Link: A friend of mine was trying to upskill himself and learn AI/ML. He had 10+years ... | Hacker News

This Hacker News discussion reveals deep concerns about ageism in the tech industry, spotlighting a manager who favored hiring younger graduates over upskilling an experienced employee in AI/ML. This incident underscores the industry’s tendency to undervalue seasoned professionals for cheaper, less experienced talent, particularly in dynamic sectors.

Commenters argue that ageism manifests through biased hiring practices that prefer less costly, younger employees, dismissing the value of accumulated knowledge and experience. This devaluation is often seen in hiring methods that prioritize coding challenges, which disadvantage experienced workers proficient in strategic roles beyond mere coding.

Many discussants criticize the emphasis on coding challenges during interviews, which they see as poor indicators of actual job performance. These exercises often benefit recent graduates accustomed to academic tasks while sidelining seasoned developers who excel in system design and problem-solving.

There is a significant focus on the necessity of soft skills, domain expertise, and seasoned insight for navigating complex projects and leading teams, which hiring processes frequently overlook in favor of raw coding skills. Meanwhile, threads on interview experiences suggest that traditional coding evaluations fail to measure these crucial abilities accurately.

The discussion also explores the role of management in this systemic issue, emphasizing that many managers focus on cost rather than investing in the growth and upskilling of existing teams. Consequently, some commenters advise caution in revealing career ambitions to supervisors, who might view such aspirations as threats.

Strategic advice for older tech workers includes engaging in coding practice, targeting companies recognized for valuing experience, and leveraging networks to demonstrate ongoing relevance and capability. This advice reflects a broader call for adaptive strategies in an industry where age-related biases remain prevalent. #

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Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.