[tossandthrow]

As someone who will, eventually, hit that age, I would love to hear more about that treatment?

My own impression is that the software industry is one of the industries where experience and qualifications are completely divorced.

So from my perspective one is really always back at square 0 when looking for jobs - including the need to prove oneself and stay humble.

[ChrisMarshallNY]

Well, I found that independent recruiters were the worst. They all ghosted me. A couple actually hung up on me, as soon as they learned my age. In-house recruiters and managers were much better, but the interview process generally derailed, as soon as one single tecchie got involved.

I actually had one refuse to look at my [extensive] code portfolio, because "I probably faked it." One of the luxuries that I had, which I am eternally grateful for, is that I don't have to eat shit.

If reacting badly to that kind of treatment is "not humble," then guilty as charged.

I should add that I am a high school dropout, with a GED, and no matriculated education. Despite that, I ran a "skunkworks" team, employing some very good engineers, and was kept on by a very demanding Japanese corporation, where I was given an insane level of trust.

I'm pretty used to having to prove myself. I've spent almost my entire career, looking up noses. Someone with my background won't make it far, unless I know how to work well with un-humble people, and deliver the goods. I never was given much latitude. I wasn't really allowed to fail.