As people step into their thirties, what should be a time of stability often turns into a struggle with panic and uncertainty if they are unemployed, thanks to the quiet reality that many employers overlook them in favour of younger candidates.
In today’s job market, a silent and harsh truth prevails: many companies openly recruit fresh graduates while sidelining older applicants. This troubling trend not only wastes valuable talent but also reflects an unfair bias that undermines the principle of equal opportunity.
Older applicants bring years of expertise yet they are too often dismissed simply because of their age. Employers wrongly assume that their age reflects years of failure or stagnation rather than resilience or experience. Such discrimination has a devastating effect, as older job seekers often face heavy financial responsibilities, the pressure to support families and the emotional toll of being denied dignity. Societies cannot afford to marginalise skilled workers simply because they are not in their twenties.
It is time for companies to abandon this narrow mindset. Recruitment should focus on competence, creativity and dedication, not the birth year. Fair hiring practices should be implemented, giving older candidates a chance to prove themselves — something that helps create stronger teams and a healthier economy.
Aleena Abbasi
Rawalpind
