So, I got a new job. And I’m pretty excited about it. My boss is part of a middle aged childfree couple, which I thought would meant he’d be pretty cool. My coworkers all have children, which is a big part of this story. Another big thing is that I’m very young for my position I’m in (i don’t know why they chose me, but I’m grateful, I really needed the job).

Anyway, after a 10 hour shift with no real breaks, I came in the next day and told them I couldn’t work later than 6 pm (especially since this job was advertised 9 to 5). My boss agreed, and apologized for the day before. Work started, and I forgot about it. One thing to note is that most my coworkers leave earlier than I do everyday, because they have kids.

Later on, I’m asking what time they want me to go home tonight as I have things to do. My boss laughs and says “you’re young! You don’t have any real responsibilities!” To which my coworker adds, “and a cat doesn’t count!”

Like, what?? My boss knew when I took this job that I’m doing college classes full time, and that my degree is my main goal, to the point that he told me he’d let me take half days for exams and such. I also don’t have a cat, I have a lizard. I was telling my coworker earlier today about my beloved cat who passed away a few months ago, which I’m assuming is where she got that from. I didn’t even know what to say. I just did this half hearted laugh.

Why do people think that us childfree people, especially those of us who are young, have less important lives than those with children? I couldn’t care less to listen to my coworker complain about her toddler, but I’m polite and tried to relate with my cat. The fact that she clearly didn’t listen at all and then used something personal I shared against me kind of hurt.

Ugh. I’m tired.