Let's rephrase the issue: is it ageism or are we witnessing the decreasing value of humans compared to their automated counterparts? Perhaps, the real issue is that same as it has always been: what is the value being "sold" by the employee to the employer. If the employee's value proposition isn't "worth it," then the rational employer should be expected to fire him or her.

Therefore, it is incumbent on each of us to examine the value that we offer to our employers (whether we offer it one at a time -- the traditional employment situation -- or to multiple "employers" -- the "self-employed" approach). In the market-place of skills, what is the value of the skills that each of us brings to the table. It is a painful self-assessment but a necessary one.