> my age has never been brought up. Not even once IIRC
No one will ever bring it up.
Do you really think someone will take on the liability of discussing your [age|race|sex|sexual orientation] in an interview? ESPECIALLY as a reason to NOT hire you?
> You don't need to be a 20-something to land a good job.
Agreed. However, your chances drop precipitously as you age.
Studies have found this to be the case repeatedly - with very little evidence to the contrary.