Do you ever feel as though you don’t measure up? Do you feel as though you are giving 110% in all that you do, but that is not being recognized? Do you feel like you have limited options and limited opportunities for growth? And do you ever feel any of these things solely because you are a woman?
Being all we were created to be professionally can be challenging. For many generations we have been told that we are not equals with our male counterparts. Thankfully, times are beginning to change and the glass ceiling is being kicked down.
Coming from someone who works in the music industry, I understand working in a male dominated industry. I understand being passed over for jobs based on the fact that I am a female. I understand not being given certain jobs or being asked if I need assistance because I am a female. It can be condescending yet also helpful when I am trying to do my job (that I am fully capable of accomplishing by myself) when a male asks if he can help me. Do I say yes? Or do I stand my ground and do the job that I was hired to do all by myself?
Guess what ladies? We don’t need permission to be all we can be professionally. We don’t need to get hung up over what society tells us about men vs women in the workplace. We don’t need to feel less than, limited, or incapable. We bring our own set of skills, strengths, and talents to the table.
How do you go about this? Confidence is key! Know what your strengths are, but also own up to your weaknesses. Admit when you need help. Ask others for advice. Be true to who you are. If need be, ask those who are closest to you what your strengths are and what they admire about you. Never be afraid to go after what you want!
Maybe you don’t work but still experience this. Maybe you feel this way when you walk into an auto repair shop and have no idea what the mechanic is talking about. Maybe you feel this way when you walk into Lowe’s or Home Depot and you feel like everyone is staring at you. Maybe you feel this way when you visit your husband at work and you think everyone just sees you as a cute stay at home housewife. If you find yourself in one of these situations, remember what Barbara Bush said: “Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life’s blood. But everyone has something to give.”
Don’t let others get you down. Follow your passions. Dream big dreams. Chase after your goals.
