Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
About 18 months ago, after being made redundant, I decided to completely change my career. I was successful at getting a place on an accountancy graduate scheme. It’s been tough going having to adjust to a much lower salary and combining work with a lot of studying but I’ve not regretted the change and I’m well on the way to qualifying as a chartered accountant within a respected firm.
My problem is with my new team colleagues. They are mostly recent graduates, some are school leavers studying instead of going to university. They are all very nice but at nearly 40, I feel the age gap between myself and them pretty keenly.
The company I work for holds several social events during the year. Normally the senior members of staff go for a short while and then the night turns into a bit of a “bender” for my colleagues who will drink until closing time and then end the evening at a club. I have attended some of these evenings, but I’m not really part of the conversation with my younger colleagues due to the generation gap. I feel more at ease with the senior members of staff as we have more in common but I’m conscious of my “place” as a junior member of the team – the senior staff and the juniors don’t mix that much.
I feel isolated and stuck between two worlds. I don’t want to be the pathetic person who thinks they’re “down with the kids” but I miss being part of a work social scene. What can I do to improve my situation?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
