48-Year-Old Tech Veteran Starts Own Business After Being Told He's 'Too Senior' for Jobs

The Frustrating Reality of Ageism in Tech

Baz Costello, a 48-year-old tech professional from Brighton and Hove, UK, has decided to take matters into his own hands after facing repeated rejections in his job search. His story reveals the hidden age discrimination that many experienced workers face in the technology industry.

Baz Costello, 48, is starting his own company after becoming frustrated with his job search.

The Job Search Struggle

After working as a consultant for a major digital consultancy until November last year, Costello returned to contracting at the start of this year. His plans were interrupted when he was diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer, requiring six months of active monitoring and treatment. By August, with positive signs from his treatment, he was ready to return to work.

What he discovered was alarming: fewer job openings and a noticeable shift in the market. As someone with ADHD, he found LinkedIn to be both a valuable tool and a source of frustration, describing it as "another doomscrolling mechanism" that could consume hours of unproductive time.

The 'Too Senior' Experience

The turning point came when a recruiter from a digital-transformation company approached him about a senior project manager role. After two successful video interviews, Costello noticed that the executives he spoke with were significantly younger than him. A final meeting with the practice lead seemed to go well, but days later he received the devastating feedback: "You're too senior."

When he requested more detailed feedback, he was told, "I wasn't sure that this would be fulfilling for you." Costello found this response particularly condescending, noting that he had never indicated the role was beneath him during their extensive discussions.

Hidden Ageism in Tech Culture

Costello points out that age discrimination often hides behind seemingly innocent phrases like:

• "This is a dynamic, fast-paced work environment"
• "This is a work-hard, play-hard environment"

These statements, he argues, subtly exclude older workers who might have family responsibilities or different lifestyle priorities. "You take that to mean that on Friday afternoon, when we finish early, and all go down the pub, we don't want people who have to go pick up their kids," he explains.

Taking Control: Entrepreneurship as a Solution

At 48, Costello acknowledges that his appearance might contribute to age-based assumptions. "I'm Father Christmas in training," he jokes, noting he's considered whether to dye his hair or wear a hat to appear younger for interviews.

Rather than continuing to fight against systemic ageism, Costello has decided to start his own company. With a background in product and technology, he's developing an app concept and working with advisors to create a business strategy.

His vision for his new venture is clear: "If you're too old, I want your experience. If you're too neurodiverse, I want your alternative perspective." He plans to step away from LinkedIn temporarily, promising to return only when he's ready to recruit for his own company with these inclusive values at the forefront.