6 Awesome Perks of Collaborating with 20-Somethings When You’re in Your 40s

When I transitioned into my 30s and met my partner, my focus shifted from after-work socializing to spending quality time at home. Even during long hours at work, my passion remained, just like everyone around me. Fast forward to my 40s, and after becoming a mom, I made a career switch from the demanding world of television production to digital media, where I could work from home after putting the kids to bed. An interesting thing happened: while I aged, my colleagues seemed to get younger. Initially, that felt a bit strange, but as the years passed, I found myself working alongside people two decades my junior, and I came to enjoy it. The younger crowd, unlike those just a decade younger, had a refreshing perspective.

A colleague of mine, Sarah, who at 65 is the oldest in her office, shared some insights about the benefits of intergenerational workspaces, and it reminded me why I loved collaborating with younger folks. Even though I’m not as old as Sarah, I can still claim the title of “intergenerational,” since many of the 20-somethings were young enough to be my kids—and some even became friends. Here’s what I found refreshing about the experience:

They Valued My Experience

Rather than dismissing me, many of them sought my advice when faced with tough career choices. They recognized that my title came from years of hard work and industry know-how, believing that I could offer valuable insights. This was a nice change from the younger thirty-somethings, who often assumed my success was purely luck and thought they already knew more than I did.

They Had So Much to Teach Me

These younger colleagues were not just tech-savvy; they introduced me to new social media trends and pop culture references I had missed. They were also well-read and had fantastic recommendations for books, music, and shows. Shoutout to them for getting me hooked on that series about life in prison—I loved it!

Shared Frustrations Fostered Camaraderie

It was great to bond over our mutual frustrations with corporate nonsense. Having younger coworkers experiencing these challenges for the first time created a sense of unity among us.

Their Style Inspired Me

Despite the common stereotype about young people’s fashion choices, I was pleasantly surprised at how stylish many of them were, even on a budget. After leaving my last job, I had an interview coming up and needed help finding the perfect outfit. I sent pictures of different looks to a 26-year-old coworker, and we exchanged ideas until we found the right one. Even though I didn’t end up taking the job, I did score the offer.

Their Hobbies Were Motivating

During my own 20s and 30s, I viewed downtime as a luxury. However, the younger folks in my last few workplaces were actively pursuing side projects that ignited their creativity, even when work got dull. Their enthusiasm encouraged me to engage in various interests during my break between jobs, including an internship that opened up part-time opportunities. They reminded me that it’s never too late to chase your passions, and they cheered me on in the process.

They’re Hilarious

Following them on social media is a treat! They have some of the best one-liners. Here are just a few gems I’ve seen:

“My head says ‘bikini body’ but my heart says ‘pizza.’”
“I held the elevator for you and you just went one floor? Betrayal!”
“When you call your mom three times and she doesn’t answer, you start thinking she’s mad, but she just has a life outside your weird dreams.”
“Had a dream my mom baked brownies and called them ‘content.’ I ate one and said, ‘I’m consuming content.’”
“Getting too tipsy at book club since 2014!”

In summary, working with a younger crowd has been a refreshing experience, offering valuable lessons, inspiration, and plenty of laughs. If you’re interested in diving deeper into topics around pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource. For more insights, visit this site. If you’re looking to boost your chances of conception, check out these expert advice.