You have a new boss, and they’re younger than you. It’s a jolt

September 3, 2026 — 3:00pm

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There’s an unexpected moment in every career when a noticeable shift happens. For most of our working lives, we report to managers who are older and more experienced than us – until one day that changes. You get a new boss, and they’re younger than you.

This can be a jolting experience no matter what your age, raising complicated feelings about self-worth, identity and longevity. But as more generations work alongside each other, it’s also becoming increasingly common. How do you work for a boss who has less experience than you?

Different cultures have different approaches. I recently spent a month in South Korea, criss-crossing the country, trying to understand their rich and complex history, and how it affects their present.

Korean work culture is underpinned by deeply held values, like Confucian hierarchy, collectivism and an intense dedication to their job. Seniority carries particular........

© Brisbane Times