When Climbing Up Means Feeling Left Out

Everyone always said hard work pays off, so when I got the chance to lead a team in our Chicago office at just 26, I thought I’d finally made it. But walking into meetings where everyone is older and way more experienced than me? That’s a whole new kind of intimidating. Every time I speak up, I get these polite smiles and then... nothing. It’s like my words just float away. I never thought being recognized for my work would make me feel so isolated. Has anyone else felt like a stranger in their own team after a big step up? I could really use some advice on how to actually connect with my team. Feeling pretty lost and hoping someone out there understands. 😔 #NewLeaderStruggles #TeamDynamics #WorkplaceGrowth #JobCareer