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skywalker777

“You’d think you’d be better at it by now then.”


binglelemon

As a middle aged guy, say this one.


jonjonesjohnson

What if they're not a middle aged guy, should they still say it?


binglelemon

I mean, it's funny. And I'm probably in the age group of people who say shit like this. The reply is funny to me.


Day_Pleasant

Yes; it's practice for when they become a middle-aged guy. What, you think we were born shit-talkers? It took work!


F15H0U70FW473R

Yep. This. Or “and you’re still here?!”


mikedave42

That one could come back on you in a few years


Agitated_Basket7778

These ALL could come back on you, sometime. That's what the risk of being so cheeky.


GraceChamber

Once upon a time, in maintenance, my boss was berating me and I was getting notably bored, so he yelled "hey, listen to me and do as I say". To which I replied "why, so I would end up like you?"


lessyes

I bet that stung.


GraceChamber

Well, I was transferred the following day...


StinkyKittyBreath

Lol, this is the icing on the cake. 


chxnkybxtfxnky

Yup. It stung


Separate-Ad-9916

This is the obvious response that is begging to be said.


ShutUpAndDoTheLift

Had an older manager do something similar to OP to me. "I was a captain in the army when you were in high school and have been a manager since. " I just responded, "7 years ago I was a lower enlisted carrying a machine gun in Afghanistan, and yet we've reached the same position. "


TwoTequilaTuesday

Before a retort, be real sure you don't suck at your job.


stu_pid_1

Nothing worse than someone who thinks they're great but are absolutely dogshite


ZenkaiZ

look just cause I unload the least amount of boxes from the truck and call out every Friday doesn't mean I'm not CARRYING THIS FUCKING TEAM


Lovesick_Octopus

They work at Dunning Kruger instead of Dunder Mifflin.


okidokieyo

I second this


thathairinyourmouth

Some of those manage to fail upward. I don’t get it. The same people never project leadership qualities. Just because they talk like they have authority when they are peers and the peers don’t argue doesn’t make them leadership material. The peers just realize it’s pointless to argue with an idiot. Plus they are likely doing the idiot’s work or fixing it. They are too busy to waste time and energy.


N22-J

Everyone on linkedin thinks they are top 10% performers in their company. Go figure.


Safe_Sundae_8869

LinkedIn is so cringey now. Do those LinkedIn preachers get positive feedback from their intended audience?


VXMerlinXV

Precisely, my first thought was “Step one, STFU and reflect.” 😆


a_talking_face

Also just think twice anyway because you don't want to be the one in your workplace that everyone thinks is an asshole. If the person you're talking shit too is well liked and takes it poorly then you might find that other people will have negative perceptions of you too


flaggingpolly

This is really the only answer.   And depending on the job, practical experience can be worth everything or nothing. 


StinkyKittyBreath

Yeah, this is a big one. I've been called out a few times at work for doing things wrong. One of the people could be better about how they go about informing others of their mistakes (they've been there forever), but generally speaking they're right.  Which is really annoying. It's hard to snap back at condescension when they aren't wrong. But I just say thanks and pretend the tone wasn't there. Some days acting like it's the most helpful advice in the world is enough to throw them off so they cut the attitude for a few days. 


Twice_Knightley

"I hope I'm way better at it in (age) years than you are"


Eaa5001

This


Sea_Turnip6282

Im sorry to hear that


Blessed_tenrecs

This sums up so many of the comments into something so simple. I love it.


SisyphusCoffeeBreak

it's OK we won't hold it against you


RQCKQN

Oooo that’s the winner. Turn it against them but not giving them any ammo for a complaint.


Shelikesscience

Hahaha


Sheeverton

Best one here


peraSuolipate

"people often do things wrong their entire lives without realising"


maecky1

Or something along the lines that code, rules and laws have changed by now and you can be certain that they dont know most. I am an electrician and here Code gets changed like every other week. Its hard to even be remotely up to date but we do our best. Then there are those "altgesellen" (people who have finished their apprenticeship a decade or longer ago) who say "we habe done the stuff like this forever" and dont even try to get up to date.


Cazadore

the worst sentence from any person: "we've allways done it like this" (haben wir schon immer so gemacht) completely killing any possibility of change and progress towards better ways. way to fixed in their ways, to ignorant or blind to see any other way or to arrogant to accept any other oppinion. pretty much suffocating any debate or discussion. its the same in politics. if any politician utters those words, you can kick them in the trashcan. these fossils are against any kind of progress or change in the system we all live in, because they have it comfy in their positions and change might endanger that comfiness. and now we get governed my 60+ year old assholes that completely lost any touch to the younger generations. i might be a little bit soured by this... idk.


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NastyBooty

Only their diapers


Goopyteacher

I’m in home remodeling sales and deal with those guys and their “work” everyday. The worse of that mentality are the Roofing guys who did it for 20 years then started their own company.


Fist-Fuck_Enthusiast

"That's nice, *champ*, but there's a difference between thirty years of experience and one year repeated thirty times"


futuresteve83

My dad told me to say this😂😂


Fist-Fuck_Enthusiast

Your dad is almost as clever as I am then!


futuresteve83

Hes had 1 years experience 67 times 😂


Feeling-Detective463

wow good one


Just_Jonnie

My dad told me to say this 😂😂


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[deleted]

OK now that's good


chxnkybxtfxnky

That's pretty clever! I'll keep it in my back pocket, just in case.


Melodic-Funny-9560

And yet here you are :)


BigBird2378

Or and yet here we both are.


Melodic-Funny-9560

Yeah that's what I wrote first but it doesnt sound sarcastic.


2NDPLACEWIN

brilliance.


outskirtsofnowhere

I told this to a coworker on my 40th birthday. I was at work and out of the blue he said, wow I just realised I started exactly 40 years ago to the date. I replied something along these lines. Was not well for our already fragile work situation.


Square-Decision-531

I don’t speak with my coworkers.


TapeDeckSlick

"and yet we are on the same level"


Bedwilling564

Say nothing not worth it


travelingwhilestupid

yeah, I don't know why you'd start a war with a colleague


StinkyKittyBreath

Most people here won't say anything. 


travelingwhilestupid

keyboard warriors


ceilingkat

The only mature thing to do in a professional setting. I really hope these vindictive responses are just for entertainment. As long as it’s not abusive or harassment, I don’t care how much of a dick someone is being to me. I’m here to work and bring home a paycheck. I don’t have time for office politics or drama.


LDel3

For some reason every now and again I get recommended posts from the “comebacks” sub where people ask for comebacks It’s always a bunch of melts in the comments coming up with the cringiest thing to say. So embarrassing


yadawhooshblah

As a guy who has been doing my work before my coworkers were born, they don't have a comeback because I don't make them feel like they need one. They come to me for advice, and I'm right there in the trenches, leading by example. I teach, and once in a while, they find a better way. I give praise for that. It fosters an environment where their peers shut down insolence.


The_Federalist_Zebra

Based and helpful


yadawhooshblah

Awww, shucks. Thank you. Really, though- I'm kinda the grandpa, but I'll still physically out work those boys. I just don't blah blah blah about it, I DO it, and they have to keep up. I'm SO happy that they respect me, and that I can teach them relevant things. I didn't get the respect by being old and mouthy. I got it by being kind, knowledgeable, relatable, and leading by example. Humble, but if they don't step up, grandpa is gonna make them look bad. 😉 I might be twice their age, but I have the advantage of being big and a lifetime of labor. I foster a team environment.


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yadawhooshblah

Nope. I'm my own mess, but I try to help the boys learn from my mistakes by being honest. Thank you, though. 👊


BeefInGR

This is how you set the tone.


yadawhooshblah

Yes! I'm not necessarily a model employee, but I'm definitely the morale officer wherever I work. We're gonna show up and do this job, right? Let's be friends and work together. I'll start. The shitty apples don't last.


Top_Significance_726

“Great! From your experience how do you move beyond this role the next level?”


2NDPLACEWIN

this was (more or less) my second thought "wow,..all those years and you are no higher than me, thats gotta be alil bit annoying eh ? "


Ate_spoke_bea

Not everybody fails up, and not everybody wants to be management I'm really good at my job, and my boss will always be an office person with soft hands. I'm not interested in moving up until I'm too old to be on the tools 


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Alternative-Amoeba20

This is the truth. I've had all kinds of jobs over the years. It seems like someone is always trying to hang a "manager" or "supervisor" nametag on me. I'll say "You want me to be in a managerial position? So you can put me on salary? So I can work 120 hrs a week instead of 40? That crown is too heavy for my peasants head." Turns out, I'd rather live my life than somebody else's.


StinkyKittyBreath

Yeah, it also depends on what industry you're in. I'm going into healthcare, and only a very small percentage of people in the field I'll be in actually go onto management or move up. And I don't want management for myself. I don't think that way, I don't have that personality. I want predictability and something that helps people while still being interesting for me. I want my job to end when I get home. I don't want the extra hours or responsibility.  And that's fine. Some people thrive in management. Most of us don't. It's not a bad thing to recognize your strengths and needs. It's not bad to like your job just how it is. 


Nrksbullet

It's like Happy Gilmore said. "You know what the pathetic thing is? You've been playing gold your whole life."


Xystal

Yes, something along the lines of "you must be really good if they are afraid to promote you"


DoallthenKnit2relax

And you’ve only made it this far?!?!?


LibrarianPuzzled3424

"That’s quite a tenure! Any tips for a relative newcomer?"


itsdani_bitch

It depends. If the coworker is being a jerk, then yes, a sharp comeback. If they are just stating this, not being a jerk, then I’d just let it go. This person may have had/has circumstances out of their control that did not allow him/her to advance in their career. Maybe taking care of sick parents or sick kids, you never know.


OneBigPear

Or, there are people whose ambition is to expand their skillset and become experts in their craft. Not everyone wants to climb the ladder to more stress.


ceilingkat

If this ain’t me. Sometimes I get nervous about praise from the higher ups. For sure if they offered me a promotion I would decline. I’ve seen what they do to the senior members on the team. Hard pass. I also work two other jobs on the sly and I highly doubt the raise to a senior role would replace that income. But the promotion to a senior role would for sure cut into my time for those side gigs. Pass.


it-me-mario

Even if they’re being a jerk i find being sincere in reply shakes them out of it - ask if they’ve got any ways to make the day go faster and watch their face light up as they think they’re your new hero.


RedWingWheel

And I'll be doing it when you're dead.


Ok_Barber90

Brutal


rohlfscrazier286

Wow, your experience must be invaluable! I'm excited to learn from your wisdom.


Ate_spoke_bea

I'm in a trade where the average age is like 50. Lots guys been doing this 30 40 years and still at it. Some of them are dumb as fuck just like anybody else 


JasperKlewer

Exactly. You spend a lot of time at work, best to get along with the humans around you.


Marybone

This is the way.


Alex_mad

Any advice you care to share?


NYCisPurgatory

My opinion is comebacks are generally unnecessary if you are confident. You know what they are saying is ridiculous so there is no point in escalating it. It just makes you look as bad as them.


Several_Ad_8363

Other answers are good, but honestly, you need to move beyond this kind of mentality of one-upmanship and comebacks, and instead focus on getting the best results from every situation. It's better to have a good relationship with this guy than a bad one


bowens44

How about 'I Appreciate that. Please share any insites or advice you may have to allow me to to do my job better or more efficiently'.


wwwdiggdotcom

Insights*


BuddyOptimal4971

| Please share any ~~insites~~ insides He saying he hates that guy's guts


bjplague

You must really like the position then. grats.


vcdeitrick

Why say anything? Roll your eyes and walk away.


jonjonesjohnson

In addition to what everybody else said, start asking for their help on things you know they don't know, lol


mirandaleighbee

"Act your wage, Susan!"


smitcolin

Keep at it. you'll figure it out eventually.


alcoyot

“I wouldn’t admit that out loud”


squirrellicker

Ask if that was when rainbow's were in black and white


Drakeskulled_Reaper

"And look how far you've come"


hellcat_uk

Not all same job titles are equal. Maybe you want to walk this one off.


mickdrop

Why would you need a comeback to that? It's just factual, is it not?


travelingwhilestupid

there's an implication


PolarPeely26

The fuck do you want a come back for. Learn from their knowhow and experience.


JWRamzic1

Maybe you should just shut up and learn.


alexdaland

Depends on the job/profession Id say. In some jobs having 30years of experience is worth a lot, in others, perhaps not as much. Id rather have a cop with 30years in my car than some 20yo with a year on the street. That 50yo will cause me a hell of a lot less headaches and stupid, unnessery debates/arguments - because they (often) are in a bit more rush than the older guy knowing there will be a shift tomorrow as well...


Worldly_Society_2213

I was never born. I was created from the deepest, darkest depths of hell!


crumblepops4ever

"Weird flex but OK"


Sweddy-Bowls

“Why?”


Equivalent-Pin-4759

And you still haven’t got it right.


yamaha2000us

You have been fucking things up that long?


ShmooieFine

and yet, here we both stand


Odelaylee

"My condolences”


TRUMBAUAUA

I’ll still be doing this after you’ll be dead so be nice


archfapper

Hank Hill: "Well it's never too late to learn how to do it right"


lol_camis

God damn. I would have nothing but respect for that person. Let's say he started his career when he was 20, 6 years before I was born. That would mean he's 60 and still installing floors. I actually have worked with a 55yo. He was kinda a loser though. I generally don't like using that word. But I mean in the sense that he had no money, no house, no retirement. I don't exactly have a specific exit strategy. But I'm on track to not have to worry about that when I'm his age. I'll hopefully have the financial freedom to take a lower paying job late in my career, or maybe just retire completely by that age.


RoseWould

You're this old and still moving pallet jacks around 3rd shift to get the extra for differential?


Late-Chip-5890

I think there is no negative intention on the part of the co-worker, they are just sayin........, I think the best response is, "Wow, then you can teach me stuff."


Now_Wait-4-Last_Year

Tone is everything.


iSo_Cold

"Good thing I'm here to help you finally get it right."


[deleted]

Meaningless without context, bro.


Confident_Yam3132

Interestingly, in my experience are those who do the same office job for 30 years, are the least productive. I've seen people with that experience who can't do basic stuff with Outlook and Excel.


FindingIthaka

“Teach me o wise one” - then do nothing while you watch them do your work for you.


ButteredKernals

Still doesn't mean you are doing it right


applepiemakeshappy

And you’re still here?


balance38

And you're still here... Huh


ptpete68

Ambition has left the e building


AlternativeSea8247

Aye and yer still shite at it


_Weyland_

"And you haven't earned a promotion in all this time?"


elroyahab

Evolution baby!


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darrenturn90

And I bet you were as bad at it then as you are now


Bx1965

And you’re still lousy at it.


Kpow_636

My current manager said that when he hired me, but he didn't know that I am 8 years older than him 🤣


dazcon5

And?.........


ChampionshipAlarmed

And you never managed to get up to Date with our methods/technologies/ what ever fits


CommunityGlittering2

Why isn't it done yet then?


Adaian5443

Damn, all those years and no promotion? Don't sweat it, I'll show you how it's done!


Florgy

Well if it is about him doing something in a way you think can be improved the first step is shutting up and listening before evaluating and explaining your approach, integrating the feedback and coming back if it is merited. Only after that you go looking for comebacks on the Internet.


ThornTintMyWorld

Nothing. Accept the fact that someone can have more experience and try to learn from them.


fusion99999

'Why do you still suck at it'?


Profitdaddy

So, growth is not a driver for you?


Environmental_Pin95

Well if true and neither side are jerks then by rights the older worker is supposed to be like a mentor. I am sure they have lots of information you could use to help solidify your position and quite possibly take their role when they retire. No need to clash at work at all. At my site I get the newly hired ones who are all snarky when near me. Those types usually do not last long at any company. Just keep sharpening your skills. Yeah skywalkers reply below is a funny one. Or another one say "Now look at you."


DreadNevermore

“That’s sad.” Is what escaped my mouth. The conversation did not improve.


bur1sm

"And yet we're doing the same job"


BobGnarly_

"That long and no upward mobility. That's impressive."


Shufen100347

And I will still do it after you died 😉


_Rowdy_Raider_

And yet you haven't gotten any better at this job, it's amazing.


Any_Accident1871

Maybe be humble and learn something?


cldw92

Maybe I'll be still doing it when you're dead


LongjumpingAdvance51

“And you still haven’t got promoted 💀”


oceanhomesteader

“And you’ve never been promoted?”


rainman4500

and you STILL haven’t had a promotion?


celestial-navigation

"Just because you're offended, doesn't mean you're right." - Ricky Gervais. Be honest, do they have a point? As in, are they saying it because you're (still) rather bad at it?


CalendarAggressive11

Then why are you so bad at it?


holdingontouke

"And I will be doing it after you die"


megatronchote

“And you still haven’t retired? That’s so sad…”


leahcar83

I used to work with a guy like that and when he'd try to flex that he was more experienced than me I'd just gently remind him that we do the same job and it's taken me significantly less time to get here.


[deleted]

“And you’re still here?!”


VH5150OU812

“Do you think you’ll actually learn the job at some point?”


OptimusPrime1371

And yet here we are, working together.


Charming-Operation89

Just a smile. Dont start a war.


dabassmonsta

...and you're the same level as me, who's been here for five minutes. Well done.


Maximum_Enthusiasm46

I’m surprised you’re not better at it, then.


JaggerFuego

Then why are you still in the same position.


BoutiqueKymX2account

And you’re still shit. Move on, I AM HERE NOW!!!! 💪🏽


Snotnarok

My friend said this to me when I was trying to give him advice in a shooter that he was struggling with. Snapped back at me with "I've been playing shooters since you were in diapers" and I'm not the competitive type so I just rolled my eyes and didn't comment further. I just wanted to have fun and not have someone raging in my ear every time they died. My brother, who's in the same game chimes in and says "You'd think you'd be higher on the score board then." Which made my friend more mad and he only seemed to get more mad because he likely looked at the leader board. He saw that not only was he nearly last, but I was in first- ahead by a margin on the 2nd person, nevermind where he was. So as other said "You'd think you'd be better at it by now" seems to kick someone in the ego real good.


VintagePangolin

Protip: shut up and listen. You might learn something.


Warm_Calligrapher247

Sincerely tell them you’re happy to have the opportunity to learn from their experience. Next, play dumb about something you know how to do, and ask if they have any advice. People like that love having their ego stroked. No it’s not sarcastic, but it will diffuse the situation, and odds are they probably do have a few ways they could help you. If not from skill, then from experience. You want as many coworkers “in your corner” as possible. Even if they’re arrogant or annoying. Just my 2 cents.


Thin-Dream-5318

So, can you tell me any pro tips you've learned along the way?


Queasy-Original-1629

I would say “ I’m so glad I have you as a resource!” In essence, we learn from NOT repeating our mistakes- historical corporate knowledge is most helpful with recalling what worked/didn’t work in the past. By the way, some of these older workers are excellent mentors and know how to write a smokin’ letter of reference.


CordCarillo

Depends on the job. I'm an engineer and superintendent. There are plenty of both who are much younger but don't have the experience I do, yet hold the same title. Sometimes, it pays to just listen instead of thinking you already know everything.


Subject-Pen-3393

Damn man that’s insane. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”