It Gets Late Early: Ageism in the Workplace

"It's too late for me."I had this worry, but I finally hit publish on my first podcast episode at 40.I thought I'd missed the boat. Everyone else had already started, and I wondered if I was too old to become a creator in an industry that thinks you expire at 35. I was terrified to try something new in public.But here's what I've learned: that "too late" feeling? It's just plain old straight-up fear wearing a really convincing disguise.I feel so strongly about debunking this myth that today, in this special episode, I get the chance to flip the mic and be interviewed by Rhona Barnett-Pierce on her podcast, Workfluencer. We're getting into all the messy, uncomfortable stuff about starting something new when you feel like you've missed your window.We talk about:→ The year I spent overthinking instead of doing (and why that was such a waste) → How to actually start when you don't feel ready (because you never will) → Why your age might actually be the thing that makes you better at this → What to do when people think you're cringe (spoiler: you gotta lean in) → Where to find support when your friends and family don't get it → The real timeline from "I'm terrified" to "okay, I'm doing this"This conversation is for you if:→ You've been thinking about starting something but keep finding reasons to wait→ You're staring down a layoff or career pivot and don't know what's next→ You want to build something of your own but feel like you've missed your chance→ You're tired of the voice in your head saying "not ready yet"→ You need someone to tell you it's okay to be scared and do it anywayLook, I'm not going to tell you it's easy. Starting something new at 40—especially something visible like starting a new business or jumping into content creation—is uncomfortable as hell. But the alternative is spending the rest of your life wondering "what if?" And I really, really don’t want that for you.At the end of the day, “everyone's cringe until they make it. Then people pretend they supported you all along." (Thanks to my 28-year-old social media consultant for that gem.)I hope this conversation gives you permission to just start. Scared, unprepared, "too old," whatever. Just start. Let’s make 2026 the year you go for it, whatever your “it” might be. The world needs you!Speaking of 2026, we’ll be taking a holiday break til then. Happy Holidays to you and yours!Resources:-Get Corporate-level Health Coverage for Solopreneurs with a 50% Discount for 1st Three Months - https://essentlcreator.com/maureenConnect with Rhona Barnett-Pierce:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/-Website: https://www.workfluencerpodcast.com/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/Affiliate Disclaimer:Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

Tech isn’t just in a downturn. It’s in the midst of a full-blown identity crisis. As layoffs, ageism, and AI reshape the workforce overnight, Brian Pulliam joins me to break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes… and what mid-career professionals must do to stay competitive.Brian, a former tech leader who spent 23 years at companies like Microsoft, Zillow, and Coinbase, joins me to talk about a controversial topic. With tech experiencing year-after-year meltdowns, Brian offers a brutally honest look at whether anyone should still pursue a tech career in 2025–2026.He breaks down why the job market feels broken, why entry-level roles are disappearing, and how AI is replacing the very apprentice-level opportunities that used to grow workers into senior talent. He also explains why employers are pulling back on long-term investment, what the real supply-and-demand curve looks like, and why ageism is hitting harder and earlier than ever.We discuss strategies for standing out in an oversaturated market, how to approach salary discussions, and the mindset shifts every experienced employee needs to remain competitive in a chaotic and unpredictable hiring landscape.If you're feeling overwhelmed by tech layoffs, frustrated by age bias, or unsure how to pivot in today’s wild job market, this episode gives you clarity, direction, and a whole lot of real talk.Do you want Brian to help you navigate the tech job market or level up your career? Mention you heard him on It Gets Late Early and get 20% off any coaching package when you book through his site or connect via LinkedIn.In This Episode:-Should anyone go into tech in 2025–2026?-Brian's early work experience and tech background-Standing out in a saturated market-How oversupply affects both young and older workers-Navigating the salary question-Should you apply to a big company or a small one?-How Brian coaches people over 40And much more!Resources:-Get Business Protection and Health Coverage at Solopreneur-friendly Prices - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew -https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guideConnect with Brian Pulliam:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankpulliam/-Website: https://refactorcoaching.com/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/Affiliate Disclaimer:Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

With mass layoffs hitting tech, media, and corporate America, more professionals over 40 are being forced into freelance work, consulting, and solopreneur life—whether they planned for it or not. And here's a big problem with that: the moment you leave corporate, you lose access to affordable health insurance. Suddenly, you're staring down $4,000/month premiums, sky-high deductibles, and hospital bills that make you wonder what you're even paying for.In today's episode, I sit down with Crystal Jackson—also known as The Real Mrs. Poindexter—a former Intel engineer turned viral content creator with millions of followers. After 13 years in corporate, Crystal left to raise her kids, went back to work for the benefits, left again, and eventually found herself paying $48,000 a year for health insurance that barely covered anything. When she got sick and ended up with another $10,000 in medical bills, she'd had enough.So she did what any fed-up engineer would do: she co-founded EssentL Creator with her husband Chris to solve the problem no one else would touch—affordable, corporate-level health insurance for freelancers, gig workers, and solopreneurs.In this episode, we talk about:Why Crystal was paying $48K/year for health insurance and still owed $10K in hospital billsHow the "future of work" is creating a wave of involuntary entrepreneurs (and what that means for you)What a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) actually is—and how it gives solopreneurs access to corporate-level benefitsWhy leaving corporate might be the scariest—and best—thing that ever happens to youHow to protect yourself legally and financially when you go out on your own (LLCs, IP protection, contract red-lining)The mental health crisis among content creators—and why EssentL offers enhanced mental health and addiction coverageIf you've been laid off, are thinking about going solo, or are tired of paying insane premiums for garbage coverage, this episode is for you. Find a gift of 50% off the admin fee for It Gets Late Early listeners at https://essentlcreator.com/maureen.Resources:-Get Business Protection and Health Coverage at Solopreneur-friendly Prices - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guideConnect with Crystal Jackson:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-jackson-mba-8893b72bb/-Website: https://essentlcreator.com/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/Affiliate Disclaimer:Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

Ever wondered why AI thinks you need to look younger? In this episode, Gretchen Andrew, a former Google employee turned artist, exposes the disturbing truth about how beauty filters are literally reshaping our faces—and our self-worth.We kick things off with Gretchen's bold pivot from Silicon Valley to the art world, where she's using robots, oil paint, and yes, glitter to reveal what beauty filters actually do to us. Her groundbreaking "FaceTune Portraits" physically apply AI beauty standards to paintings, creating violent scars and marks that show the hidden damage these "harmless" filters inflict on our identities.Gretchen breaks down the dirty secret of AI training data—how algorithms learn beauty from the most biased corners of the internet and create a feedback loop that makes everyone chase the same impossible standard. Even Miss Universe contestants aren't "good enough" for AI filters, and men in their 50s are rescheduling meetings just to use Zoom's "touch up my appearance" feature!From Hollywood actresses getting the same face-altering procedures to look good on small screens, to the shocking reality that social media may have incentivized us to provide facial recognition data for free, this conversation will change how you see every filter, every app, and every "enhanced" photo you encounter.Whether you're tired of the algorithmic beauty trap or just want to understand why everyone's starting to look the same, this episode is essential listening. Gretchen's insights will make you question everything about digital beauty—and maybe even inspire you to embrace what makes you uniquely human.“The question is: Do you want to look old and like yourself, or do you want to look like everybody else and look younger?” ~ Gretchen AndrewIn This Episode:-Leaving Silicon Valley for art-AI vs. beauty standards-The homogenization of beauty-Gretchen's partnership with Andreessen Horowitz-The real story behind AI beauty filters-Ageism in the art and tech world-How Gretchen uses social media for her workAnd much more!Resources:-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guideConnect with Gretchen Andrew:-Website: https://www.gretchenandrew.com/-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-andrew/-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchenandrew/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

What if everything you thought you knew about startup success was wrong? In today’s episode of It Gets Late Early, I’m breaking down the myth that young, hoodie-wearing entrepreneurs are the key to successful startups. Spoiler: the data proves otherwise. According to MIT research, the average age of a high-growth startup founder is 42 — not 21. The top 1% of founders are even older, typically around 45 years old. Yet, venture capitalists continue to invest in young, inexperienced founders, ignoring the seasoned leaders with decades of experience.I also tackle the growing age discrimination in tech, where older workers are pushed out despite having the experience and connections that drive success. Companies that embrace diverse ages and experiences in their teams are the ones that succeed. Let’s flip the script on startup success. It's time to stop assuming that youth equals innovation. It’s never too late to go after your dreams, and age is an asset, not a liability.“So just why is it that older workers tend to be more successful? Two words: life experience.” ~ Maureen Wiley CloughIn This Episode:-Research from MIT: the truth about successful startup founders-The age bias in venture capital and tech hiring-Why older founders have an advantage over younger ones-The challenge to venture capitalists: stop funding failure-Encouraging older tech workers: your experience mattersAnd much more!Resources:-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide-EEOC Special Report - https://www.eeoc.gov/special-report/high-tech-low-inclusion-diversity-high-tech-workforce-and-sector-2014-2022-MIT Research on Age and High-Growth Entrepreneurship - https://mitsloan.mit.edu/shared/ods/documents?PublicationDocumentID=6212#:~:text=Our%20primary%20finding%20is%20that,growth%20new%20ventures%20is%2045.0.-Ageism in Tech Hiring - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maureenwclough_tech-ageism-hiring-activity-7369769952683171841-u7zS?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAACPAV4BMEaPyyLI0T1Hayp_eLtXH5AO5-4-iPhone unveiling with Steve Jobs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7qPAY9JqE4-Workplace Age Discrimination Cases Grow Nationwide - https://gbsbenefitsgroup.com/workplace-age-discrimination-cases-grow-nationwide/#:~:text=The%20Equal%20Employment%20Opportunity%20Commission%20(EEOC)%20has,Act%20(ADEA)%20as%20in%20fiscal%20year%202022-Late-Career Job Losses Are Blurring What Retirement Looks Like in America - https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/early-retirement-layoff-america-77c94667Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/