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generations at work

Nita14701Nita14701 member
in Working Moms
I'm at a level where their is probably about a 20 year age difference between myself and the managers of the other offices that I work with. It also probably doesn't help that I look younger than I am.  I feel like I get "attitude" and talked down to sometimes . I'm sure some of these women had a drastically different work environment and educational experience than I did, but i'm not the enemy, so please park your attitude at the door before talking to me. It really pisses me off.  Anyone else have similar experiences?
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Re: generations at work

  • snicksnacksnicksnack member

               How old are you; and how do you treat them? It really is a balance.  I work in an interesting environment most of my bosses are white males in their 60s, former military and have no clue how to operate in corporate America much less treat someone fairly who does not understand the military. Some refer to me still as kiddo I am 35.  Additionlly, the older woman are down right rude thinking they need to act male is the only way I can discribe it.  There are not many in the 45-60 range and not many who were not hired for their military rank.  The company is moving away from this type of thinking because it has caused our engagement to tank and they were not able to keep young talent.  The up and comers ( I would say ages 35-45) I think tend to get walked on by those in their 20s who are clueless, entitled and don’t realize they need to work up.  This is our own fought.  We were treated so bad we don’t want to do that to others but it leads to an environment where younger employees don’t want to work late or do work they view as under them. Additionally, the way some of them talk in email.  I have changed my attitude to be more firm, not always so nice and I have point blank told some of them that they need to treat me with the respect they give older managers.  So I suggest observing, and working on a strategy.  It took me a good year to feel the waters but I am more respected for it all around. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

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  • Nita14701Nita14701 member
    K3am said:

    Or better yet, you can mourn the fact that it's no longer legal to smoke in the office or that women should only be secretaries, and see if that wins you any friends?

    Where is that coming from?
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  • MommyAttyMommyAtty member
    I worked for the military for a while, and I know exactly what you're talking about. Many of the older women valued being the only women in the organization and thought that somehow younger women had it easier and they should treat us like crap to make up for it. The only answer (and it sucks) is to buckle down and prove you earned your position. Grin, grit your teeth, and bear it.

    My big problem frankly was older admins and paralegals. I think they thought women lawyers were "uppity" before they had ever met us. Killing them with kindness eventually worked, but it sucked early on.

    I also look younger than I am, and I do think that makes things harder. It's getting easier now that I'm older, lol, so know that situation corrects itself.
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  • jc&catjc&cat member

    There is a fair amount of research out there about multi generational work places and some strategies to bridge some of the gaps overcome some of the stereotypes. There have never been so many generations in the office ever thus making some new experiences and challenges to overcome for all. Making the leap that yes, these ladies may have started their career under different circumstances, environment there could be some strategizing on your end to make it work sort of what snicksnack stated above.

    Just a short start but you might find some links through here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/meghanbiro/2014/03/23/recognize-reward-and-engage-your-multi-generational-workforce/

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  • VORVOR member
    K3am said:
     every so often we have problems with our new hires coming in and feeling entitled despite not having done anything worthwhile. 

     

    I used to handle the training of fresh-out-of-college kids.  They were starting in a training position in a financial company where a part of pretty much EVERY job requirement included "college degree".  This one kid was all annoyed because they were trainees.  He had a COLLEGE DEGREE and shouldn't be starting at the bottom!!!!!

    I could only laugh to myself on that one. 

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