Not even the younglings survived
By kilax, December 6, 2007 8:15 am
I’ve been feeling really self-conscious about my age at work lately. None of my coworkers have done anything to make me feel this way, but as my responsibility in the firm increases, I become more aware of my young age and little experience.
My main concern is meeting with clients. I can look and act knowledgeable, trustworthy, and composed, but I wonder if our clients ever think, “Isn’t she a bit young?”
Of course, my fear is of unconsciously making my firm appear bad.
Steven probably gave me the best advice when he said (more or less), “Don’t think about your age too much, because then it will start to affect you.”
Themocracy
You know, I feel the exact same way at my job! I’m only 25 and I feel silly I’m making presentations and explaining things to people that are old enough to my parents, or even my grandparents! The one thing I’ve learned though is that people who are older find it incredibly impressive that someone young has a good knowledge base and is confident enough to handle the task assigned and do a great job. You should be proud of how well you’re doing and all that you’ve accomplished at such a young age. Way to go Kim!
i used to have that same fear/problem. i felt like people didn’t take me seriously because i looked young but was higher up at the non-profit i worked for. it did me a lot of damage when i kept harping on it internally so i had to stop. i realized i’d gotten to that place on my own merit and smarts and with that knowledge, i let all my projected fears fade. because really? if people have an issue with someone being younger, it’s THEIR age-ism and not your problem. just keep doing the good work and you’ll prove to any naysayer what you’re worth.
That used to happen to a friend of mine all the time–she would be out in the field giving presentations to donors and felt like a little kid on stage. And when I was only 22(!) and teaching English to college freshmen, I felt like a fraud!
But you know what? You easily come across older than you are. So just dress as professionally as possible (something I’m sure you do) and gripe about the mail system and/or your colon and everyone will think you’re older. 😉
Everyone on here (Steven included) gave really great advice. I totally understand where you are coming from. I’m the youngest in my dept and get called “the baaaby”. For some reason it doesn’t really bother me. I know they say it out of affection, and I’m kinda proud that I can keep up with the “older kids” and bestow my knowledge with the best of them. Also, I have the honor and priviledge of learning from them.
Enjoy it while you can. It’s better than the alternative.
Besides, it’s nothing like being very business-minded at age 18-20 and have no one give you any respect. That really, really sucked.
Elaine – I feel really weird when people in the office (much older than me, like in yours) come to me and ask for advice regarding graphic issues. They don’t have the same technological savvy as me.But I always feel good (and proud) to help. Thanks for your encouragement! 🙂 I should be proud, like you said!
sizzle – luckily I haven’t ran into anyone internally who acts like my age is a problem… besides the sometimes tease “are you old enough to be drinking?” I better make sure I don’t dwell on it and let it become an issue.
diane – holy cow, you crack me up! Colon? The mail system? How about the printer? People seem to like to complain about printers… ha ha ha. Thanks. 🙂 I try to dress smart and act mature… but sometimes I have to be goofy! Better leave that for home 😉
Gina (Mannyed) – Awww, baaaby Gina 😉 It is great to learn from mentors! Won’t it be weird when we are the “old” ones?!
ajooja – 🙁 That does really suck 🙁 I have friends who have been treated with no respect because of their age. It is really un-motivating.
Good people cheer and are supportive when other people do well, regardless of age. I hope you let go of this self consciousness – when you are truly grown up, this is a non-issue. Don’t bother second-guessing what these peoples’ impressions of you are. Just remind yourself of the one that really means something, the one that is self-evident, that being that they believe in you as the right person to do the job you’re doing!
Also, there is a lot of really, really great stuff about not being so young anymore, and those older peeps are living that stuff. They have something you don’t, they know that, they remember, they don’t hold it against you. They are just enjoying you with what you bring to the table, as you are, and I’m certain their faith is well-founded! 🙂