fired up" about making changes for the better. That is according to research conducted by Dr. Tracey Rizzuto, who says stereotypes about aging employees are simply not true. In her study, the assistant professor of psychology at Louisiana State University found that older workers exhibited more willingness to learn new technology than their younger counterparts, says an article in Newswise.

Sure there are isolated examples of older workers who refuse to budge from old ways. But her study of the state of Pennsylvania's purchasing agents when the state upgraded its computer systems, showed that veteran employees were more "fired up" about the changes than younger workers.

They saw the value of the changes and felt an obligation and loyalty to their co-workers to learn and implement new technology, says the article. She adds that older workers are also more inclined to make changes to benefit the organizations.

Some worry is normal. But don't feed the fear. A more practical tool is to write an action plan for dealing with your worry, says Art Horn, author of Face It: Recognizing and Conquering The Hidden Fear That Drives all Conflict at Work (AMACOM.)

"Make a list of everything that's problematic about the worrisome matter and for each item on the list decide a countermeasure," suggests Horn.

Then tell yourself, " 'Okay, things are under control. If any of these bad things happen, I have a plan for it.'"

If worried an employer might think you can't do a job because it requires understanding of new technology, develop phrases that you'll weave into your communications demonstrating how up-to-date and willing you are to learn to lead.

List these as bullet points in your cover letter and resume. Describe yourself as a life-long learner who understands the value of change to keep the organization competitive.

Dr. Rizzulto adds that there is some research showing older workers may not be as quick to learn new technology skills as younger people, but that the commitment and willingness to learn is stronger among older workers.

Quell your worry so you can show employers they need not worry about misconceptions they have about you.

© by Andrea Kay