I’m Karen at work

[CoronaCustard]

Late 40s woman in an organisation full of 20 somethings - and I’m just failing to bite my tongue when they’re WRONG.

At the point where I’m just going to refuse to do it their way any longer.

And yes, I have written multi-paragraph letters of complaint and requested to see the manager.

How does one operate smoothly as a woman of certain age and wisdom in a world which is set up to not hear you ( I always presume because my qualification is different to everyone else in the office - but also maybe because of generation divide).

I don’t want to just walk out. I like the work. And everyone would scarcely be less eye-rolly to me if I bailed at 11th hour. Though yes I am job hunting for the future. Anyone know any good openings for a prime Karen?

[Frappuccinofan]

@SheepandCow are you not aware of the concept of semantics or are you being deliberately obtuse? As the PP is correct in where the recent Karen meme originated - white privilege and racism that is

[Lovely13]

You talk in riddles. No wonder colleagues are baffled by you. And I am sad for the name Karen.

[FiveFootTwoEyesOfBlue]

OMG we're now going to get 20 more posts by people who haven't read the thread - can't even be bothered to click on 'see all' of the OP's posts - about the term Karen. Give me strength. (Cancel the cheque, phone 101, you sound like hard work, blah blah blah)

[FredtheCatsMum]

I am hearing that you're frustrated because you're qualified to do a thing which is unusual in your organisation but your skill isn't recognised. You'd like a bit of autonomy to work out how to deliver the service, but can't get it. And you're an older woman in a youthful organisaiton.

That can be very frustrating, especially if you feel under valued and are tired of having people criticise you.

But it can also be invigorating. I worked for a while in a place where I was a lot older than most of the others, and a lot of them were very bright, young, very motivated activists. They knew a lot, but were often a bit unrealistic in their expectations. It wasn't always easy, but I found I learned from them at times, and mostly we jogged along.

Can you forget their youth, just think of them as other people, and hear if there is any value in what they say? Of course, if there isn't then ignore it. One of the great things about getting older is caring less about what others think and say..

Actually it was the ones just a little younger than me, who were running the place but had no experience in running a business who I found hard to deal with, but that's another story.

Good luck! Remember that age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance!

[SheepandCow]

It's nothing to do with semantics!
It's very simple. Karen is a name very common in middle aged women. Using someone's given name as an insult is rather nasty.

It's also quite disturbing to see people use the name of an oppressed ethnic group as a slur. I doubt the Karen people feel very privileged.

There are people who are racist in all age groups and both sexes.

[PickAChew]

I've read page 2 and the last page. Is your use of Indian literal?

[Tavannach]

I've skipped a lot of the thread because it got too repetitive but I have read your posts OP.
Can you approach the senior manager you emailed and ask for an informal chat. I'd mention the bullying ("Karen" behind your back). It's no different to any other kind of sexism or ageism and both are illegal in the workplace. If you enjoy what you do and you're good at it to the point of getting outstanding appraisals then you obviously do have a place in the world of work. Maybe as PPs have suggested you should start thinking about setting up a company specialising in your area.
Good luck.

[Toomuchtrouble4me]

Read up to post 4 of yours and still not clear what the issue is - bored now.bye.

[FeelTheRush]

I know this isn’t the point of the thread but @SheepandCow - you know the Karen meme and the Karen people are totally unrelated and it’s utterly co-incidental that it’s the same word?!!

[hereyehearye]

Based on your last comments, I think Bluntness100"s last post is correct. I think it's probably a tough culture for you where you are in your life now.

[SheepandCow]

@FeelTheRush Well now people know.

Is it also a coincidence that it's a popular given first name amongst middle-aged women (black and white)?

Coincidence or not, now that people are aware, they can stop being offensive towards an ethnic minority group (by using their name as a slur) and middle-aged women (by using their personal name as an insult).

[SallyB392]

I've been reading all your posts here and I haven't the foggiest what you are talking about, but if you are saying that systems are changing and you don't want to change, unfortunately in the workplace, New systems DO come in, and service users needs DO change and it is very possible that the only problem is you and your dislike of change.

Unfortunately, refusal to alter your working practises could potentially lead to your being disciplined. Out of interest have you been offered any training in the new systems?

[Crazybaglady72]

I'm a Karen too...how did we become the butt of the insults?! Annoying isn't it!