What industries are relatively free of ageism?
• Doctors
Based on the American Medical Association information, there are around one million doctors in the U.S.; and about 42 percent are above 55 years old. To be more specific, 21 percent are above 65. So, obviously, physicians are rarely discriminated against because of their age. In fact, patients often prefer older doctors to younger ones due to their experience.
• Health technicians
In general, the medical field is moderately age blind. The health technician is one medical occupation where generation doesn’t appear to matter. There is a shortage in this area, but a limited amount of physical strength is required. Jobs included under this category range from lab technicians, radiologic technologists, and dental hygienists.
• Repair professionals
If you’re good with tools, you can have a long and profitable career in household repairs, regardless of your age. A new study reveals that the average age in this industry is 51.9, with around 15 percent being over 65. People will always have appliances and other household items that need to be fixed, so the likelihood of obsolescence is very slim.
• Finance experts
Age is almost a non-factor when it comes to careers in finance. Whether it’s accounting, analytics, financial planning, or underwriting, you would not experience age restriction. Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age for Financial Managers is 44. And like the previous field, this one is definitely not going anywhere. As long as people own currency to spend, financial professionals will be appreciated and generously paid.
• Real estate agents
Regardless of your age, if you have a talent for pairing the right client with the right property, you’re going to be excellent at this job. Real estate is all about being a sharp salesperson with excellent communication skills. Age has nothing to do with it, which is why people consider this a perfect transitional job. According to AARP, “not many professions are as welcoming to midlife career changers as real estate.” According to the National Association of Realtors, the average age for this job is 52, and only 5 percent report real estate as their first job,” the National Association of Realtors.
• Graphic designers
Graphic design is another age-oblivious option, whether you’re just beginning your career path or switching gears halfway through. The average age for graphic designers is 40.5, and there are lots of choices available, varying from advertising to illustrations to web design. You’ll also have the option to work as a freelance designer, keeping your schedule flexible.
• Human resource managers
This is another one of those jobs that will never be obsolete. So, if you’re looking for a secure and long-lasting career, HRM is a hot prospect. Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of human resources managers is predicted to rise 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all other professions.” No matter what your age, if you can positively affect the organizational culture of your employer, you’re going to be welcomed.
• Freelance writers
The beauty of this one is that you can work from home or basically anywhere else. You make your own schedule and work at your own speed. No one worries how old a writer is as long as they’re doing a good job. You can relax and get comfortable while getting paid to use your talent and creativity. Don’t get this wrong; the hours and the effort you need to put forward are the same as any job, but you can’t dismiss the value of a flexible timetable. That’s probably why, according to Forbes, 53 million Americans today have chosen freelancing.
• Politicians
There’s no need to remind anyone of this fact these days; politics is open to people of any age. From local-level officials to the highest office in the nation, politics rarely concern itself with your age. You may not be able to remain a professional athlete or a model forever, but there are many careers out there where age is not an issue. Find new ways and do not give up.