We have this old assumption that a “boss” is probably someone older than you – well, most of the time. You may be thinking of someone middle-aged who wears nice clothes and generally appears well-put-together.
That classic image of a workplace boss is something that many of us are familiar with. However, in this day and age, not all professionals in management conform to that profile.
We are seeing more and more young professionals quickly work their way up the corporate ladder these days. Your boss could very well be one of them. They may even be younger than you.
And with that revelation often comes a whole host of complex emotions. Let’s talk about them in greater detail throughout this article.
How you may feel about your younger boss
Discovering that you have a younger boss can be intriguing at first. You may be wondering how someone younger managed to rise up the ranks perhaps quicker than you.
And you may feel insecure about your current standing.
To put it simply, you may not be used to someone younger telling you what to do.
Truthfully, developing an inferiority complex about having a younger boss is understandable. It’s still not the norm in most workplace settings so it would be natural if you felt taken aback by that.
However, you cannot spend too much time negatively reacting to that situation. Many people may sympathize with your current predicament, but that doesn’t make your negative take on the situation appropriate.
Dwelling on your boss’ age will only affect you
According to a survey conducted by Chorus Executive, 95 percent of the candidates they interviewed would be happy to work for a boss significantly younger than them. That statistic right there should give you an idea of what could happen if you get wrapped up in your inferiority complex over having a younger boss.
If you’re planning to quit mainly because you were put under the supervision of a younger boss, you will also put yourself behind the pack. Individuals who are not bothered by that minor detail can take your spot and maximize the opportunities you gave away.
Furthermore, other companies may interpret your perspective on that matter as an indicator that you lack the ability to respect your co-workers. Throwing away a good job just because you had a younger boss may also give the impression that you don’t take your career seriously.
How should you deal with that inferiority complex then?
You cannot help the way you initially feel about your working situation, but you can determine your reaction to it.
Instead of dwelling on your atypical predicament, it would be better for you to keep your head down and continue pushing. Prove to your superiors that you are worthy of becoming their colleagues.
Also, take this opportunity to get to know your younger boss. Pick their brain and find out how they advanced so quickly. They may even give you tips that will help you land a promotion faster.
In this day and age, having a younger boss is simply not a big deal anymore. You may feel insecure about having a younger boss, but they don’t deserve that disrespect. Acknowledge their authority and work hard so you can one day stand alongside them on the corporate ladder.
