So, the other day, at a semi-formal event representing my boss, an older gentleman approached me and started making small talk. After a bit, he commented on how young I seemed, I couldn't be older than 31. I chuckled and told him that my 24th Birthday is next week, and that killed the conversation. He was embarrassed that his guess was 7 years off, and I was a bit offended that anyone would think I'm in my thirties just yet.
1. Would you be offended if someone guessed you were 7 years older than you are?
Not really, though I guess it would depend on the situation. I would, howeer, be offended if they thought I was seven years younger than I am, but that is rather unlikely to happen.
2. Do you think people assume "professionals" have to be older than 24?
Well, you'd expect them to have gone through college or university, so 24 would be around the younger limit for a professional.
3. What would you do if someone guessed that far off on your age?
Politely correct them.
4. Is it better to be perceived as your actual age, or to be perceived as older/more mature? Is it better to be perceived as younger?
I'd say it's overall best to be perceived at your actual age. Being young I perhaps wouldn't mind appearing a few years olde, but when I am old I guess I'd prefer to appear a bit younger.
5. I should just get over it, and realize that one guy is bad at guessing ages... right?
Right, don't let it worry you at all. Maybe take it in your stride, some might respect you more if you appear maturer.
"I mean, if everyone had a soul, there would be no contrast by which we could appreciate it. For giving us this perspective, we thank you." - Nate
Age
- 09/08/2010 09:18:48 PM
840 Views
Re: Age
- 09/08/2010 09:32:21 PM
770 Views
In the US you're supposed to graduate college at 22.
- 10/08/2010 06:19:43 AM
666 Views
Or 21, surely, assuming one was born after May? *NM*
- 10/08/2010 08:08:25 AM
264 Views
If they turn 22 later that year, I'm counting them as 22. Just a little rounding. *NM*
- 11/08/2010 01:26:00 AM
328 Views
I've always claimed every year I could when teaching
- 09/08/2010 09:51:45 PM
712 Views
I try to hold off on aging... it's odd to be still in my BA while 24 years old. 
- 10/08/2010 12:05:32 AM
746 Views
- 10/08/2010 12:05:32 AM
746 Views
Especially since I had already earned my MA by 23 
- 10/08/2010 01:29:06 AM
665 Views
- 10/08/2010 01:29:06 AM
665 Views
Pretty sure that's the norm. *NM*
- 10/08/2010 03:21:34 AM
287 Views
Not really, not in my field anyways
- 10/08/2010 04:06:22 AM
627 Views
That hasn't been my experience. There are many 1 year MA programs now.
- 10/08/2010 08:09:13 AM
570 Views
*NM*
Re: Age
- 10/08/2010 04:29:40 AM
679 Views
Re: Age
- 10/08/2010 06:32:53 AM
545 Views
- 11/08/2010 12:21:31 AM
637 Views
Surely, I would. *NM*
- 11/08/2010 12:47:21 AM
314 Views
- 11/08/2010 12:21:31 AM
637 Views
Surely, I would. *NM*
- 11/08/2010 12:47:21 AM
314 Views
I was only telling the truth! 
*NM*
- 11/08/2010 11:48:47 PM
302 Views
*NM*
- 11/08/2010 11:48:47 PM
302 Views
The truth shall set you free... into the cold arms of death. *NM*
- 12/08/2010 12:00:58 AM
294 Views
*NM*
- 12/08/2010 12:00:58 AM
294 Views
What do you want for your birthday?
- 10/08/2010 04:35:47 AM
605 Views
I would assume he's joking.
- 10/08/2010 06:16:13 AM
663 Views