I grew up as an adopted army brat in Quinlan Texas which is not too far from Wills Point Texas. That grabbed my attention. I graduated high school in 1980, moved to Houston Texas and never looked back. Yes, ageism is alive and well. I have 28 years of IT experience in 7 different industries. I spent 1.5 years recently looking for a better paying IT gig. Currently I am doing end user support as a contractor making a fraction of what I am used to. Hiring managers always say in email "while you have an impressive background we have decided to pursue another candidate". What does that tell you? Now I work my IT gig during the day and an evening security job. I work 70 hours per week. I am too old for this. I will retire when I am dead.