# Don't underestimate ageism or women over 50 **URL:** \ **Category:** Share your story\ **Created:** [January 15, 2021, 2:52pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252 "2021-01-15T14:52:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![San\_Francisco](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@San\_Francisco](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/San_Francisco)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 9:18pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/21 "2021-01-16T21:18:16Z")
> [@Bojack](#): > > Can you imagine that? 30+ years in IT, being in the real estate market in the 90s, and still not being able to retire? What have they done with their money? Spent it? Trusting that AHV & 2nd pillar would be enough to secure their retirement? (As the government tells you). Maybe planning to live comfortably on some savings - though being unemployed for a few years might very quickly eat them up. ---
**Author:** ![ma0](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/ma0/32/3259_2.png) [@ma0](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/ma0)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2021, 10:45pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/22 "2021-01-16T22:45:51Z")
> [@dbu](#): > > Why would this be a downside? I can answer on the IT fields, but maybe is the same in banking. If you are an expert in just a single thing and there aren’t many people expert in that thing, you will sooner or later find a job. Say you are an expert in Ada, if there are a job for Ada developers, they get you instead of getting someone with C#,Java,Asm,Ada in their CV. ---
**Author:** ![dbu](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/dbu/32/1552_2.png) [@dbu](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/dbu)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2021, 8:33am UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/23 "2021-01-17T08:33:19Z")
That makes sense, but the comment and question was about sectors, not technologies. You can develop in e.g. Java in full-on tech company, pharma, banking, finance… I guess one **benefit** could be the experience in the “waters” of the specific industry sector (i.e. how the business runs, what are the pain points etc.). But for it to be a **downside** and **so** important vs. (transferable) skills, such that people won’t hire you because of experience in other sectors, is surprising to hear. I guess I am naive and still don’t have enough miles under my shoes. ---
**Author:** ![MiquelM](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/50afbb/32.png) [@MiquelM](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/MiquelM)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 6:29pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/24 "2021-01-18T18:29:28Z")
Hi @Anna, Have you considered working as a freelancer online? You will probably not make as much as a normal job here in Switzerland, but you will probably manage to at least cover your living expenses and not have to eat up your savings (especially if you own your house as I seem to have understood from your messages). There are places such as UpWork where you can sell any kind of consulting service you could imagine, even very specialized ones. You have probably already seen or thought about it, but I thought I would share it, just in case it has not yet crossed your mind. I hope it helps and best of luck with everything. ---
**Author:** ![yetanothername](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/y/f4b2a3/32.png) [@yetanothername](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/yetanothername)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 12:02pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/25 "2021-01-27T12:02:33Z")
Reading this discussion causes me to want to save up enough money by the time I’m 50 to not be concerned by this type of situation. Also makes me want to give people over 50 another chance next time I need to hire someone, even though I’ve been burnt badly last time. All the best. ---
**Author:** ![Cortana](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/cortana/32/2082_2.png) [@Cortana](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Cortana)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 12:08pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/26 "2021-01-27T12:08:04Z")
> [@yetanothername](#): > > Reading this discussion causes me to want to save up enough money by the time I’m 50 to not be concerned by this type of situation. Totally! My initial goal was to reach my number by the age of 55, now thinking about 50. ---
**Author:** ![Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/anna/32/12740_2.png) [@Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Anna)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 12:49pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/27 "2021-01-27T12:49:43Z")
You should actually aim for 45 as social charges increase after 42 years of age. Additionally please remember that in some situations you do not qualify for a loan without an income even if the value of your primary residence by far exceeds the loan and you have not a hefty only 2nd pillar but assets to cover the loan as a whole. The renewal of my primary residence loan was rejected by every single financial loan institution in Switzerland due to my Geneva residency. Seems single women without employment, resident in Geneva, are a poor credit risk. have a roof over your head. ---
**Author:** ![Bojack](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/bojack/32/281_2.png) [@Bojack](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Bojack)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 12:51pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/28 "2021-01-27T12:51:45Z")
> [@Anna](#): > > You should actually aim for 45 as social charges increase after **42** years of age You mean 45? ![image](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/uploads/default/original/2X/b/bcf8ef168ff18097041f62e72ba3c4ce3379dde7.png) My current goal is before 40, somewhere in 2025, I should also be eligible for the citizenship that year. ---
**Author:** ![Zerte2](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/zerte2/32/2870_2.png) [@Zerte2](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Zerte2)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 1:01pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/29 "2021-01-27T13:01:50Z")
Absolutely, aiming at being financially independent at ~50 (or before if you can) is not only a nice project or a feel-good effect, but actually will contribute to save you for real. ---
**Author:** ![Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/anna/32/12740_2.png) [@Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Anna)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 1:12pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/30 "2021-01-27T13:12:51Z")
Dear yetanothername, I too have been burnt by hiring older talent in the past. I have also been burnt by millennials who refuse to apply their intelligence and expect everything served on a platter. While I have to agree that many of my contemporaries lack flexibility, IT skills and energy there are just as many that are more conscientious and independent adding great value for money and stability as they know it is near impossible to find another job. Test for curiosity with new technology and be brutal if the first three months don’t work out. ---
**Author:** ![Barto](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Barto](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Barto)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 2:47pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/31 "2021-01-27T14:47:02Z")
> [@yetanothername](#): > > Also makes me want to give people over 50 another chance next time I need to hire someone, even though I’ve been burnt badly last time. Sorry to be an ass but imagine replacing “people over 50” with “women” or “gay people” in that statement ---
**Author:** ![Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/anna/32/12740_2.png) [@Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Anna)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 3:02pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/32 "2021-01-27T15:02:55Z")
@Bojac Thank you for correcting me. 44 is the legal age to increase the charges which is why you want to be financially independent at 45. ---
**Author:** ![LeStache](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/lestache/32/3690_2.png) [@LeStache](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/LeStache)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 4:14pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/33 "2021-01-27T16:14:02Z")
I’m very sorry to hear about your experience Anna. I had heard that the system is stacked against people over 50. I truly wish you will find a place where your experience and insights are appreciated. If it’s any consolation, I know at least one employer (mine) where people can retire from technical jobs. One of our developers is close to retirement and another colleague of mine just turned 60. He’s our go to cloud guy. ---
**Author:** ![Neville](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/neville/32/7389_2.png) [@Neville](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Neville)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 6:23pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/34 "2021-01-27T18:23:10Z")
I wonder why that “barrier” is at 50, when social charges increase at 45. Maybe an irrational idea that “\>50” is somehow too old to hire? ---
**Author:** ![MUFC\_OK](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@MUFC\_OK](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/MUFC_OK)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2021, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/35 "2021-01-27T18:49:29Z")
> [@Bojack](#): > > You mean 45? > > ![image](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/uploads/default/original/2X/b/bcf8ef168ff18097041f62e72ba3c4ce3379dde7.png) Isn’t there a change coming that wants to bring % up at an earlier age to avoid this situation / make the difference smaller? ---
**Author:** ![Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/anna/32/12740_2.png) [@Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Anna)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2021, 10:15am UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/36 "2021-01-28T10:15:55Z")
@LeStache The barrier today is most likely at 45. Fortunately when I was 45, 10 years ago, this was less pronounced. ---
**Author:** ![Cortana](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/cortana/32/2082_2.png) [@Cortana](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Cortana)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2021, 11:16am UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/37 "2021-01-28T11:16:13Z")
One should note that these are just total minimum rates, my company: 20-34: 6.5% me 6.5% company 35-44: 9% me 13.5% company 45-54: 9% me 20.5% company 55-65: 10% me 27.5% company ---
**Author:** ![Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/anna/32/12740_2.png) [@Anna](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Anna)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2021, 11:35am UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/38 "2021-01-28T11:35:00Z")
@Cortana This mirrors my last company. I have tried to sell myself at a low salary cost and/or decreased company contribution. Most realistic for me now is independent contracts to circumvent the hefty 27.5% company contributions. ---
**Author:** ![Cortana](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/cortana/32/2082_2.png) [@Cortana](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Cortana)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2021, 12:21pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/39 "2021-01-28T12:21:57Z")
I get why it’s hard to get hired at that age. - Higher salary than the youngsters - Much higher social contributions on top of that - Risk of injury/illness leading to invalidity is higher Wish you good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Neville](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/user_avatar/forum.mustachianpost.com/neville/32/7389_2.png) [@Neville](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/u/Neville)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2021, 12:46pm UTC](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252/40 "2021-01-28T12:46:56Z")
This is so nuts, And at the same time society is getting older and older. In 2019, more people turned 65 than people turned 20, as the article below says, How will all those people survive who rely entirely on the first two pillars? > **[«Rentenboomer» und extreme Geldpolitik: Renten unter Druck](https://www.nzz.ch/finanzen/private-finanzen/rentenboomer-und-extreme-geldpolitik-renten-unter-druck-ld.1598196)** > > Der Rentneranteil vieler Schweizer Pensionskassen wächst. Zudem zeigen sich die Folgen der extremen Geldpolitik immer stärker. Es drohen sinkende Renten. [Previous page](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.mustachianpost.com/t/dont-underestimate-ageism-or-women-over-50/5252.md?page=3)