In my office building, I am younger than all by about 20 years. Some people I am younger than by 30 years. In the government contract world, most employees are retired military, and to be retired military, you usually aren’t young. There are however many circumstances that this requirement isn’t necessary. Exhibit a: me.
My problem, is that in no way do I look like I belong here. It really has nothing to do with my age, it has everything to do with my face… and also probably my height. Let’s be honest, I look really young. I definitely don’t fit the full-time-job, has-her-own-office, drives-a-nice-car age. On most days it doesn’t bother me because everyone here knows me, knows my true age, and knows I am good at my job. But then there are days like today, days when someone new walks in the office. Days when a mid-fifties age man walks in wearing a business suit and shiny shoes and when he walks by me in the hall I know he is thinking, “Aw, someone brought their daughter to work today.” It makes me want to put my hair in a bun, go buy some fake reading glasses and flash my wedding band because hey! High school students can’t get married!!
Last night I was watching American Idol and when contestants audition the screen shows their name and age. There were a couple of girls my age, give or take a year, and I just thought to myself, I don’t look like those people. It really gets under my skin at times, and I wonder about the kind of looks I will get once I am pregnant and am waddling around with a huge belly. I am simply going to remind myself that no, I don’t like looking young now, but I sure as hell will when I’m 50.
Sher Bailey is a writer in the Midwest who believes the power of humor, Mod Podge, and grandkids can fix most problems in life. You can find her at SherBailey.com.
Sher says
You will always be gorgeous Kitten. Always.
Katie says
this is too funny. We are in the same boat…I’m young, but look even younger!
Just the other day an employee walked into the office (I work in HR) and said “you look like you’re in sixth grade!”
umm, excuse me? I look like an eleven year old? seriously?
One of the days I’ll be glad, I’m sure, but for now it’s kind of insulting!
Elizabeth says
Katie – That is hilarious! When one of the Will Ferrell movies came out (I can’t remember which one but it was rated R) I got CARDED at WalMart. And you only have to be 17 to buy it which meant I would have had to look 16 years old. Good gosh.