It’s sad but true, but women have a harder time succeeding in the professional world.
They get paid less, they get passed over for opportunities, and they have to fight like hell to get ahead, even when they are overqualified for jobs and promotions.
In this very important Twitter thread, women who have already been through the trials and tribulations of working as a female share the advice they would give their younger selves if they could.
We can all learn a lot from these words of wisdom.
1. Yes and no.
The magic happens when you say “yes” to opportunities that bring experience value and say “no” to the ones that don’t pay your worth.
— Sonya Trachsel (@SonyaTrachsel) February 18, 2020
2. Be aware of this.
If your colleagues and bosses are not actively supporting you, they are likely actively sabotaging you. Bias is real; work on a team that is inclusive and diverse.
— Elissa Kuykendall Unton (@ElissainLA) February 19, 2020
3. Work from a place of “yes.”
politics & ego get in the way of good work. recognize when you can’t change that. gossip will never benefit you. confiding in people at work is handing them ammunition. people have agendas. confide in your friends outside of work. lead with kindness. work from a place of yes.
— karyn spencer (@KarynSpencer) February 19, 2020
4. Some great tips.
Treat your job like a client and look to cultivate others, have 1+.
Do what is required but don’t work yourself to a frazzle making someone else successful.
Keep a kudos list/email folder to remind yourself & others of your excellence.
Take time off
Don’t eat at your desk.— Andrea Morgan (@AndreaDMorgan) February 19, 2020
5. Just go for it!
Have the audacity of your male colleagues. Apply for those jobs even when you don’t check all the desired attributes. You’ll knock them dead in the interview.
— MissBwalya (@missbwalya) February 19, 2020
6. Don’t waste time.
Don’t waste time (personal and professional) on people who don’t believe in you. Reframe imposter syndrome as being wise enough to realize that you stilll have a lot to learn—so ask all your questions and count it as professional growth!
— Sara Gates (@skgates) February 18, 2020
7. Use your time wisely.
Take the sick days. Take the vacation days. Take the personal time. It’s all yours and you aren’t earning brownie points/protection by not taking them.
— it’s babe dylan bit*h (@kaylasansk) February 19, 2020
8. Take charge.
There’s only one person that cares about your career.. and it’s not your boss. (It’s you!) Take charge of your career and manage it.
— Chris Petzold ??♀️??? (@chris_p_2010) February 19, 2020
9. Look out for yourself.
Do not trust HR. Ask for at least 20% more than you think you should. Go for that promotion even if you think you’re under qualified. You don’t get ahead by stepping on other women, but by lifting them up with you.
— Karadelphia ???♂️? (@KaraNextWeek) February 19, 2020
10. This is great.
Understand what your time is really worth; conduct yourself accordingly
Look people in the eye when you talk to them; give them your full attention
Don’t apologize when you don’t know something; find out the answer
Take ownership of mistakes; find a solution; never cast blame— Rokey?? I Block Idiots (@rokeypdx) February 19, 2020
11. All of these.
1. Never stop fighting for what’s right.
2. Your value is not in your job.
3. Keep being kind to everyone.
4. It’s never about the money, but know your worth.
5. Trust your gut the first time.— Missy Reedy (@missyhreedy) February 19, 2020
12. It’s okay to change direction.
That the career you’re working your b*tt off for 21, may not be the one you want at 41. It’s ok to change paths and try new directions. Life is too short to continue to do work you don’t enjoy.
— Alex (@northstoryco) February 19, 2020
13. Advocate for yourself.
You must be your own best advocate. Write down your accomplishments, if not every day, every week. Email them to yourself or put them in a notes app. Refer to them when it comes to review time or negotiations. No one else will remember your accomplishments for you.
— Carina (@jet_set) February 19, 2020
All of these women have obviously been through a lot in their professional lives and their advice is very important to all the females out there looking to get ahead in the workplace.
What do you think about this advice?
Do you have any of your own you’d like to offer to your fellow women?
Please share with us in the comments!