Instant Validation

Turning 30 did one GREAT thing for my professional life - it provided instant validation of my expertise.

I know it sounds strange but in my 20s I was often looked to as the new kid on the team even when I had more experience at work than many of my coworkers. Customers took one look at me and decided that I couldn't possibly be old enough to handle their claim much less climb on their roof.

I can give them a bit of a break by admitting that I don't look my age. Many members of my family have the distinction of looking several (5 to 10) years young than we really are. My grandfather has look like he was in his 50s for most of his 60s and into his 70s. So genetically I'm predisposed to being carded well into my 30s. However, at work it really stinks to be considered incapable of handling my job just because I looked young. This got real irritating when I approached my 10 year anniversary in the business.

So back to turning 30. Once I turned 30 I had no problem letting people know I was in my 30s. This gave me instant validation as a working professional. When I tell people I'm 30 they are relieved and just comment on my age not matching my looks. Once 30 came and went I found the occasions when I had to explain and validate my own experience have become fewer and farther in between.