The inevitable
Everyone goes through momentous occasions. Let’s say, for instance, your 21st birthday, your wedding day, the birth of each of your children, the purchase of your first home, the sale of your first home, your 30th birthday, etc. The list is not exhaustive, but you get where I’m going.
So, I just had one of these. My 30th birthday is today. I have been telling people for months that I am already 30. I have been so stoked about it coming. Not afraid, nervous, sad, or any negative emotion on the gambit. Really – EXCITED. Maybe that’s weird. So, let me explain.
There is something about a woman in business – especially in a “man’s profession” like mine – that is difficult. Even more so for a woman in her 20′s. There is no difference if that woman is 23 or 27 or 29, it’s all equally arduous. So much so, that when a woman turns 30, there is some kind of magic force field that drops from around her and people start warming up to the idea that she’s serious. It has nothing to do with the fact that she has mentally or physically proven herself in this arena, no. It’s simply a matter of age.
I have been told that this is not necessarily limited to the working environment, but it is definitely rampant in such place. Since I spend approximately 57% of my conscience time in this facet of my being, this is what I choose to comment upon.
What is it about people (both men and women do it) that make them not take 20-something women seriously?
Mary Kate
