So I’m 36f and I’m in a director for my company. The company has many sites and the heads report to one central leader.
Every two months all 20 directors meet in person along with our boss. We get together, coordinate and plan new initiatives, discuss issues, etc.
Out of the 20 of us, I took on extra roles to help my boss out. I was working 2-3 roles, while also getting my job done and exceeding in them. I also plan outings for us and I genuinely love helping.
I am well respected by my staff (~30 direct reports) and my fellow directors, except for certain instances. As a 36f, I have heard that I look like I’m I. High school or early 20s. I don’t have kids or am married.
My other colleagues are much older and they let me know it. They compare me to younger lazy generations and I hit back professionally to stop it. But I get the hint.
Yesterday was our meeting and while, I also lead most of the meeting (keep people on track) we are discussing issues, I’m getting “young” comments.
I was then joking with my colleague, and my boss snaps at me “you never listen! You’re just like my kids. You don’t get it”
My colleague stuck up for me, but I am confused. I made a comment about me being a lead for a new fast approaching project. My company site doesn’t manufacture the particular product and I am no expert in it and it’s going live in 6 months! I’m trying to understand the role with my colleague and joke that “I need to really jump on this if I’m gonna get this done” then my boss snapped because “I wasn’t listening, the project will not include you” but my name is entered at the company level as lead.
Found out today. Turns out that I am the lead. But now I’m just feeling unappreciated.