Episode #142: Overcoming Age Bias – Reinvent Impossible

Overcoming Age Bias by Nori Jabba

“Overqualified.” “Not a good fit.” What are those rejections really saying—and how to turn them into job offers.

After 30 years in corporate real estate and community development, Nori Jabba thought her credentials and experience would open doors. Instead, she faced constant rejection—code for ageism in the workplace.

Refusing to accept defeat, she contacted hiring managers for honest feedback. The truth was a wake-up call: many women over 50 were being dismissed as poor listeners, too quick to share wisdom without hearing new perspectives. That insight sparked a total career reinvention after 50, where meaning, balance, and fulfillment became more important than titles.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Midlife career transition strategies that work
Overcoming age bias and getting hired after 50
Job search strategies for women 50+
Turning “too much experience” into an advantage
Resume tips for older job seekers
Confidence tips for women 50+
Finding meaningful work in midlife

If you’ve been hitting career roadblocks and wondering why, this conversation will give you answers—and a way forward.

🎁 Free Resource:
From Stuck to Unstoppable: https://reinvent-impossible.aweb.page/from-stuck-to-unstoppable

Key Takeaways from Overcoming Age Bias by Nori Jabba

1:54	Nori’s Career Transition to Consulting
3:27	Ageism in the Job Market
8:51	Learning to Be a Better Listener
15:07	Redefining Success and Fit
22:54	Building Confidence After Rejection
27:42	Embracing Your Age and Experience
29:14	Episode Wrap-up and Resources

When Experience No Longer Opens Doors:

What happens when decades of experience and stellar credentials suddenly count for nothing in the job market? Nori Jaba knows this reality all too well. After 30 years in corporate real estate and community development, she found herself facing constant rejection when trying to return to full-time employment—despite her impressive background and robust professional network.

The Hidden Face of Ageism in Hiring

The culprit? Ageism, combined with modern hiring processes that automatically filter out applicants with resume gaps or consulting experience. “I would come in second a lot,” Nori shares. “I was told I wasn’t a good fit, I was told I was overqualified…all these code words for ageism.”

Reframing Perceptions and Listening Differently

Rather than accepting defeat, Nori took the extraordinary step of reaching out to those who had rejected her, seeking honest feedback about what was really happening. What she discovered transformed her approach entirely. Middle-aged women, she learned, were often perceived as poor listeners—too eager to share wisdom without absorbing new perspectives. This revelation led her to completely rethink how she presented herself and interacted with potential employers, especially younger ones.

Redefining Success Beyond Titles

The journey forced Nori to question fundamental assumptions about success and career progression. She realized that pursuing executive titles was less important than finding work that offered fulfillment, balance, and meaning. This shift in mindset ultimately led her to write “Keeping Your Seat at the Table,” where she explores how women can create their own definitions of success rather than chasing traditional symbols of achievement.

Owning Your Age and Rebuilding Confidence

For anyone facing similar challenges, Nori offers practical wisdom: rebuild confidence through physical self-care and positive self-talk; continuously develop new skills, especially with technology; and perhaps most importantly, own your age and experience rather than trying to disguise them. “Put that graduation year on your resume and stand up tall,” she advises, challenging the shame that often surrounds aging in professional contexts.

Your Next Step Toward Reinvention

Ready to transform how you think about career transitions after 50? Download the Reinvention Readiness Quiz at reinventimpossible.com and discover what might be stopping you from getting more out of life.

Resources:

To hear similar stories on challenging the work environment after 50, check out episode #128 and #130 of Aging With Purpose And Passion.

And if you are navigating the complex, journey of caring for a loved one with dementia, the Fading Memories podcast offers clear, compassionate guidance on everything from effective communication to managing stress and coping with grief. This podcast provides the empathy and self-care strategies you need to find strength and clarity amidst the challenges.