Insecure about age at work

[almost30x]

I’m 27 and constantly get reminded of my age at work. Someone I met yesterday was surprised that I’m almost 30, as by looking at me she thought this was my first job. I have had a lot of comments like this. Colleagues tend to reference that they are old enough to be my parent or I’m around age of their kids, or say I’m too young to remember X or Y reference or that I make them feel old.

Worst thing, was that I was in a smart blazer/trousers outfit and had minimal makeup on yesterday so was dressed work appropriately.

aibu to find these comments off? Feel like I’m not being taken seriously at work or that there’s a lot of attention on my looks and I stand out in a bad way. IMO I’m not even that young, but I think I look younger as I’m short.

I think it probably depends how it’s being said? I’m 26 and am the youngest on my team at work by 40 years, so I also get a lot of the same comments! But they’re never in a nasty or malicious way and I don’t believe anybody is saying or feeling that they don’t take me seriously?

oh right, no - the atmosphere is definitely off at my workplace. It’s very patronising and I feel undermined

I get this but at the opposite end. I was told by the 20 somethings that I’m ancient and why am I even here? It goes both ways unfortunately

That’s not nice. I am not behaving in that manner towards anyone and the ageism is starting to impact my mental health

That really is not agism.
I think you need to toughen up to be honest. Joke back with them

Well they quit after less than a year there due to stress, we all started at the same time, they were the ones who couldn’t hack it. I can totally empathise, it does impact on your confidence, I really questioned myself since it was my first job back after ten years at home raising children.
Be the best you can be at your job and they will soon see who should be there and who shouldn’t.

Can you explain what you mean? What jokes exactly do you want me to say?

I have dealt with patronising comments and behaviours for the last 7 months - you’re not in a position to tell me to toughen up unless you’ve actually been present.