How to Deal with Being The Youngest Coworker
I am 19 years old working with many men and women at least five (minimum) to decades older than me, and it’s actually pretty intimidating. These people have been doing their jobs for many years and here I am; I have only been on the job for two months. It can get pretty frustrating between all of the “you’re such a baby” comments to “why did you choose this job” or for me “I thought you were 16”. Honestly, you just have to take those comments in stride and know that you’re not the first nor the last person to come in at a young age {whether it’s at your job or any other job}. Laugh along and know that this will not go on forever.
Sometimes, your age can benefit you more than you realize. At my job, we have to learn a completely new system before October 17; well since I’m in college and always learning/planning/in that frame of mind, it was easier for me to take in what was being taught during the training class. In turn, I helped my other coworkers when they had questions and issues.
Another thing to keep in mind of, it may be hard for some of your coworkers to take you seriously. Matt and I have both experienced this issue {yes, it does happen whether we want to believe it or not}. Do not take it personally, it’s not your fault that you were born in a certain year and it’s not your fault that some people can’t look past age. That’s just how the world works, and sometimes it really does suck. All you can do is do your best and prove yourself, eventually people will look at your merit as opposed to your age.
One thing I can suggest is make friends with your coworkers, no matter how much older they are. I’m not saying to go out to the bar or something, because you both {most likely} have different lifestyles and enjoy different things. However, that doesn’t mean that in the office or in the breakroom you can’t join in the conversation and get to know them. I enjoy talking with my coworkers and getting to know them, and in return have them get to know me.
I don’t mind being the youngest, I do have coworkers close to my age but most are older. Like I said, you won’t be the youngest forever and you have to start somewhere!
-XOXO
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Hi Lauren! I am also the youngest co-worker. You're right, it takes a while for older co-workers to take us younger workers seriously. (The fact that I have a baby face doesn't help either! haha) Thankfully, my co-workers are starting to respect me after months of working hard and proving myself. Thanks for this great post! ๐
Such a relevant post to me right now! I don't have many co-workers (I'm the only employee at my first job) but I do work with other people with the schools and organizations we partner with. I am definitely the youngest and it feels weird, but getting to know everyone is so important! Thanks so much for talking about this!
Great job and personally – it will soon be seen that the effort and enthusiasm you put into your job is contagious!!!! And there will be jealousy that they can't keep up with you ๐ I know it sounds like I'm opinionated but I have never known two such young eager adults as you and Matt to succeed. Keep showing em!!!! And yes, mix in, you never know who your next mentor may be.I still have people 30 yrs later who thank me for my guidance and thank me for taking them under their wing here and there. Life works both ways, you have a lot to show them too!