AIBU to be disappointed that a man made this assumption?

[Soullesstrader]

I work on a freelance basis in an industry that is generally forward thinking and innovative, but still largely male dominated at the senior level. I am at a senior level myself.

Today I was talking to a man at work - similar age, similar experience (I know his, he doesn't know mine), similar level. We were discussing what my next role might be and he started talking to me about how to find roles at a much more junior level - we're talking about jobs paying half my salary and requiring a quarter of my experience.

I can only assume that based on my gender and the fact I'm a single mother (he does know this about me as I told him) he had assumed he was far more senior than me.

AIBU to be shocked and really disappointed?

And no, I didn't say anything. I just smiled politely in the knowledge he will soon discover his mistake.

shushpenfold

You are so right, I'm 5 ft nothing, blond, with a disability, almost everyone underestimates me.

I was at a wedding and I'd had a bit to drink, my friend's older brother who is actually 10 years yonger than me and more drunk than me decided he had to have a word, he started with, "right young lady" well I corpsed, I could not stop laughing and this made him quite angry which made me laugh more and got him more angry.

I didn't plan to react that way, but it was the most appropriate thing to do.

Sashh your reaction was the best one I feel; difficult to deal on their part (much like when I stick my tongue out at rude drivers.....their faces make me laugh) X

The thing is, that if you'd been talking to a non-sexist assumption making man, he would have asked what sort of roles you were looking for before he started giving you advice. IME, those sort of men NEVER ask questions. It's like they think they know everything.....

The Solnit essay is such a good illustration of this attitude. I think everyone should read it.