Looking for A Job in Corporate America: GenX Edition

Journey Through the Process

An invisible Great Gray Owl — looking for the next thing — photo by author

I’ve been on the job hunt alongside a few colleagues and friends for nearly a year now. We’ve seen it all — blatant ageism, sexism that refuses to die, the rise of AI-fueled discrimination, and hiring practices that leave you questioning whether corporate America is worth the effort anymore.

While the government scrutinizes federal employees about justifying their roles, corporate hiring processes continue to evolve in ways that continue to raise more questions than answers. As an almost-50-year-old woman with a bright mind and even brighter gray hair — apparently a corporate crime — I’ve observed firsthand how hiring decisions can be influenced by factors beyond skills and experience.

Not My First Rodeo

I’ve been in the corporate world for over 20 years, so this isn’t my first job search. In fact, this is the fifth time I’ve looked for a new role during that span. Compared to my colleagues, that’s a low number — many seem to change jobs every 2–3 years. I erred on the side of loyalty, and that’s okay. That’s just who I am — I commit rather than constantly chasing “something better for me.”

I have a solid resume — MBA, AI Certification, deep experience in project and program management…