Let’s talk about being in your early 30s and finding yourself caught between two generations at work. Right now, I’m in a startup where the team spans from 20-somethings to 40-somethings. And guess what? The 20s crowd thinks I’m way too “old” to understand their hustle, and the 40s crowd thinks I’m still “too young” to get their seasoned perspective. Classic, right?
But here’s the twist: despite that age gap, I’ve managed to win over both sides. And no, it’s not by pretending to be something I’m not. It’s by being real, flexible, and showing that I can connect with each group in ways that matter.
Let me give you a few examples:
- Understanding the 20-Somethings’ Hustle The younger crowd is all about moving fast, trying new things, and challenging the status quo. They’re innovative, but sometimes feel like no one gets their struggles—whether it’s the pressure to prove themselves or navigating work-life balance in a digital-first world.What did I do? I listened. I showed up to their brainstorming sessions, not as a “manager,” but as a collaborator who valued their ideas. When they vented about burnout or the constant grind, I shared my own early career struggles, the grind I went through in my 20s, and how I’ve learned to find balance without compromising on ambition. It built trust because they realized I wasn’t dismissing their experiences—I genuinely understood. And they started opening up, letting me in on their creative process.
- Connecting with the 40-Somethings’ Experience On the flip side, my more seasoned colleagues have decades of experience, and sometimes, they’re not as quick to embrace new ways of working. They might look at me as too young to grasp the depth of their experience. But instead of resisting that perception, I acknowledged it.How? By respecting their knowledge and offering my own perspective on how we could use tech or new tools to streamline processes or rethink old methods. I didn’t come at it like “I know better,” but rather as someone who wants to learn from them while offering new ideas. For example, when the team struggled with transitioning to digital project management, I showed them how simple tools like Trello or Slack could enhance communication without disrupting their workflow. And when they saw how effective it was, I earned their respect.
- Bridging the Gap with Empathy and Flexibility What I learned through all this? Age might shape our perspective, but empathy and flexibility are what really connect us. It’s not about picking a side or pushing for dominance; it’s about meeting people where they are, understanding their unique challenges, and finding common ground.I didn’t try to play the “I’m older/younger than you” game. Instead, I focused on creating solutions, providing emotional support, and building relationships across age groups. When the 20-somethings feel heard and the 40-somethings feel valued, everyone thrives.
It’s a tricky balancing act, but by showing respect for both sides, embracing the best of both generations, and being flexible enough to adapt, I’ve been able to bridge that gap—and honestly, it feels amazing to be in a place where everyone’s perspective is valued.
So, if you’re feeling stuck between two generations at work, here’s my advice: Don’t try to fit into either box. Be authentic, be open, and show that no matter your age, you’ve got something valuable to offer to both sides.
