Newly arrived job market? Working is one of the goals that is different from person to person. Some people like to enter the job from an early age, while others do not like the job at all, or delay it for some reason.
When talking to someone over 30, do show respect for their experiences and perspectives. Ask about their goals, interests, and opinions without assuming they’ve “settled down” or stopped growing. Appreciate their balance of youthful energy and maturity — they’ve lived through enough to have stories worth hearing. Compliment their achievements, celebrate their milestones, and connect through shared values rather than generational clichés. Listen actively and treat their time and insights as valuable; most people in their thirties juggle careers, relationships, and personal growth, so authenticity and respect go a long way. Don’t make age the centerpiece of the conversation. Avoid remarks like “You’re getting old,” “You should have done this by now,” or “Aren’t you too old for that?” These comments may seem playful but can sound dismissive or judgmental. Don’t assume they’re automatically into “adulting” topics like mortgages or marriage — not everyone follows the same path.
