I’m so absolutely, ridiculously angry right now that I can’t even sleep, it’s 2 AM and all I can think about is how much I want to scream into a pillow. Or maybe just punch a wall. I just won this HUGE design competition, like, the kind of win that can make a career, right? And the prize is that I get to lead the actual project, which is insane and amazing and terrifying. But here’s the kicker – my “team” is made up of these senior partners, guys who have been doing this for literally decades. DECADES. I’m 26. I still have student loan debt that makes me want to weep, and I basically live off freelance gigs, scrambling for every penny, no benefits, nothing reliable. These guys probably own multiple houses and have pensions. And they look at me like I’m a particularly annoying insect. Not even with respect, not even with curiosity, just… a vague, patronizing annoyance. I catch them whispering when they think I’m not listening, little comments about “the kid” or “how long before she cracks.” I’ve put in more hours than I can count, practically lived at my desk for months coming up with this design, and it’s GOOD. It won for a reason! But every meeting, every single interaction, feels like I’m constantly having to re-prove myself, to justify why I’m even in the room. They interrupt me, they question every decision, they make these *gestures* like I’m being unreasonable for suggesting something even slightly outside their ancient playbooks. It’s like they’re actively trying to make me fail, just so they can swoop in and say “see, we told you so.” Am I the only one who’s ever been in this position? Seriously, anyone else out there ever had to manage a team of people who are not only twice your age but also clearly think you’re a total amateur and are actively resentful that you’re in charge? I just… I don’t know what to do. I’m so proud of this win, but every day I walk into that office feeling like I’m gearing up for a fight. And I’m so TIRED. I just want to do the work, the work I’m good at, the work I won for! But instead, I’m spending all my energy just trying not to explode. I’m so angry at them, and honestly, a little bit angry at myself for not knowing how to shut them down without blowing up the whole project. This is supposed to be my big break, and it just feels like… a trap.