Ever since the start we’ve been confronted by ageism. People look at us and immediately dismiss us because we are young. This used to just be the way it was, and we expected it. To be quite honest, when we were just starting out at the age of 19, I would hope people would question us due to our age, I know I would.

That being said, first impressions are one thing, but once you’ve been successfully doing business with us for a period of time, I expect to treated with the same respect as any older colleague.

Time and time again, however, we see otherwise. In the past, we have had partnerships for 2+ years where we had successfully launched multiple projects for our partners largest clients, only to still be treated like children.

Recently, we have been trying to expand our office space only to be ignored and bullied by our building’s lease managers. We asked are “older” guy to talk to them and suddenly we have the lease signed and construction beginning a week later. And, when they need something they pretty much ignore the rest of us and go straight to him. This one really frustrates me. I’ve been paying the rent on time, every time for the last 16 months and I’m now looking to double my rent and they can’t take me seriously?

I just don’t understand it. Do we need to act more professionally? Do we need to perform better? Or is it a simple as us needing to age 10 years before this nonsense ends?