Familiar Career Challenges

Hi friend,

If you’re looking for a bright spot to focus on, may we suggest women’s soccer? Even if you aren’t a sports person (guilty), we dare you to watch this clip and not feel feelings.

Interest in the sport is surging. Forbes has an explainer on why and how; they attribute it to a combination of “changes in the media landscape, digital media, [and] the erosion of gatekeepers.” National Women’s Soccer League players have made headlines as they fought for better pay and working conditions, leading to a new deal that “increases parental leave, child-care benefits, medical staff size, and charter flight opportunities.” And the growth is expected to continue, following a 30 million dollar cash infusion by Michele Kang, the owner of the Washington Spirit. 

The Spirit will take on the Orlando Prime tomorrow night for the NWSL championship, and the match will be streamed live at prime time (8pm ET on Paramount+). As a bonus: Melissa Etheridge will perform the National Anthem before the game. Contrast this to when the league was announced, and games were only watchable via DIY YouTube livestreams.

We cannot overstate how recent this all is. The Orlando Prime is only nine years old; the Washington Spirit is 12. According to ESPN, the NWSL commissioner is now wondering if the NWSL, “a women's soccer league that is barely a decade old,” could soon compete with MLS, the NHL, or even the NFL or the NBA in terms of popularity and entertainment value.

This week, we have a career story of a completely different persuasion. It’s about encountering ageism in the job search (plus, tips for how to deal). Read on for that, as well as a few recommendations for your weekend.

Bye,

Your friends at Gloria

There comes a time in every woman’s life when she realizes that, in society’s opinion, she is no longer relevant. This is my moment.

Ageism is not fake news, but a reality that smacked me right in the face after I was dismissed from a job I had worked a decade to achieve.

The end came suddenly. I received an invite for a meeting that was slammed onto my calendar that morning as I was Ubering to the office. I wasn’t expecting it, at all. But, as a manager who has had to hire and unfortunately also lay off people as well, I could read the tea leaves. This was not good.

I was let go in a glass-enclosed meeting room where everyone could observe what was going down. I was also told I had to leave immediately, and could not say goodbye to my team. And I had to agree to a non-compete in order to get severance for a year. In other words, it was an exit not worthy of the years of dedication I had contributed to the company.

Suddenly, I was a 54-year-old Black woman on the market for a new job, but hamstrung. Because I had built strong relationships with others in the industry, I eventually was able to land a role at a tech company. And I absolutely loved that experience, diving into something that was experimental, but also a company that had so much EQ and care for its employees.

Sadly, that journey ended after two years when the CEO decided to change strategy. I quickly accepted a role at another digital publication I hoped would be a smooth transition but, honestly, it was anything but. The role, the mandate for clickbait, and the lack of interest in talent development for our teams did not bring me the joy my previous experiences had given me. 

So, in 2023 I left, thinking, ‘Oh, I am talented and seasoned, and still have a lot to offer. I will find a job easily.’ Over 100 rejection letters later, I came to the realization that ageism/racism/sexism could be obstacles to consider in my job search.

I am now 60 years old and have pretty much given up hope that I will find a role that will accept me. Not because I don’t have the chops. It has more to do with who is making the HR decisions (young people who have no clue who I am, or freelance recruiters who are just sifting through resumes to fulfill a quota); a grueling job market for my industry (layoffs have been running rampant); and an overflow of people in the job market with the same level of experience I have. We are crabs in a barrel, fighting for survival.

Not knowing what to do next, I contacted author, workplace consultant, and assistant professor at New York University, Minda Harts. 

Accolades aside, Minda is a friend who’s been in the corporate trenches and knows a thing or two. Here’s what she shared: 

Chocolate is our go-to for gifts. We order directly from Charles Chocolates, which offers the best bars and treats – all made from scratch. This year we’re gifting these delicious (and TikTok-viral) Dubai Pistachio Bars. They come in 3 versions: Original, Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache, and Milk Chocolate Caramel. They all have a delicious pistachio and crisp shredded kataifi filling. You can find them here, along with their Signature Chocolate Gift Boxes and a variety of gifts for everyone on your list. As a bonus, Gloria readers will get a free chocolate bar with purchases of $50 or more. #partner

TO WATCH Finally, a movie you can take your kids to and somewhat enjoy yourself (although FYI, we heard that the flying monkeys might be too much for little kids). Wicked, the musical Wizard of Oz prequel starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is one of those classic big Hollywood productions, meaning – as the New York Times puts it – it is “splashy, largely diverting, tonally discordant and unconscionably long.”

TO TRY Suddenly, we need outfits for a few holiday dinners and parties. Instead of panic buying and regretting it, we’re using this clothing-rental service, which offers tons of options and has real reviews to help guide your selections. Check it out here; for Black Friday, all new subscribers can get any plan for only $79 a month. #partner

TO LISTEN Kim Deal, of The Breeders and Pixies, has a new album out today. If you’re a fan of alt-rock and her work, we recommend giving Nobody Loves You More a chance.

TO STREAM There’s no shortage of detective shows out right now, but HBO’s newest, Get Millie Black (out Monday) stands apart from the pack. In it, Scotland Yard officer Millie Black returns to her birthplace of Kingston, Jamaica to try to reconnect with her sibling and do good police work; attempting to track a missing boy, she runs up against a corrupt system.

Strange body aches could be a symptom of the newly named “musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.” • This essay about one writer’s NYC apartments really, really makes us miss the ‘90s. • A fascinating look into the world of high-end auctioneers (it’s a whole series). • A post-election theory about the priorities of a new urban middle class.

_{*Gloria may receive an affiliate commission on purchases made through our newsletter.}