Ask a Career Advisor: My Boss Is Younger Than Me… Is That Weird?

When your boss is younger than you, things can feel a bit awkward for both parties – especially if there’s a significant age difference.

You may find yourself in this scenario after you start a new job, make a career change, or re-enter the workforce in a position that doesn’t have as much seniority as your last one. Or perhaps nothing changed about your current role, but someone else was promoted above you or the company restructured.

What should you do if your boss is younger than you, and how can you ensure you get along with your manager, regardless of their age?

We turned to Lori Cole, Certified Career Coach and Advisor at iHire, for her advice on this situation.

How Common Is It to Have a Boss Younger Than You?

“If your direct manager or supervisor is younger than you, first understand that you’re definitely not alone,” Cole began. “It is extremely common, and with four predominate generations in the workforce right now, not all that surprising either.”

According to our 2025 report, Inside the Multi-Generational Workforce, 83.2% of baby boomers and 66.5% of Gen Xers have held a job where their boss was younger than they were.

Even over half of millennials – who are currently between 29 and 44 years old – have experienced this.

“Everyone’s career path is different, with some taking on leadership roles quickly and others gradually climbing the ladder over time. Rest assured, having a manager younger than you is not weird,” Cole continued.

How to Get Along With Your Younger Manager

When your boss is younger than you, it’s important to maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with them – just as you would with an older manager.

“No matter how old your boss is, working well with them is key to your own career success and the success of your company,” Cole said. “Establish trust, communicate regularly, and collaborate to overcome challenges and identify solutions. Be receptive to their guidance, as there was a good reason why they were chosen for a leadership role, and you’ll hopefully have a lot to learn from them.”

Get to know their work styles and preferences, too, since they could be different from yours.

“Your boss might rather text than have a phone call for quick updates, for example, or prefer not to have meetings first thing in the morning or toward the end of the workday,” Cole said. “Figure out what those preferences are, and don’t make assumptions one way or the other just based on their age.”

If you have a good boss, they’ll be open to receiving guidance and advice from you as well.

“A great manager values the perspectives and insights of all their team members, and will do their best to empower you to thrive and basically stay out of your way,” added Cole. “A young boss with true leadership skills will be invested in your growth and success, not just their own.”

How to Deal With a Bad Boss Who’s Younger Than You

Now, if you report to a not-so-great manager who happens to also be younger than you, that’s another story.

“If you have a boss who’s toxic, ineffective, inexperienced, unethical, or all of the above, there are some things you can do before jumping ship,” Cole advised. “For example, try speaking up respectfully and modeling professional communication for them. Focus on solutions with a problem-solving mindset, seek clarification when you can, and try to understand where they’re coming from.”

If the situation seems unfixable, consult with HR and begin to consider an exit strategy.

With the right approach and mindset, having a boss who’s younger than you won’t hurt your career – great managers of any age will bring out the best in you (and vice versa)!

Dive into our Resource Center for more workplace tips and advice, and if you find yourself ready to make a career move, search for jobs in your industry to get started.