Women over 40: An Untapped Resource

Women over 40 are being overlooked for skilled and unskilled jobs in the UK. The throw away culture we see so often in our everyday lives has penetrated the job market and employers view women over the age of 40 as individuals who have little mental agility and incapable of making key decisions or indeed unwilling to adapt. The reality is far removed from the myth.... Highlighted in Hollywood for a number of years where women earn in excess of $5 million per movie, actresses such as Reece Witherspoon have been outspoken over a lack of female writers, directors and leading roles, however, the problem that women face has permeated into all areas of the job market leaving thousands of women feeling invisible and ignored. Whether it be from raising children or remaining in the same job for a long time, women re-enter the job market with much hope and optimism and one would believe that employers will recognise the plethora of academic, vocational and life skills they could bring to a role – but no, sadly this is not the case. In fact employers have what is commonly known as ‘tunnel vision’. A term used when an individual is incapable of seeing the ‘bigger picture’!
I am a 40+ women, a teacher who possesses said academic, vocational and life skills, yet, finding an employer who can appreciate that my ability to plan and deliver at least two academic A Level lessons in one day, organise my time effectively, meet strict deadlines, work way above the hours I am contracted to and ensure the safeguarding of young people would be an asset to their business is virtually impossible. My unsuitably for roles has been highlighted countless times by prospective employers who either do not have the time or foresight to consider my skill set thus missing an opportunity. It is time employers changed their mind set and tap into a resource that has energy, ideas and commitment.