As a 46-year-old woman and full-time resident, I felt compelled to write this in response to the job hunting experience I have had this spring. Early on I submitted my resume with 25 years of retail management and sales experience including a college degree in marketing to virtually every retail store in the three down-Island towns.

I was called back for one interview. Upon returning to several of these stores I found all these jobs were taken by younger women in their 20’s.

Many of my women friends, also full-time residents, have shared this experience, and some stores I will not mention are well known for this practice although it is widespread throughout the community. As Island residents, most of us rely on summer employment as there are no jobs in the winter.

This is a sad state of affairs as this philosophy of ageism prevents many of us from finding work even in the summer. It is as if we are a forgotten generation pushed aside by younger, off-Island job seekers. Furthermore, where is the loyalty of Island businesses doing this hiring? Is someone in their 40’s or 50’s with a lifetime of experience not worth hiring?

I have lived in many regions of the country and have never encountered this problem to such a degree. As for me, I have given up job hunting for the summer.

Rachel Hessen
West Tisbury