Ain’t It Glorious: Bridging the Age Gap at Work

One of the things I love most about where I work is the age gap.

When I first joined the office—20 years ago this past September—I didn’t even notice it. Back then, I was considered the baby of the group. And somehow, it felt like we were all the same age. We celebrated baby showers, wedding showers, and eventually, retirement parties. It wasn’t until later that I realized: in my 30s, I had friends in their early 20s and friends nearing retirement.

Now, in my 50s, that beautiful mix still exists. I have colleagues just starting their careers and others who’ve already wrapped theirs with grace. We go out to dinner, hang out in and outside the office, and keep up with each other through text threads. Despite the decades between us, we laugh, we connect, and we genuinely enjoy each other’s company.

Sure, a generational joke might fly over someone’s head now and then—but honestly, we have more in common than not. We all experience highs and lows. We all want to be included, supported, and loved.

As one of the “seasoned” folks now, I get to soak up the energy and fresh ideas of the newest round of office babies—they keep me young. From my older friends, I still receive the kind of wisdom you can’t Google. And from both groups, I get laughter and tea (the gossip kind and the herbal kind).

I hope they know they can count on me, too—for encouragement, perspective, or just a good story when they need one.

Lately, I’ve noticed this same beautiful pattern in my daughter’s life. She has friends my age, and I have friends her age. It’s a full-circle kind of joy. A reminder that friendship doesn’t come with an expiration date—or a birth year.