WomenCo.

 Although I realize some women lie about their age to avoid discrimination, I refuse to do so.  I refuse to feel bad about my age, at any age.  If I am discriminated against because of it, then so be it.  I don't want to associate with people who think less of me because I don't fit the dewey image that is so overly idealized by our culture.  

I LOVE being 47, and I look forward to my 50s, 60s, and beyond.  The way I see it, I may be the only proud and happy example of a late 40-something that some people will ever meet.  And I wonder if it's the only way we can ever reclaim our right to be respected contributors at whatever age we reach.  

I've heard that Asian families tend to value their aging members more than their younger ones.  I want a piece of that!

No, there has never been a reason to lie about my age. I am who I am.

I have never lied- but I admitt to omitting...  but the opposite side of the spectrum.  In my first job out of college I was 22, working with very senior level professionals in parter organizations.  I was fortunate that many formed their opinion of me over the phone- therefore they could not prejudge me based on how I looked or my age.  I would let people assume me to be older than I was, and I would not correct.  At that point  in my career- I almost needed to lie up.  Almost-at-retirement-age detectives, child protection workers, prosecutors and doctors tend to smell youth as fear- attempt to manipulate your role to their advantage.  Not for any bad reason- just to benefit the outcome in their perspective.  Having the veil of the phone allowed me to be direct and assertive, without anyone thinking they COULD rollover me.

Ageism works both ways- I used other's assumptions that I was older to bypass the brunt of the "too young" side of ageism to work for me.  No regrets.

I'm 33, and don't feel the need to lie about my age. I'm actually flattered most days when people thinking I'm in my 20's.  I'm young enough to have a little energy, and old enough to have experienced a few things in life. I'm proud of who I am rather it be gender, age or race, and I wouldn't deny either one to please or to 'get ahead'.

Thanks for the reminder that I'll be in my late 30's soon.  sheesh. lol

McKaren says ...

In some ways it's always felt to me as if growing older (as a woman) was some deep, dark secret you were required to figure out on your own.  I think today, more than ever, it is critical we show each (as women) what this really looks like -- this is me at 55.  Of course, growing old gracefully is in some ways a issue of family gifts.  I come from a long line of folks who were quite handsome in their 70's and 80's -- so I feel comfortable about myself today (knowing I'm just getting better with age).  As a general rule of thumb though ... lying about anything is never a good plan -- I say - spill it and let the chips fall where they may.

My family looks much younger than they are.  Some of it I chalk up to great heredity, but the rest is all about letting go of hatered, grudges and bitterness.  All the women in my family who hold on to regrets, bitterness and the like are incredibly aged while my grandmother and aunts who have accepted who they are, and are happy in their lives look 10-20 years younger than their biological age.

No way! If we, as we age, are ashamed of our years, then how can we expect society at-large to be accepting of our wisened selves? Ladies, they say it of men, and they say it of wine, but it's true about women, too: We get better with age.

pjricher says ...

We haven't heard from anyone who does lie about her age, though.  Where are y'all?

Maybe those that lie about their age dont understand the importance of a strong Female community like WomenCo in thier lives?

No, I'm 47, I don't lie but sometimes it takes me a second to do the math when someone asks.

I never thought about turning 40 until I turned 39. I love it, I wouldn't trade it. I'm stronger, wiser,  more comfortable with who and what I am then I have ever been.  I'm told all the time how I don't look or act 40. Of course I love those compliments, but I believe our age is nothing but a number. I refuse to grow old. Sure my body will age every year and my ideas and wisdom will change. But I enjoy fun things. I love low rise jeans, hootin and hollerin with everything I've got at my boys football games, all kinds of music, including the stuff my boys listen to, peeling out of the drive way, racing go karts, etc.   I used to be told by my ex, to "act my age".  I say, be who you are.       You can be a smart responsible adult and still keep that inner child alive.

I did lie about my age back in my teens though, while I was trying to convince the store clerk that I was old enough to purchase that beer!!!!!

                            i'm 46 with 4 grandchildren and loving every minute of it

Not yet but my husband has; he also has declaired no more B-days for him as well.  He turned 30 this year and all last year he threw a fit about it.  He tried to buy a new car but it would take a month for it to come in due to it being back ordered, he wanted to get a new tattoo, he even thought of having kids but he calmed down on that one a bit.  I am 26; but sometimes I do feel old, especially on the subway when highschool lets out....eshhh!

I am 38 and love it!

I tend to not lie about my age.  I don't look my age and it is flattering to hear that from people.  However, I feel that my age holds me back in my career, especially in the office where I currently work.  The women I work with, my supervisor included, are all under 30 and most are barely 20.  Being a 44 year old single mother struggling to make ends meet, I find I don't have much in common with these women and when they are standing at the water cooler talking about their dates, going to the clubs and drinking, and the other 20 something things they do, I have little to contribute.  I have seen young women hired after me, promoted before me.  I know that I'm doing just as good if not better work than they are, but they are getting the promotions and pay raises.  I can't help but think that it is my age difference that is holding me back. All of my reviews are excellent.   I work as a probation office for a private probation company supervising over 160 violent offenders, most of whom committed acts of domestic violence.  I enjoy my work and do very well at it.  But I keep having this feeling that I could be doing the best work in the world, and it just isn't going to matter.  I also have my masters degree.  I'm looking for work elsewhere but hate to give up a job I love, just because I'm not 20 something anymore. 

I always looked younger than what I am and continue to appreciate it, believing that it has something to do with genes. My 52nd birthday is approaching, as well as my MA graduation. Beginning a new vocation is exciting and challenging at the same time. 

Does anyone have advice or comments on mid-life career change? Reading more negative than positive, I will not accept that I have less to offer than someone 25 years younger.