I'm worried I'm going to feel alone as the only young person in the office.

38 Comments

1. Marie KFebruary 17,2022 at 3:57PM UTC

   Congrats on the dream role! Sounds like an exciting opportunity to share your valuable perspective. I was the youngest on our team for years - I wouldn't say there's a way to make sure it doesn't happen, because it might. It was more about how much I let it affect me. I was fortunate that I had team members who looked out for me, made me feel valued, and helped me learn the things I didn't know. And the right people won't ever make you feel behind, excluded or in doubt of your abilities (so sorry that's happened before!). Focus on what you can control, you got this!

2. AnonymousFebruary 17,2022 at 4:06PM UTC

   I am the youngest in my office. There are five of us and the next two people are 10 years older than I am and then after that 30 years and 50 years older, so I can totally understand this feeling, especially feeling behind. Most of my office is very supportive, values my opinion, and allows me time to ask questions as needed. They know that I can bring value just as much as I can learn from them. Only one person has made me feel on occasion like I don't know what I am doing but others in my office has reassured me that one its not just me it happens to but also that I am a professional and they hired me for a reason.

   It's hard to know whether your office will be supportive or not only you can judge that based off of the interviews and conversations you have had. If this a dream role, I would definitely consider it and know that they want you for a reason.

3. Christine JohnsonFebruary 17,2022 at 4:10PM UTC

   Congratulations on your dream role! I agree with Marie. I was the youngest at one time in a small organization where all of my peers were my parents age. They were very welcoming and were excited to have me join and it was an incredible experience. Years later, I am typically one of the more seasoned people on the team. I want to make sure that all new team members feel welcomed and valued. Be yourself and squash the ANT (Automatic Negative Thoughts). You will truly shine!

4. AnonymousFebruary 17,2022 at 4:55PM UTC

   You can avoid all this like anyone of any age. You perform at an exceptional level and deliver excellent work and contribute as part of the team

   Don't set yourself apart with age, lack of experience or an other limiting beliefs.

   No one thinks about differences if they are blown away by someone's work ethic, delivery of exceptional work and handles themselves with professionalism.

   Go to work and slay them. Don't go in with limiting beliefs or you will let yourself and everyone down.

5. Sabrina CortesFebruary 17,2022 at 5:15PM UTC

   Congrats on your new job!!! Starting a new job is stressful enough, plus getting to know the procedures and team members, managers, etc.

   I know that you said that you experienced this in the past and it's hard not to project that in this new role. However, you want the people that you work with to give you a chance so, you need to do the same. Cut yourself (and them) a break and take some deep breaths.

   Think positive and show them how much you will contribute to the team and the organization as a whole. They hired you because they saw your value. Now, all you need to do is show it to them. :)

   You got this!!

6. AnonymousFebruary 17,2022 at 5:17PM UTC

   How many times could it have happened to you before if you're thaaaaat young? :)

7. AnonymousFebruary 18,2022 at 1:24AM UTC

   Just be yourself, be professional, learn from your colleagues and see them as individuals, rather than through the sole lens of age.

   I’m a Boomer, so I can say with confidence that older people don’t bite. While we appreciate being respected for our skills and experience, we also enjoy the fresh perspective of younger colleagues and their management and IT skills.

   A few perspectives:

   -Don’t talk salary. It is possible that you are being paid *more* than some senior colleagues, because the pay of recent hires sometimes exceeds that of veteran workers.

   -Ask questions about the company, its products, its processes, its history. Older co-workers are usually happy to help when others value their knowledge.

   -Respect that we each are shaped by the generation we grow up in. Show respect to every person in your workplace, regardless of age.

   See the movie comedy The Intern— it’s about how the generations can support each other at work. The intern, by the way, is a retiree.

8. Jacquelynn LucasFebruary 18,2022 at 1:58PM UTC

   I worked for a company where I was the youngest - but I was the only one with experience in my field. So while I did ask LOTS of questions about their respective fields, they came to ask questions about mine as well. So I wouldn't look at it as you are not experienced enough, I would look at it what are you bringing to the table and what can you learn from this opportunity to develop your career.

9. Adriana CanepaFebruary 18,2022 at 2:35PM UTC

   Ive work with older people before and they have a lot to teach if you let them, give it a try

10. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 1:31PM UTC

    Oh, you will learn from your older co-workers and they will learn from you! You’ll bring young, fresh ideas to the table and they’ll value you for it! Congrats on your new job!!

11. BethBFebruary 20,2022 at 2:09PM UTC

    As long as you aren’t looking for your job to provide a social life, it should be ok. They obviously thought you bring something to the table. Go in confident that you can do a great job, confident and not arrogant. We recently hired a few younger workers. They are wonderful, they bring in new ideas and approaches, they are genuinely curious about the way we do things and why. They have such enthusiasm for their jobs and the company that make the rest of us want to help them snd to see them succeed

12. DebbieFebruary 20,2022 at 2:30PM UTC

    i’m sure you will do a great job!
    You are obviously bringing something to the table.

13. Deanna McNeilFebruary 20,2022 at 2:36PM UTC

    It helps to be clear on your expectations in your head, control that inner voice. You want to be treated with respect? The way you go about your business will help you remain calm. Treating others the way you want to be treated will quiet that inner critic.

    These days the competition is stiffer than ever to get a position yet it was YOU that made the cut. Great job! We know you’ve got this. Come back and let us know how things are going!

14. Melissa BridgesFebruary 20,2022 at 2:36PM UTC

    I’ve been in this situation. I was 22, everyone else was 35+. They hired you for a reason. These are mature adults that are eager to see your strengths and how you can contribute to the company to help them all succeed. Remember they choose you for this position. If they didn’t think you could hold your own weight at the job, they would choose someone else.

    It was honestly, one of the most positive employment opportunities I’ve had.

    Good luck (but you don’t need it),

    Mel

15. GirlBossanova934974February 20,2022 at 2:43PM UTC

    For the first 10-12 years of my career, I was the 22-32 yr old in the room filled with people with 30 years of experience! I think it was like the first 3 jobs that went this way. Those were the best years of my career. Things you CAN learn cannot be adequately written about. That knowledge can lead to enormous pay increases, promotions, and such. The problem today is that many are one trick ponies with little or no expertise outside their own area. You can leapfrog those folks. Feeling excluded? If you make the effort, they'll make the effort PLUS you will gain PRICELESS interpersonal skillsets that further your career even more.

16. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 2:50PM UTC

    Don’t ever minimize yourself for anyone else. You are great/enough/qualified and everything that got you where you are today.

    Trying to understand why people may doubt you due to your age is futile. We have no control what others think of us and people are going to doubt your abilities regardless of age or qualifications . Let them. You’ll be too busy kicking butt (not literally). You can create healthy boundaries and not allow people to project anything outward on to you.

    If this happened before ask yourself what did you learn? What themes keep emerging? How can we approach things differently?

    Lastly, young people bring new ideas and these people can be your greatest mentors.

17. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 2:53PM UTC

    For most people this would be the least of their concerns. Soo many other bigger issues (i.e. pay, the hours, the toxic environment).

18. Mara Jevera FulmerFebruary 20,2022 at 2:56PM UTC

    One of my best experiences in my early career was when I the youngest in the office of mostly men who had 20-30 years more life and job experience. What I brought was skills in a different area that dovetailed well into the overall work we were doing. Their mentorship, camaraderie, and patience taught me to navigate the challenges of both life and work as I managed as a working woman who was also growing a family. When an incredible opportunity came about to work overseas, I left that job with great memories, and longterm friendships. As a boomer, I taken those lessons with me when working now with people half or more my age. Everyone has something to bring to the table and as an older worker, I want to help nurture their strengths. Don’t stress over the opportunity to work with older people. Cherish the possibilities it offers. You won’t regret it.

19. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 3:01PM UTC

    It’s the best position to be in. You’ll learn so much from those older workers. And in turn, you’ll bring a different perspective.

    Be open minded, professional and friendly. Learn from past mistakes, extend the olive branch.

    Being new, regardless of age, takes effort and patience. Ask for and offer help. Being early to meetings, first to finish projects, volunteer for committee/projects, etc. Be the best you can be and you’ll earn respect early. You already impressed them to get the job. You’ll be great. Good luck!

20. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 3:28PM UTC

    First, remember that you were hired for a reason. The person who offered you the job thought you had something valuable to contribute.

    Second, when you're in meetings or talking to your older coworkers, don't try to prove that you know better because you were in school most recently or are more in tune with pop culture. Show that you are open to learning and working with older people. In fact, try not to show that you think of them as older.

    I've worked with people of all ages. I've been the youngest and now I'm the oldest. Once you're in the thick of things, age truly doesn't matter. Best of luck to you! I hope it does turn out to be your dream job!

21. Nicole FortuneFebruary 20,2022 at 3:30PM UTC

    I was the youngest for years. I actually enjoyed it! It gave me a wealth of resources to help me decide what skillset I wanted to develop as I grew professionally.

22. Crystal HowellFebruary 20,2022 at 3:35PM UTC

    As long as you know your skillset is what got you hired, then improve on them by asking questions of your older co-workers. You are the next generation in the company and have skills that older co-workers don't have. Teach, Learn, and get promoted. Don't talk about your age, be CONFIDENT! You are being groomed for longevity!

23. Focused721350February 20,2022 at 3:55PM UTC

    Good Morning,

    First off! Stop thinking negative. You should feel GREAT!!!!

    Age is just a #. They might be more experienced on some level, But! Take one day and a time and not worry about it. Put a smile on that beautiful face of yours and stand up straight with confidences. I know you can do this!!!!

    God Bless and Good Luck, Ms T ;)

24. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 4:48PM UTC

    I can almost guarantee it will happen. However, your response is what will make a difference. Listen to the comment; if it is racist, sexist, or ageist, politely ask, “what do you mean by that.” Your colleagues have to own their statement.

25. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 7:22PM UTC

    what do you mean by this?

    (calling out your super blatant ageism)

26. Rosa GoesFebruary 20,2022 at 6:09PM UTC

    During my college years I worked within a department that had older long term employees. They were all willing to train me and help with any issues. The key is to not think you know everything, and be respectful. I agree with others, don't talk about age.

27. MidwestMaven456February 20,2022 at 7:15PM UTC

    You're getting into a field that obviously has longevity for your profession and values people with experience. You have an opportunity that could set you up for your life’s career. I know several people that have worked in the same field for 30+ years and they made good money, worked fun places and really enjoy the work.

    Don’t fall into the age trap and assume that just because they are older than you that they won’t want to mentor you, be friendly or appreciate fresh blood. Many older workers want to impart their wisdom and experience to up and comers. Stop being negative about the opportunity and doubting yourself. Enjoy the possibilities that are being presented to you.

28. Madam anon663February 20,2022 at 7:19PM UTC

    That is outright ageism, and you should be very careful about how you interact and what you say. These people have a lifetime of experience that you could benefit from, stop worrying about something that is not a given, and do some maturing.

29. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 8:09PM UTC

    In my first job after college, I was the youngest employee by about 20 years.
    It was great working alongside leaders in my field, and I probably learned much more than if I’d had peers there. Find friends and community outside of work; it’s better that way anyway. Seek to do the best job you can and learn as much as you can from your coworkers. Also watch out for your own ageism - don’t assume either positive or negative traits just because of someone’s age.

30. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 8:27PM UTC

    Be careful about your perception of others.
    In other words, don’t judge others by their age, if you don’t want to be judged by your age. You may be surprised. When I was the younger person in the office, I found many friends of all ages. If you are in a field you are interested in or passionate about, you will see that you have a lot in common with your coworkers! It’s not high school. The real world is full of a variety of people that will enhance your life. It’s a moment in time that you will all be together. Ten years from now, you might just miss this time and those people that you thought might exclude you. If you are an open person, they will let you in.

31. Christi MillerFebruary 20,2022 at 10:23PM UTC

    I have worked with people older than me and younger than me most of my career. Everyone can teach you something if you're willing to learn. The older people you work with may be looking to you for your knowledge on a particular topic in your field. Don't worry about age and be open to learn.

32. Ellen Smith FaganFebruary 21,2022 at 1:04AM UTC

    don't do it.
    Or do it for now, but if you feel "different" and fear being left lonely, then it is not right for you. I was an accellerated student and in studies and work projects, my companions were often older and every time things got "Interesting" I was left to talk to myself...."oh hi" , they might say, as they swanned on by with age peers. Thank God my marriage, and motherhood and the wonderful work itself were so good. I lasted well, and when my life moved on to another era, the friends thing was easier.

33. Eloisa JacintoFebruary 21,2022 at 2:08PM UTC

    Hello there. Congratulations on your new job! Don’t worry about something that may or may not happen. But make an effort to address any biases or preconceived notions on your part. Enjoy the interaction and learn as much from everyone. Be sincere, reach out and don’t let age stop you from making meaningful work connections. Regards.

34. AnonymousFebruary 21,2022 at 5:51PM UTC

    If you got an offer from a dream role, why would you care what age your coworkers are??? If you can’t get over the age difference, let someone else have the job!

35. Maricia D. C. JohnsFebruary 22,2022 at 1:05AM UTC

    Talk to them, and get to know them. You will be surprised at how well it will go.

36. AnonymousFebruary 22,2022 at 5:25PM UTC

    I didn't get through all of the comments, so this might have been shared already by someone else who has been in a similar position. Both of the jobs I've had I was the youngest in the company. When I was hired at my current company I was younger than everyone else by about 20 years, including the people in my immediate work group. Now there are 4 of us under the age of 35 in the entire company. I had the exact same concerns, and also some other concerns since I was hired to make changes to processes that had been used for over 10 years.

    What I found in both situations was that while most of them treat me like their kid (I am the same age as their kid(s) after all), being open to learning from them and asking their advice on things went a long way in getting them to accept me and becoming work friends. As we've become work friends it's kind of like having a bunch of aunts and uncles. No one will expect you to know everything, so it's ok to feel behind in the first year. What they will look at is if you are learning and working hard to learn. I've also found that people don't necessarily "doubt abilities" but they will look at your work ethic. Working hard in the first few months goes a long way towards getting acceptance and respect.

    All of that said, do not expect to have a social life that includes your coworkers. Lunches sure, but most of them probably have families to go home to so that can be lonely. It might not be the case, but it is something to prepare for if you're fresh out of college or are leaving a company where there were a lot of other people around your age.

    I hope this helps a bit. I personally really enjoy working with people that are my parents' age, and think that it can be really beneficial especially early in the career.

    Good luck! :)

37. Karen GongawareFebruary 24,2022 at 8:38PM UTC

    Stop being defensive. People can tell, which puts them on the defensive. Who cares what your age is, can you do the job or not? Believe in your abilities, not your age.

38. Paula BrantnerMarch 23,2022 at 12:51PM UTC

    Early in my career, that was the case for me. It was not nearly as fun as some of the places I worked, and I didn't have a lot of work friends. But what I gained was a fair amount of guidance and mentorship early on in my career, and people who took a long-term interest in my success.

    If it's like you think it is, then being young, you can move on. But it sounds like it could really surprise you and be a good way to reinforce your confidence.