“Too Young, Too Old”—The Age Bias that’s Keeping Tech Stuck in the Past

Why Tech’s Obsession with Youth is Holding Back True Innovation

Ageism in tech is an open secret, and it’s impacting more of us than we realize. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been coding for decades, the industry’s bias against age isn’t just a one-sided issue—it’s creating a vicious cycle that affects all of us.

When I was in my early twenties, I felt the sting of ageism when I was passed over for roles because I was “too young.” Now, in my early thirties, I no longer face the same barriers, but I’ve watched many older friends and colleagues struggle with opportunities that seem out of reach simply because they’re considered “too old.” Ironically, many of them helped build the very systems and frameworks we use today, but their expertise is dismissed as “outdated” in favor of younger hires.

This isn’t just unfair; it’s a missed opportunity for the industry to tap into one of its most valuable resources: experience.

Why Tech’s Obsession with Youth is Short-Sighted and Limiting

There’s a pervasive myth in tech: “Younger means better.” The industry is enamored with fresh graduates, seeing them as adaptable and affordable, with skills that supposedly align better with the latest tools and trends. But this view overlooks a vital aspect—while younger engineers bring energy and fresh perspectives, they’re often just starting to build the resilience and problem-solving skills that come from years of experience.

Experienced engineers don’t just bring code to the table; they bring a lifetime of lessons learned from projects that succeeded—and more importantly, projects that failed. They know what it takes to build sustainable systems because they’ve seen firsthand what happens when shortcuts are taken or when the latest “must-have” tech doesn’t deliver.

In an industry that claims to champion innovation, why are we pushing away the people who could actually drive it forward?

Imagine a Tech Industry that Values Experience as Much as Innovation

Imagine a tech industry where age diversity is celebrated, not sidelined. Imagine teams where seasoned engineers mentor and collaborate with younger ones, combining fresh ideas with battle-tested knowledge. Such a workforce would be resilient, innovative, and capable of solving the complex, multi-dimensional challenges that today’s technology demands.

Instead of labeling people as “too young” or “too old,” what if we focused on building teams that leverage the unique strengths of every generation? Senior engineers could bring the stability and caution that prevent costly mistakes, while younger engineers inject fresh ideas that keep projects moving forward. This isn’t just an ideal—it’s a model that companies who embrace age diversity are already finding success with.

This isn’t just about giving experienced engineers a fair shot; it’s about recognizing that tech’s greatest potential lies in the fusion of new perspectives and seasoned wisdom. Companies with this approach would foster a culture that values resilience, sustainability, and true innovation. Wouldn’t you want to be part of that kind of industry?

Let’s End the “Young or Outdated” Mentality for Good

If we’re serious about creating an inclusive, forward-thinking tech industry, we need to tackle ageism head-on. Here are some actions that companies and teams can take to ensure age diversity isn’t just a slogan but a reality:

Revise Job Requirements

Reconsider arbitrary limits on experience. Instead, focus on the skills, achievements, and problem-solving abilities that truly matter.

Create Mentorship Programs

Leverage age-diverse teams by setting up mentorship programs that allow knowledge to flow both ways—between younger and older engineers.

Rethink Promotion Criteria

Recognize contributions that go beyond technical skills. Leadership, mentorship, and long-term stability are invaluable, especially from seasoned engineers.

Invest in Lifelong Learning

Offer continuous education for employees to stay current with new technology, regardless of age.

Challenge Stereotypes

Make a conscious effort to counter the narrative that younger engineers are inherently more capable. Highlight the value of experience in hiring practices and company culture.

Tech Needs to Embrace All Generations to Truly Innovate

Ageism isn’t just a personal barrier—it’s a roadblock to real progress in the tech industry. I’ve experienced both sides of the bias, and I’ve come to realize that our field has so much more to gain from building teams that reflect all stages of a tech career.

If we want to create a tech industry that leads and endures, we need to recognize the power of all perspectives. Let’s stop defining engineers by their birth year and instead start valuing them for the knowledge, resilience, and passion they bring to the table.

Innovation isn’t just about the latest idea—it’s about building a future that’s strong, sustainable, and inclusive of everyone who contributes to it. Isn’t it time we let experience and innovation thrive side-by-side?