Comment on I’m 43 but everyone at the workplace thinks I’m 25. Is this something I need to change?
Boozilla@lemmy.world 6 months ago
I do get it, coworkers can be rude and nosey AF. I’ve had some like that, too. But lying about your age is not the way to handle it. Keep them on a low information diet. It’s perfectly OK to say “that’s really none of your business” or “l prefer not to discuss my personal life at work.”
If they keep pushing the issue, get firm with them and ask if they really want to get HR involved? (Don’t involve HR if at all possible. Mentioning it should be enough.)
To get out if the mess of this lie, just start telling the truth. Laugh it off, you thought it was cute/funny/flattering that people thought you were so young.
Most nosey/rude coworkers just want to make sure you’re “ok” and “not some kind of weirdo”. It’s very shitty and obnoxious of them, but you don’t handle it by, well… being a bit of a weirdo and acting like you’re over 10 years younger.
coworkers can be rude and nosey AF. I’ve had some like that, too. But lying about your age is not the way to handle it.
I agree. It would be much better to lie about their questions about being single with no kids…
“My family died in a horrible accident while I watched helplessly. I work this shit job so I don’t have to sit at home thinking about it.”
That’s guaranteed to shut them the fuck up and keep them from asking any more nosy questions.
and that guarantees that they furiously gossip about it when I’m not around.
toynbee@lemmy.world 6 months ago
It is perfectly okay to say those things, as well as to threaten escalation, but it won’t make you any friends and probably will result in a hostile work environment … Which is fine, but should be anticipated if taking this approach.
I have no comment on the second half of this response.
Boozilla@lemmy.world 6 months ago
It’s OK to make friends at work, but it’s not the primary reason people are there. And mistaking coworkers for friends-by-default can get you into even worse problems than being the unfriendly/private person. Coworkers who ask lots of probing questions often gossip. They use the gathered info against you in order to make themselves look better by comparison. OP just wants to be left alone. Playing reindeer games and engaging in mandatory fun is not a path forward for everyone. Especially those with actual skills beyond kissing butt. I have done well in my career minding my own business and asking others to do the same. You don’t have to throw down a flaming spear to do this. You do it nicely but firmly. It’s standing up for yourself.