Since I’m a Professional, I Expect To Be Treated Professionally
I don’t do what I do randomly. My career was (somewhat) carefully planned out and built stone by stone.
That’s why I was a little perturbed a couple weeks ago when an employee at the local community college indicated that I “looked” young for my blurb. I showed up to meet with his supervisor, and he was surprised that I was the writer they were expecting. It doesn’t necessarily take 20 years to do what I do. And, I’m not necessarily that young. I may just be healthy- you never know.
I come from the 9-5 world. One would never address a colleague as sweetheart in the offices I was in (well, ONE guy did, and he got a big slickster reputation), and one would never comment on someone’s looks, even if it was sort of a backhanded compliment. When Berry-Brewer/Freelance Parent indicated that one of their clients had called them Sweetheart, I was a little put off. But, it looks like I was in the minority.
What do you think? Would you be ok with a client calling you sweetheart? Would you be somewhat offended if someone thought you were too young for your accomplishments? Please leave me a comment!
February 11, 2009 6:40 pm 15 comments
Allena,
We were unsure of how to respond to being called “sweetheart,” too. In the end, though, we kind of took it as a compliment, as the gentlemen in question seemed to genuinely like us and appreciate us. I don’t think it hurts that we’re from the Northwest, either. There is a more laid-back (I would say “friendly”) culture here than in other parts of the country.
As for looking “too” young. I definitely get that, and it drives me crazy. People tend to think I’m in my early to mid twenties, and therefore I just can’t have the experience they need. It’s an ongoing pain in my rear.
I thought your commenter who called everyone “sugar” was funny. I wouldn’t even DREAM of doing that:) Different strokes, lol.
Want to hear a secret? Sometimes I purposefully wear my glasses to look older!
That was me! Don’t worry, I don’t actually call people “Sugar.” I promise that I am very nice but also very professional*. But people in the South do tend to use little shorthand nicknames in casual conversation, like “Sugar” and “Honey” and things like that. You don’t hear it that much in a professional context, but I am willing to bet that some people have unthinkingly let such a nickname slip out because that’s just how they talk; they don’t mean anything by it. *Except, er, I have been known to let a “bless your heart” slip out. Oh well.
I know. I love it. Reminds me of my grandma who passed last year—-had the accent, the “HUN”…
I tend to call my children Pie. Everyone in my family is Pie if I’m in a good mood.
I was one of those who didn’t think it was that big of a deal. Context of course makes a big difference. I was surprised to hear you say that you had a 3rd grader after seeing your picture. You do look young! People are probably surprised when they see you because they expect to see a woman with gray hair show up. That just means you are very successful for your age perhaps
I felt like I heard “you’re so young” every day at work for the first five years. It was usually with a tone of surprise, like they were saying, “But you’re so young! How can you be at all efficient or remotely good at what you do?” I learned to take it as a compliment, but I was still relieved when those comments started to die once I hit 25. Then, finally, there were those younger than I around!
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I guess I’d be put off, but if they’re writing me a check to do what I love to do, write, then I would probably let it slide. For a while anyway!
Hi Allena,
I have a relative of a client that calls me sweetheart and darling. I have been telling her not to call me that since I find it inappropriate. But, I’ve gotten so tired of repeating myself that I’ve stopped and have started using darling with co-workers and friends. As for the looks, I always get them becase I have such a babyface. I’m used to that already and I don’t get offended at all because I know who I am and what I’ve done. My work will prove and has proven itself and those lookers have changed opinions about me.