23 going on 30
Friday, January 20, 2012 at 7:00AM I was going through my traffic stats when I noticed that a lot of people were coming in from a US website/forum called Makeupalley. In case you don't know - I love Makeupalley! It's a sort of bible for me, my ultimate reference when it comes to information about products I want to buy or review. So, it's a big deal for me that one of my links is over there.
Of course I clicked to the page where the link is. Apparently, it's a forum thread about guesses on how old I am. The general consensus is that I am in my thirties, although a couple of people threw in some forties guesses. The guesses were based on this post.
I was mortified! At first. I know I look quite mature for my age, but I always thought the general perception is that I am in my mid to late twenties. It's surreal to be told that people think I am 30+. It's also a little funny, but at the bottom of it I feel, well, flattered!
The truth is that I won't be where I am today if I looked like my real age, career-wise. The people I work with need someone who looks like she knows what she's doing - normally not as important when it comes to other industries, but I am in the business of selling image after all.
It's a fact that people won't take me seriously enough to hire me if they initially knew I am 23. Oh I tell them my real age - but only when they ask. In the ideal world this detail shouldn't affect their decision to give me a job since my experience in the field should speak for itself, but we don't live in an ideal world. So I just do my thing and let them assume that I am in the appropriate age bracket.
All that aside though, I have always dressed, acted, and talked way beyond my years, even when I was still in elementary. That's just who I am. I have never regretted it because this, er, quirk of mine has served me well. :) I am more balanced compared to people my age, and I have a strong sense of purpose and the confidence to achieve it.
If I have to look 30 to be all I am now at 23, that is a small price to pay.
Reader Comments (22)
I couldn't agree more! I'm 21 and I realized a little too late not to tell my age unless asked. It was a little shocking to know that people don't take me seriously regardless of how experienced or qualified I am for the particular position I'm applying for.
Btw, you don't look 30 at all! Exagg lang sila! :)
Wow! Only 23 years old! That's pretty awesome!
Take it as a compliment! For someone very young you produce very professional stuff for real!
I wish I could do the same, too!
And oh, beyond 30 years old? That's just wrong!
-Bee.
I was on the same boat yesterday. Not that they thought I was older than my age. But it's the other way around. They have mistaken my physical features for my age. They thought that I'm still in college... and that I felt I was taken for granted. I even saw how they raised their eyebrows on me! Needless to say that I'm already 28, married and a professional. Some people are just judgmental.
Bdw, I think they're puzzled in your age because you're too good for your chosen career! You master the craft! So, kudos for that Ms. Liz! :)
its ok miss liz!
i think when u're 30 u'll still look the same.. :)
do you know jean of extra petite?
she was just like you..
she have to look older than her age because she thought her colleagues won't take her seriously..
she's so petite and as many other asians, her face looks so young..
btw, at 23 u already have a stable career?that's just awesome!
Wow! Very well said Liz! You should be proud because at age 23 you have a career of a 30-ish woman! Really you nailed it! Btw, we're of the same age, I do have a job but its not related with my field of studies, its like merely working to earn. I haven't realized all of my dreams and goals yet but I am doing my best to achieve them. Cheers to you for being successful at a young age! :) Keep inspiring people:)
Exag yung 30. Hahaha. I thought you were 25-28 XD. Looks is one factor. Another factor is your career growth and you do sound mature. *_* I am really really amazed that you've come so far and you're so young.
More power to you~! Marereach rin kita pero maybe when I'm 25 or more pa. Hahahahha =))
Personally, I thought you were older than I am (i'm turning 26). but that wasn't based on looks. I assumed this based on how you write in your blog and my perception of you being a successful professional. So kudos to you. for a 23-year old, you seem to have gone a long way career-wise. :)
I also thought you were older. Even Aisa who is 5 years older than you looked the same age or younger. But you're right, your sense of "authority" over your field and matured look has definitely brought you a long way :)
Me too. My guess on your age was about the same as theirs. Maybe because the way you say things and the way you dress comes across to me as 'someone in the upper corporate ladder'. And to add to that, the career achievements you mention on your posts.
but wow! to have them at your age,I'm awestruck! hats off!
I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I'm stunned to learn that you're just 23! I don't mean this in the sense that you look older, but you seem so mature and successful already that I can't fathom the fact that we're just the same age (and I'm basically still going nowhere lol). The fact that you're at this point in your career at your age is just amazing! And since you're still so young, you're still capable of going to greater heights. Kudos to you Liz ;)
Hi ms. Liz! I am asking these questions because i just want to know your thoughts on these, i dont mean to offend anyone especially you:
Did you ever think that you dress "too much" or too old for your age? Becaause im guessing that the people in the forum based your age on your looks (how you dress, make up) because they do not know you personally.
If you look older than your age, in your line of work is it not flattering to let the people around you know that youre 23 and you can do greater responsibilities beyond your age? I think thats kind of an achivement already, rather than making yourself look older than you are to gain approval from people (sorry i dont know if approval is the right word). Unless thats really how the way you dress ever since, I understand. What are your thoughts on these.
Again, to ms. Liz and to her followers, im so sorry if the questions seem to sound offensive but it's not, i dot mean to offend anyone. Thank u so much xx
Hi everyone! Thank you for the kind comments. I'm happy that the post has somehow inspired people who, even at a young age, would push for a career they really love.
To Rizza:
I have always dressed and done my makeup in a rather mature way. It's not even a contrived thing...I just really prefer polished clothes, solid colors. I am reserved in person, which may contribute to the impression that I am older.
About your question on whether it is better to look 23 and capable...
Today I was in a meeting for a client I hope to handle soon. I met with five people maybe in their forties to fifties. They are true blue businessmen who have been doing their trade for perhaps a good twenty years. No matter how much experience I have gained in my line of work, it will simply not match with what they've accumulated in the past few decades.
Respect is cool, but people trusting you is what gets you hired. And the physical affirmation that you've put in time to improve yourself and your skills is what gets you trust.
Oh c'mon, we are not talking about career or whatsoever ladies! Let's just be honest! For me, I really thought you were already 30+ because of the way you carry yourself. I was even amazed when I found out that Shen is just 26. How much more that you are only 23!!! I really thought that Shen was 28 and you are 30+... Career wise you are on top of the board but the topic here is the age right? Pilipino talaga mahilig mag pretend para lang may masabing maganda.... :)
Hi Ms. Liz,
I'd rather look mature than my age but I serve as an inspiration to a lot of young people because I have the best job in the world and passionate about it. That's what you are Ms. Liz, I'm sure a lot of readers in this blog is envious of your job and for being successful.
God Bless and have a fabulous weekend!!!
Oh, wow. You're only a year older than me, and I kept on calling you "Ms. Liz"! I've always thought you were 26-ish because of the way you write, your successful career & your ~love life. Hats off to you, Liz!
I also get comments saying that I look like someone who's in her mid-20's to early 30's. I kinda' got used to it, I guess. After all, I have learned to accept that I am an old soul, even way back in highschool. Couldn't agree more when you said that these 'age comments' are kind of flattering, because they sort of affect the way people treat you.
I guessed you were in your mid-20's -- wouldn't have thought you were younger mainly because you seem to have experienced/continue to experience things beyond your years.
(I wonder how old people think I am?)
YOU NEED A NEW HAIRSTYLE!
I really thought you were in your thirties because of how you look(coupled with your experience).
Trust me, when you hit 25 you will want people to think you're years younger than your real age. It would be the best compliment in the world!!!
Just like you, when I was 21-22, I wanted people to think I was 27+ so I can be taken seriously by clients and everyone else older. But when I turned 24 and people start assuming that I was 28-30, it no longer made me happy. First thing I did was to reduce make-up on my face and started losing some weight. The weight kind of made the difference. These days, I just tell(when asked) people I'm 33 when I'm actually 26 so I can get the "You look young for a 33!" comment and then I just give out a hard laugh.
NEW HAIRSTYLE.
Yea, remember when I met you and I don't know why the conversation led to age but when you told me you were only 23, I was really shocked. I also don't think it's because of the way you look but the way you carry yourself and speak your mind on this blog. You really seem more experienced and very credible on the advice and tips that you give and I think you should take it as a compliment because as young as you are now, you've already accomplished so much! =D
I envy you! I'm also 23 but I look well like a teenagaer..and because of that people don't give me the treatment I deserve. I have to carry my ID all the time so I have proof that I am of legal age. It's irritating when I enter clubs or even R18 movies to be questioned if I'm old enough to engage in such things.. So now I wear make up and grown up clothes just so I don't get into anymore embarrassing situations with regards to my age..
p.s I love your blog and personally you DON'T look 30..you look 25 and up..but keep up the good work and god blesss!! mwah
I think the standard for 23 years old nowadays is Camille Co. She is 23 years old and she look her age. She's also someone who has achieved great heights given her age. So I think, you don't have to look old or "mature" (as the euphemism people have used here) to be able to do great whether in the corporate world or in any industry for that matter. So yeah Ms. Liz, you do look old and I think you have to reconsider some things. "Just to be trusted in the industry" is not a valid reason to look older than your real age, I even think that's a lame defense mechanism. I like reading your blog and I find your reviews very useful. It's just that this post ticked me off a bit. For the record, I thought you were 35. My mom who is 48 even looks younger than you and she hasn't had any plastic surgery whatsoever. This is not a hate comment. I'm just saying that maybe you need to reconsider some things. Maybe your hairstyle, maybe the way you do your makeup, maybe your choice of colors. I'm not sure. But I just think you'd be even more successful if you look your age :)
Dear Cams,
Shall I wear my hair long, blond, digipermed, and walk around town in tiny skirts, socks with heels, and contrasting bright prints? No. That's Camille Co. That's her style. She carries it beautifully, but if I wear what she wears, I may look younger, but I would feel ridiculous. (No offense to Camille. She's nice and I love her fashion sense, but it's not for me.)
"Just to be trusted in the industry" is a very, very valid reason to look older than my age. It is not a "lame defense mechanism". I'm sorry you think that. I'd like to explain in detail, but then I don't how that will do me any good.