everybody assumes I retired after 20yrs of active duty before starting as a civilian attorney for the Army, since that is the career path of the vast majority of civilian attorneys.

instead I just left active duty after 8yrs. I started a little late due to mission years, so that adds up to most people overestimating my age by about 10 years.

but I've aged well so then they say I look young and when they find out I'm actually the age they think I look, they just go yeah that makes sense.