u/RandomBrowser1987

Being a 39-year-old guy and regularly getting mistaken for mid-to-late 20s is usually a huge compliment, but it’s starting to create a bizarre hurdle in my career.

Lately, as I’ve been interviewing for higher-level, senior management roles, I've noticed I almost have to casually mention my 17+ years of experience just to set expectations. Every single time I drop that stat, you can see the interviewers pause, do the mental math, and blurt out, "Wait, wow... you look so young!"

Don't get me wrong, I’ll happily take the compliment long-term! But when you're actively trying to project senior-level authority and leadership, looking like you just graduated a few years ago can make for some awkward dynamics.