Im 31 years old, but look alot younger.?

Question

I am a professional, and often my clients and sometimes co workers comment on how young I look. I have been told that I look like Im in high school. I find this insulting. I feel like people dont take me seriously because they think Im young, even though I am not. I have 10 years experience in my field, and almost 5 years of college under my belt! How should I deal with people's comments about my appeared age?

In response to the "update my profesionaly appearance" comment. I am an ICU RN. We have to wear scrubs. I regularly have my hair style updated, and take care to wear appropriate make-up. I am not stuck in my high school years as far as style is concerned. I just need to know what kind of response I should be giving these people- I dont want to be rude, but it gets kind of irritating after I help save a life, and the family comes back with......."when do you graduate?".

Answer 1

Say "thank you."

Seriously. Even if they mean it as an insult assume they mean you look really good for your age. I'm 31 and constantly am accused of being in my early twenties. When on the phone people say I sound like I'm twelve (which I hate most).

Just be professional and don't let it get to you. In a world where people our age are undergoing botox injections and acid peels just too look as young as they accuse us, no matter how they intend the comment, it is a compliment.

Your work and professional attitude will show your experience and ability well enough. If nothing else you even have an advantage in that you can surprise them because of their low expectations.

Don't play their game. Don't let them undermine your confidence just because of how you look. Show them that it is their problem in making assumptions based on looks.

Answer 2

Perhaps by updating your appearance, you would waylay some of these comments. Do you dress age appropriately? How about your hairstyle? Is it also age appropriate? If you are really 31 and look 16, then I suspect you have not updated your style in quite some time. Sure, anyone can look younger than what they are. In fact, I am often told I look to be in my late forties, but I am actually mid-fifties. Believe me, this is NOT an insult! However, late forties and mid-fifties is not that big of a gap. If you are 31 and look say 15 years younger, I suspect you need a makeover to appear more professional and up-to-date. In fact, I have a friend who is in her mid-thirties and her long, out-of-date hairstyle looks like she is trying to remain looking 21, or so. She is in the corporate world and frankly, it seems she is trying to look eternally girlish. Not grown-up, and certianly doesn't make the statement that she is a business professional with college and all that under HER belt! Take a cue from the show "What Not To Wear." Many of those who appear, desperately need updating in hair and wardrobe! Some thirtysomethings on there seem to be stuck in a time warp.

Answer 3

1) I know it's irritating, but in ten years it won't be. Try to take it with a sense of humor and gratitude. Make a joke about it..."Shhh, not so loud, I'm already on the office hit list." Then move quickly on to the business at hand.

2) Perhaps you look young in part because you are dressing/grooming young. Women who naturally look young often don't do much with their hair and/or makeup. If you're still wearing the same hair style you did 10 years ago, maybe it's time for a change. Try a sophisticated cut or updo. Get a free makeup lesson in a department store and tell them you need a sophisticated daytime look.

You may also want to take a hard look at your wardrobe. Pastel colors and edgy trends scream "college kid", not "urban professional." Try dressing at your boss's level. Wear heels to look taller (for some weird reason, people equate height with professionalism, to the point where taller people earn more.) Navy blue and other dark colors tend to read as more professional than light colors. A little tailoring from your neighborhood dry cleaner can add a custom look to your wardrobe. Depending on what your work environment is like, classic styles like tailored shirts, plain trousers, sweater sets, wrap dresses, etc. will make you look more professional than fussy prints or pleats.

3) If you dazzle them with your knowledge, they won't be as interested in your appearance. The comments will change from, "She looks like a kid" to "Don't let her looks fool you; this gal is a powerhouse."

Now go get 'em.

Answer 4

Start to keep a beard, wear more "adult like" clothes, act like an adult, the maybe these people will stop. That is if you're not already doing these things... obviously lol.

Answer 5

Do not be offended. When they say this, smile and tell them it pays off at the bar. Dont sell them on your looks, sell them on your personality. Be that salesman and sell yourself.

Answer 6

You could have your hair dyed
Grey.

Answer 7

Say "Thanks. Let me buy you a drink."