When you’re the youngest at work it can sometimes feel overwhelming and a little like starting high school as a lowly freshman again (Oh please no right?). Here are some things to consider when you’re the youngest at work.
Getting a touch of imposter syndrome is totally normal and frankly, unless your ego is the size of the Empire State Building, expected. Perhaps you’re just starting a new job or maybe the youngest has left the building and you realize that you’re now the new little Bambi around the office but there are definitely some things to think about when you take that new position.
As I write this, I’m the youngest in my position by about five years at my office. The office I left wasn’t like that, there were plenty of people that were younger than me and had less experience than me. Starting in my new office threw me for a loop because I realized that I wasn’t going to be one that lots of people could come to for advice and I wasn’t able to have the confident feeling that I had seen more and handled more than the person I was talking to.
When you’re the Youngest at Work
You don’t have to be Best Friends with your Co-Workers
Your co-workers can just be that: your co-workers. Don’t feel the need to become their confidants; then again it’s okay if you do it just isn’t required. You might be on different paths, some might be the age of your parents so any type of friendship could be a different type. When I first started I was the only one who was single so it’s not like I could exactly talk about my dating disasters – especially when some of my co-workers had kids my age.
You’re going to Feel out of your Depth
If you’re now surrounded by co-workers who have double your experience and no one else is on your experience level it’s natural to feel like you’re voice and ideas aren’t going to be heard. This is normal so don’t feel bad. Your confidence will come back up when you get your groove back.
Soak up the Knowledge Around you
Take advantage of the experience level of your co-workers and learn from them. You now have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips that can teach you. Learn from this wealth because it’s only going to make you better at your job.
Know your Chain of Command
Make sure you know who is in your chain of command so you know exactly who you need to clear things with. Having awareness of your CIC also makes sure you don’t get taken advantage of if someone who is not in your CIC “asks” you to do a job that you have no business doing.
Dress Appropriately
This might seem like a given but make sure you’re dressing appropriately for your job. When you’re the youngest at work you don’t want to be seen as the youngest just by your attire. Good thing you’ve got lots of outfit inspiration here right? Rough outline of making sure your outfit is appropriate: watch your skirt length and “poofiness”, make sure your outfit isn’t too tight, keep your necklines higher, and be able to walk in your heels. If you’re brand new to work check out my work capsule wardrobe.
Get your Sh*t Done
Again this is a given but actually do your work. Get your tasks done on time and no slacking. You don’t need to stay late every day but buckle down until people know you can handle your business.
Take Initiative – Big & Small
No task is too small for you to accomplish. Take notes during meetings, refill the copier even if it’s seen as “below” your pay scale. Do small things because eventually you’ll be given more responsibility and you’ll have more and more of those big responsibilities.
Remember you’re doing the SAME Job
You were hired to have the same responsibilities as your co-workers. You CAN DO this job. You were interviewed and chosen because of your abilities. When you’re feeling down keep repeating this to yourself because it should give you a boost!
Starting a new job can be scary and nerve wracking, add into that you being the youngest at work and it can definitely up the unsettling feeling. Remember these pieces of advice and you’ll settle into being the youngest at work in no time.
