Re: Double-edged sword - A few years later
About 10 years ago, instead of waiting to become a statistic, I quit direct employment and began remote contract work. I like picking my projects, schedule with no more worries about commute or wardrobe maintenance. On the down side, no benefits or security but not a big deal in my case. I already owned my house and had saved/invested compulsively my entire adult life. I still put in a few hours every week for that old employer.
On the other hand many co-workers did not fair well within the five years after my departure. I believe that close to 95% of employees over the age of fifty were let go. Along the way I noticed that many positions were eliminated as new job descriptions were being created that were very similar but.. not exactly. All those new open positions have since been filled by fresh college graduates.
In general the older employees cost more and tended to be harder to control. Younger employees lack inexperience but they tend to have more energy and lower wages. If I were running a business with an aging workforce, I'd probably be tempted to swap them out too.
What I wonder is if legislation (or maybe even unions) will ever be able to catch up with companies these types of practices? I'm leaning towards NOT.. at least in the U.S.