I look way younger than my age and to have a child but not sure how I would pretend to be older. I'm pretty sure that no one at your job cares how old you are or that you are even pregnant. It's all in your mind OP.

OP - I think I get where you're coming from. I'm also younger than average for DC when it comes to being married and having a child. I'm in my late 20s and everyone assumes I'm in my mid-30s, not because of how I look, but because of where I'm at in life. (Prior to having a baby, everyone thought I was the intern.)

When people assume my age, I don't correct them and I'm happy to have them think I'm older. I cover a rather high level portfolio at work and the more senior people think I am, and the more seriously they take my opinion, the better. I'm not being dishonest - no one out right asks my age and it would inappropriate of me to bring it up - but I do make the best of their assumptions and speak with authority.

I say go for it! If people want to assume things about you, you're not doing anything wrong and if it advances your career to be perceived as older, then why correct it?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's always going to be someone younger than you climbing the rope behind you. See, if you were actually older and smarter, you'd know this.

Married at 22, Director at 23 here again. This is really true, and it was very hard for me to adapt to not being the "bright young thing" anymore. Turning 30 was rough for me emotionally, which I'm sure sounds silly to people older than me, but it's true. By that age, you're just expected to know what the hell you're doing. It's not unusual to be talented and mature at 30. I couldn't skate by on being "full of potential" anymore.

OP here. You both are right. I see them nipping at my heels.

Anonymous wrote:OP,you really probably need to get over yourself. There's always going to be someone younger than you climbing the rope behind you. See, if you were actually older and smarter, you'd know this.

Okay. Well, since it seems that there is a correlation between being older and being smarter, I'm sure I'll know that soon...when I get older.

Anonymous wrote:There's always going to be someone younger than you climbing the rope behind you. See, if you were actually older and smarter, you'd know this.

Married at 22, Director at 23 here again. This is really true, and it was very hard for me to adapt to not being the "bright young thing" anymore. Turning 30 was rough for me emotionally, which I'm sure sounds silly to people older than me, but it's true. By that age, you're just expected to know what the hell you're doing. It's not unusual to be talented and mature at 30. I couldn't skate by on being "full of potential" anymore.

OP, do you imagine your underlings are saying OMG I can't believe she is a junior partner while she still has fertile ovaries! Women in DC have 1st babies at 45, no one cares. Don't discuss your age at work--it's gauche.

I LOVE people thinking I'm younger than I am. I love being carded at restaurants (even if they are just trying to be nice!).

OP,you really probably need to get over yourself. There's always going to be someone younger than you climbing the rope behind you. See, if you were actually older and smarter, you'd know this.

Anonymous wrote:PP who married at 22 here. I hear all the time, "You look way too young to have a ten year old." Well, yes and no. Was I an unusually young mother for this area? Sure. But biologically? Totally old enough. I wouldn't stand out in, say, Iowa. I just happen to live in DC. When my kids were tiny, I was the youngest mother in our playgroup by almost ten years.

OP. Good for 14:05. I'm sure it was a challenge at times.

PP who married at 22 here. I hear all the time, "You look way too young to have a ten year old." Well, yes and no. Was I an unusually young mother for this area? Sure. But biologically? Totally old enough. I wouldn't stand out in, say, Iowa. I just happen to live in DC. When my kids were tiny, I was the youngest mother in our playgroup by almost ten years.

Anonymous wrote:First, I'm not sure how this has anything to do with parenting, but if it were me, I'd be looking for recommendations on face creams, fashion tips, or whatever else was needed to look my age.

OP here. The tension arises from me being and looking my age but having data points that people read as older. People have the habit of 'reading' you in a way that fits a preexisting frame.

Anonymous wrote:People don't know how young I am. They assume I'm in my late 40s because I have two children. I just turned 30. I'm an attorney. I don't go out of my way to discuss my age...

OP here. Same here.

First, I'm not sure how this has anything to do with parenting, but if it were me, I'd be looking for recommendations on face creams, fashion tips, or whatever else was needed to look my age.

Anonymous wrote:You are an overachiever. Mazel tov!

Todah. Some of it came from my own doing but much of it was luck.

I'm 35. People think I'm 25. I'm okay with it.