Is This a Promotion or a Punishment? My Not-So-Glamorous Leap Into Leadership

Ever feel like you got exactly what you wished for, only to realize it’s not what you wanted at all? That’s me right now. I just stepped into a leadership role at a tech startup in Austin, and honestly, it feels like I’m wearing shoes two sizes too big. 👟 The real kicker? My age. Most of my team has been here longer than I’ve been out of college, and it’s clear they’re not thrilled about taking direction from someone younger. Every suggestion I make seems to bounce off invisible walls, and meetings are more awkward than a first date gone wrong. Has anyone else been the youngest in the room and felt completely out of place? How did you earn your team’s respect—or at least survive the stares? Would love to hear your stories or advice. 🙏 #LeadershipConfessions #YoungBossProblems #TeamDynamics #JobCareer