New Job Adjustments...

17 Comments

1. Focused898785May 6,2023 at 5:11PM UTC

   Starting a new job is always hard. You’re the “new kid” again. I’m someone who really values having friends at work and it is truly painful for me to start a new role due to this. I conscientiously worked to make friends! Ideas: invite someone for coffee, invite to go on a walk, bring them a piece of chocolate, etc. these are incredibly small things that will eventually yield results with the right people! Some people will not be receptive and that’s ok. You’ll find your people with time.

2. AnonymousMay 7,2023 at 6:44PM UTC

   Your co workers aren’t your friends.

3. AnonymousMay 6,2023 at 8:56PM UTC

   I've found at 66 that I am younger and more energetic and aware being surrounded by my GenZ colleagues.
   They learned, after getting to know me, that I am not their Grandma. They include me and are easy around me. We laugh, share and work well together. I also only work because I want to. Because this is how I will stay engaged in all things.

   I embrace all ages and levels of experience. I'm grateful that people can't believe my age.

4. AnonymousMay 7,2023 at 4:58PM UTC

   I don't think it's age related.
   I think you may be stuck on stereotypes and placing yourself in a very tight box.

   Things change, the private office is gone, the predictable age hierarchy is gone. You are now faced with reframing your identity. This is typical of a mid-career makeover. You need to open up to a new landscape.

5. AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 2:41PM UTC

   Changing that traditional mindset is hard but rewarding. Try and be open to the new wirk landscape. That old life needs to be put behind you.

6. AnonymousMay 7,2023 at 6:08PM UTC

   Find some commonality. Take a co-worker to lunch find things you do outside of work or in that are similar. I am often 20 years older than my boss and I figure it out. Take the time to know people and let them know you.

7. AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 1:54AM UTC

   I'll officially like be older than others, but as someone noted, find a commonality. Mine is music. Changes the conversation away from work and allows you and your colleagues to be human vs an age.

8. Teresita DrakeMay 8,2023 at 12:27PM UTC

   I am a mom of 3 grown sons and there are a lot of younger moms and dads on our team with small children. I love to hear about their family experiences. Join an activity after work and see if someone on the team is interested. Many of us are going to see each other at the employee social this week. I look forward to connecting with everyone outside of work.

9. BeaBoss645203May 8,2023 at 1:05PM UTC

   Rejoice in having a job you actually can love. As a senior worker I am always older and sometimes by alot lol. Do not let this bother you and my motto has always been that I believe no one really has friends at work anyways - people are only worried about their own paycheck and jobs when it comes right down to it . But if you are a music lover - as I am -music may be something you can relate with them too , heck I still listen to rock -.Keeping up somewhat with movies and books may help . But please don't let something like this worry you . Just be happy n=being there

10. AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 1:39PM UTC

    At 58, I'm the oldest person on my team by at least 10 years. Most of my colleagues are Millennials, including my boss. What has helped me is not focusing on the age gap. I relate to them as fellow professionals, and even though I have more life experience than they do, I'm still open to learning from them. And I can relate to coming into a very tight team. I have been at this job for a little over a year, while the rest of the team has been together for at least 5 years. Being together for that long will certainly result in a cohesive bond that can be intimidating for a newbie. Don't take it personally. Just give it time and once they get to know you and vice versa, that will ease the awkwardness.

11. AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 2:17PM UTC

    Be nice, friendly, and professional. Your job is to add the most value to the company and your team. If the younger folks want to form their social groups, just let it be as you can't control that.

    Show your boss and others the value you bring as a more experienced staff. Don't put up armor or draw attention to your age. Help them see your worth through your work and contributions. You don't need them to accept you as a friend but a respected colleague.

12. AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 2:17PM UTC

    Haha. I'm 59 and I'm the youngest person on my team! One person in her early 70's just retired, but she was still more than capable of doing this job. Another one in her early 70's needs to retire for health reasons, but she won't retire. The third one in her late 60's needs to retire due to her inflexible attitude and unwillingness to modernize our procedures. How funny that at age 59, I'm the one who wants to modernize, streamline and simplify our process

13. Esther WormanMay 8,2023 at 2:26PM UTC

    I’ve a couple friends, really aquaintences, that are my kid’s age. We get together for a shared purpose (kickboxing practice) & occasionally post comments on social media. The bottom line, aside from kickboxing and writing, we don’t have a lot in common. My advice; be approachable, friendly and do your job.

14. AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 2:52PM UTC

    I wouldn't focus on age if you can help it, instead focus on the job, company and related skill, duties, etc. I am 53 so everyone is younger than me it seems so I can't think about that.

15. AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 7:51PM UTC

    I recommend doing your job and being friendly. Have friends outside of work. You could also suggest a happy hour or some other activity to get to know everyone on the team at a more personal level. Look for commonalities not differences.

16. Crystal HowellMay 9,2023 at 4:11AM UTC

    Age is only a number, 44 is the new 30. Just reach out more, join their conversations, and don't get discouraged. It takes time to adjust, like your cube. Love your job , most people don't.

17. Lisa MarieMay 9,2023 at 6:41PM UTC

    You really need to find a way to not think about anyone's age. At all.

    Not even yours.

    Age is not the employee

    Age is not doing the job tasks the company requires

    Age is not attending meetings or communicating with you

    Age is not with whom you interact each day.

    You need to see your team members as professionals only, who are doing the jobs they were hired to do, and not as a group of people of a certain age.