Older workers: What are some of the issues involved in working for a supervisor much younger than you?

Answer 1

Generally, the issues that you have to deal with include sometimes not having respect for someone who "outranks" you, yet has much less life experience. Also, it is often hard for a younger supervisor to have a lot of authority over an older worker, especially when the older worker may come across as a father figure type. Older workers have to make sure that they don't talk down to a supervisor that they see as immature or inexperienced. Catching some of the pop culture references can be tough, as is approaching your duties with two different viewpoints and experience levels regarding technology - where the younger supervisor may hold the edge in experience.

If you are a younger supervisor with an older employee, be sure to give them the respect that their age and life experience deserve, but maintain a professional demeanor with them to keep the authority in your ballcourt. Don't try to exert authority by ordering them around; that will lead to resentment. Instead, simply be polite and ask them to do a task as you would any employee.

Answer 2

Although I'm in my mid 30's I've learned that it's not realy an issue situation, Its a lack of respect that most young suppervisors have for elder employees, because they tend to get in their head that they know more than such older workers, and tent to forget that some older workers have been their in the job and watched so many come and go and are just trying to help that supervisor help them run the company without stepping on everyones needs...It is possible beleive it or not.

Answer 3

Numerous issues. I think it can be broadly classified into two groups:
1. Problems/Issues from the older worker (Ego, unwilling to work for younger, not accepting to change, feeling that he knows all, not willing to accept knowledge perspective of younger generation)
2. Problems/issues from younger boss (Insecurity in own knowledge, do not understand older worker, cannot communicate wityh older worker, insufficient people skills).

EVERY type of supervisor has pro's and cons, and supervisors should always be appointed on MERIT and not age.

Answer 4

Well i look at it this way, the job was probably open to you before the younger person got it, so therefore you knew that you did not want it. Usually because of the responsibility or stress and pressure. I find that the more mature employees will offer assistance to the younger person. There will always be issues related to the age factor. The younger person will try to do things to be more efficient, make cutbacks to try to prove themselves.

Answer 5

They are stupid.