How To Deal When You’re The Youngest One In The Workplace
This post is all about being the youngest one in the workplace.
Entering the workforce for the first time is no easy feat. One thing I wasn’t prepared for post-grad was transitioning from being a full-time student and surrounded by people my age, to now being the youngest one in the workplace.
I’ve found that more often than not, coworkers won’t take you seriously because of misconceptions that Millineals are lazy, entitled, and generally out of touch with reality.
I’ve personally experienced my fair share of this at my first job out of college where I was continuously met with comments about me being a “baby” and genuine, collective shock that someone my age could perform at a high level. But this happens a lot more than you would think. In More than Enough, ex- Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue Elaine Welteroth recounts a time when she went out to lunch with a magazine editor who left in the middle of their meeting after finding out Welteroth was only 23.
Despite these misconceptions, The Boston Globe reported that Millineals are quite the opposite- they’re workaholics. In one online study, more than 4 in 10 Millennials consider themselves “work martyrs” — irreplaceable, determined, and fearful of taking time off.
So how can you overcome the challenges that come with being dismissed as “too young” or “inexperienced”? Here are some tips on navigating the workplace all while being the youngest one there.
Demonstrate Your Professionalism
To be seen as a professional, you have to show up as one. You’ll have to take extra steps to prove yourself capable, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.
This includes everything from showing up prepared to meetings, to dressing professionally and speaking confidently and assertively. It’s even having it down to the little things like having no flyaways in your hair. Consistently paying attention to these small details will go a long way and set you apart!
Also, have a solid understanding of workplace culture and adapt to it. Be proactive and set up time with your coworkers to both get to know them better and take control of your personal brand.
Take Constructive Criticism like a Champ
People. Are. Always. Watching. So what you do, and say, matters.
Being coachable and taking constructive criticism will set you apart as someone who is actually willing to learn and succeed. Saying a quick “thank you” and accepting critiques graciously goes a long way.
Feedback and constructive criticism go hand-in-hand with the growing pains of starting a new job and finding your stride. Additionally, your supervisors will watch you closely and notice any efforts & improvements, or lack thereof. How you act and perform can set you apart from other employees when it comes time for promotions.
Refuse to let imposter syndrome Get the Best Of you
Don’t get me wrong, it’s completely normal to have feelings of doubt and insecurity cross your mind. Especially when you can see people you graduated with absolutely killing it on LinkedIn.
While it’s okay to have these feelings, the important thing is to not wallow in them. Instead of shying away and letting limiting beliefs run the show, embrace what makes you different and all the advantages that come with it. Being young allows you to have a whole different perspective and cater to a new demographic. It’s a unique gift that your coworkers may not have- so take advantage of it!
The confidence you have in yourself and your capabilities plays a huge role in this, but remember, you were hired for a reason and you deserve your place there. If you didn’t, someone else would be sitting in your seat.
At the end of the day, take all these tips, and be so good that they can’t ignore you.