Thursday, August 27, 2009

Inbetween

There are so many stages of our lives that we accept different roles, values, and personas. I'm sure I can say that for most of us, a memorable one was the "tween" years (am I using this trendy phrase correctly??). It's that awkward time when your "not a girl, not yet a woman" (thank you Britney Spears). Well I think I've found the next "tween" years of my life. I'm stuck in the middle of that lively, young college student and professional adult. I look about my age, maybe a little young, but I'm sure I'll appreciate that later on in life. Right now, I just feel like I'm not really taken seriously and it has nothing to do with my work product or degrees I have.

I work at a University, and at 25 years old, most students and faculty alike think I'm an undergraduate student. I do my work well, VERY WELL, get paid nothing even with a master's degree alright, act professionally, blog on the clock, dress the part, yada yada. So this just makes things 10x harder when students think it's OK to say, wow you're young - can I ask how old you are? When is that EVER appropriate?

This doesn't just happen at work. It's with strangers, it's with old friends... I feel like since I look young, am not married, and don't have kids, I'm not taken seriously as an adult. I do want that in my future, but does it have to be that I'm not treated as an adult because I'm not there yet?

When do you really start to feel/get treated as a grown up with a little respect and acceptance?
at

8 comments:

  1. Sweet SimplicityAugust 28, 2009 at 6:18 AM

    I feel ya! I work at a university as well and people always assume that I am a student. Sometimes I have to explain it multiple times to people before they will talk to me and give me what I want. (when I visit other offices or our main campus.)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Simply MeAugust 28, 2009 at 11:04 AM

    I love your blog- I just found it and I love how you write.
    as a young adult as well ( while in a whole other industry all together that's mass suicide), I can completely relate.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousAugust 28, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    Hi! I SO know how you feel!! I have been mistaken for a student at my little one's school...I have had servers ask my husband if it is him and 2 children. I am almost 30 (my little one is 9) and I am liking those comments more and more these days! haha

    ReplyDelete
  4. d.a.r.August 28, 2009 at 7:05 PM

    Hahaha I could have written this, too!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Carma SezAugust 31, 2009 at 8:22 AM

    At my age, I'd be thrilled for that to happen, but I do see what you are saying about not being taken as seriously.

    Stopping by from SITS to say hi and welcome! We're glad you're on board :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just LisaAugust 31, 2009 at 9:17 PM

    I'm an insurance investigator, and I get asked my age all the time! It's so annoying! I always want to say, "Dude, what difference does it make??? Do you think I'll be more likely to give you money if I'm 82???" Sheesh!


    I came by to welcome you to SITS! We're happy to have you with us!

    ReplyDelete
  7. JosieSeptember 1, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    Great blog! I feel in the same boat as you mentioned, but yet having just turned 26, I am feeling like I should be further along! Eik...I know 26 isn't 'old', but it's starting to feel that way!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. September 1, 2009 at 4:45 PM

    I'm not sure when it happened {to get taken seriously because you're an adult} but it all stops again once you have teenagers. ;o)

    p.s. Welcome to the SITS community!

    ReplyDelete

I love reading your comments! Thank you!