Career Advice - Tips to Cope With A Very Young Boss

Dealing with a Manager Who is Younger Than You

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

I am a 55-year-old man who has worked at the same company for about 10 years. Recently, my boss, who was about my age, took early retirement. His replacement started last week -- and he's in his early 30s! I have children around his age.

The new boss seems intelligent, but whenever he is hands-on managing me, it's awkward for both of us. He seems reluctant to be direct with me and I feel that I know my job better than he does.

Is this something I can get over, or do I need to start looking for a new job?

Signed,

Feeling Over the Hill

Dear Feeling Over the Hill,

Dealing with a younger boss is definitely a challenge for many baby boomers, especially when you are nearing retirement. Here are a few of the issues you might face, and my suggestions for dealing with them.

* Competition is inherent in the workplace. Your boss already beat you if you’re counting who got there first.

Remedy: Expand the race or take up the challenge.

* How can this hatchling possibly know more than you?

Remedy: Realize that your boss may know more or be better than you — or not. Figure out why they got the job, whether you want it, and how you’re going to work for them.

* Worried about locker room talk that’s going to involve MySpace?

Remedy: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. On the other hand, this is a great opportunity to expand your horizons. Check out what your boss is into. And don’t feel badly if your life involves a wife/husband, three kids and a mother in law, when the boss is single, young and free. You bring to the table what you bring to the table. So does the boss.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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