When I started in broadcasting, I always seemed to be the youngest person in the room. I liked it this way. Yes, I was occasionally patronised a bit, and doubtless got on my elders’ nerves, in a who-does-this-kid-think-he-is kind of way. But I didn’t mind being talked down to one jot. After all, they knew a lot more than me about things and I had plenty to learn.
This was in the BBC’s business news department. The best of them were only too happy to sit me down and talk me through one of the many topics I didn’t understand. I spent many hours learning at the feet of gifted correspondents such as Rory Cellan-Jones, Simon Gompertz and Jackie Hardgrave. I’ll for ever be grateful to them. They looked out for the work experience kid, professionally and socially. When I was hungover, they probably gave me Calpol. It was good to be the junior; I felt as if I was ahead of the game.
Now, all a sudden, I’m not the youngest. I’m the oldest. This wise old owl feels old enough for the role, but nowhere near wise enough. In fact, I’m still seeking wisdom much more than I’m dispensing it. To this day, I call Rory for explanations, and he has been retired a year or more. Am I anywhere near as helpful to my young colleagues, or a grumpy old deadweight? I’m taking a long look at myself.
I went to the Croatian embassy recently for a gathering of Croatian professionals in the UK. Upon entering, I thought I’d walked into the wrong event; it felt more like a youth club for exceptionally well-dressed people. I was a good quarter of a century older than nearly everyone there. They all seemed more confident and wiser than me. All of them spoke English far better than I spoke their language. It felt as if I didn’t have a lot to offer.
I got talking to one impressive young woman studying chemical engineering.
“Postgrad?”
“No. First degree. I’m only 20.”
She turned out to be the daughter of a famous Croatian goalkeeper. Sloping off home, I checked his Wikipedia page and discovered that I’m considerably older than him, too.
When I got back, I made myself some cocoa and went to bed.
• Adrian Chiles is a broadcaster, writer and Guardian columnist
