If someone tells you ageism does not exist in the workplace today they are lying…
Background: I recently had the honor of writing a guest post for Abby Wambaugh. Excited to add some snark from another voice, I asked her to reciprocate. Excluding projects like ideaAnglers, this is the first time that I’ve asked someone to return the guest-post favor.
This is completely Abby’s fault. From her Tweets, to her day job, to her blog, Wambaugh carries with her the ability to write with authenticity, a commitment to ethics, a sharp intellect, and a dedication to hard work that makes me honored to call her a colleague. That, and she has good taste in music. If I had a short list of Gen Y marketers to watch, she’d definitely be on it. If you don’t already, follow Abby on Twitter, and make sure to check out her blog, The Picaresuqe.
If someone tells you ageism does not exist in the workplace today, they are lying. I purposely do not tell the 50+ year old men I work with on a regular basis my age, and I know other young professionals who allow clients to believe they are 5+ years older to avoid being asked to have someone “more qualified” added to an account. It is exhausting to prove your professional worth simply because you are younger, but in some ways it comes with the territory.
This realization was further proved recently when someone called me “green,” a derogatory term that means your lack of experience is obvious. I’ll be the first to say that I have a lot of learning to do, but I’ll also point out that my experience is not something that can be negated because of my age. Facts on my resume, clippings of my spokesperson quotes and media placements speak for themselves. Without the context of the entire story, you’ll have to take my word that this comment was out of line.
I am sad for myself and my fellow young professionals that there are people who look down on us because we are younger despite proving our worth professionally. I am sadder that some members of older generations choose instead of coming along side us and mentoring us in our careers to put us down because of their own hang-ups and insecurities.
What makes debunking ageism myths even more difficult are the young professionals who consistently reveal their lack of experience and help to prove the GenY stereotypes that are being fed through the media and bloated by skewed research (i.e. unable to work alone, don’t have real world grounding, coddled by their Baby Boomer parents, etc.).
If you are younger (let’s say under 30) and in business – I’m not saying I have anything to teach you – but I would like to share a few things that have benefited me.
Mentors – Find some. Not just in your field, but in other fields too. Not just professional mentors, but personal mentors. Not just one, but many. Find them and hang on their every word.
Practice humility - Whether it’s simply age or personality I’m not sure, but I do think there tends to be a lack of humility in successful GenYers. Among other things, humility means gracefully watching other people receive promotions and raises and not holding their success against them.
Speak your mind – Don’t be timid or think you have nothing to say because everyone in the room is older than you. No one is paying you to not think for yourself. But do be sure to respect others and their opinions. Think before you speak (or email).
Don’t be afraid to fail – Chances are if you are more successful than most your age you got there for a reason. It also means you are probably a bit of a control freak and a perfectionist. Take a risk. Use those mentors you have and ask them for advice. Learn from your mistakes.
Peer relationships – Talk and interact on a regular basis with other successful, young professionals, and not just to talk about you. Encourage them when they need some positive reinforcement. Look to them when you need encouragement.
Ask questions - Enough said.
Acknowledge your weaknesses – It is difficult for anyone to receive criticism. Receive criticism well and you will be better for it. Don’t just acknowledge your weaknesses, work to fix them.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, or even one limited to young professionals, these are simply things I struggle with and/or benefit from the most. Many things could be added and I urge you to add others in the comments section.
Abby Wambaugh is a marketing manager for an international company with a background in public relations. She likes to rock climb, save the earth and listen to depressing music. You can read her blog at http://thepicaresque.com or find her on twitter @abbyannette.
