So, I was scrolling through LinkedIn the other day (because, let’s be real, that’s my version of procrastination these days 😅), and I stumbled upon yet another article about “how women can succeed in the workplace.” It got me thinking—how many of these articles actually get it? Like, do they really understand the nuances of being a woman in a career that’s still, let’s face it, dominated by men?
I’m not here to give you a step-by-step guide or some generic “lean in” advice. Nope. I’m here to share my own messy, unfiltered journey—because honestly, that’s what’s missing in most of these conversations. So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s dive in.
First off, let’s talk about confidence. And no, I’m not talking about faking it till you make it. I’m talking about real confidence—the kind that comes from knowing your worth. I used to struggle with this big time. I’d walk into meetings, and even though I knew my stuff, I’d second-guess myself constantly. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s built. For me, it started with small wins. I’d set tiny, achievable goals—like speaking up in a meeting or volunteering for a project that scared me. Each time I nailed it, my confidence grew a little more. And over time, those small wins added up.
But here’s the kicker: confidence doesn’t mean you won’t fail. Oh, I’ve failed—spectacularly. Like the time I pitched an idea to my boss and it completely flopped. But instead of letting it crush me, I used it as a learning experience. I asked for feedback, tweaked my approach, and came back stronger. Failure isn’t the end; it’s just part of the process.
Now, let’s talk about mentorship. This one’s a game-changer. Early in my career, I thought I had to do everything on my own. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Finding a mentor—someone who’s been where you are and can offer guidance—is crucial. But here’s the thing: mentorship doesn’t have to be this formal, sit-down-every-week kind of thing.
My mentor? She’s someone I met at a networking event. We clicked instantly, and now we meet for coffee every few months. She’s given me advice on everything from negotiating a raise to dealing with office politics. And the best part? She’s been a sounding board for my ideas, even the ones that seemed a little crazy.
Speaking of networking, let’s address the elephant in the room: it’s awkward. Like, seriously awkward. But it’s also necessary. I used to dread networking events—walking into a room full of strangers, trying to make small talk. Ugh. But over time, I’ve learned to reframe it. Instead of thinking of it as “networking,” I think of it as making connections.
And here’s a pro tip: don’t just focus on people who are “above” you in the corporate hierarchy. Some of my most valuable connections have been peers or even people in completely different industries. You never know where a conversation might lead.
Another thing I’ve learned? Advocating for yourself is non-negotiable. And no, it’s not “bragging” or “being pushy.” It’s about making sure your contributions are recognized. I used to think that if I worked hard enough, people would notice. But the reality is, you have to speak up.
For example, when it came time for my last performance review, I didn’t just wait for my boss to bring up my accomplishments. I went in prepared with a list of my achievements, complete with metrics to back them up. And guess what? It paid off—literally.
But let’s not forget about the emotional side of things. Because let’s be real, being a woman in the workplace can be exhausting. There’s the constant balancing act, the pressure to prove yourself, and let’s not even get started on the whole “having it all” myth.
For me, self-care has been essential. And no, I’m not talking about bubble baths and face masks (though those are great too). I’m talking about setting boundaries. Learning to say no. Taking time off when I need it. Because here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
And finally, let’s talk about the importance of community. Surrounding yourself with other ambitious, supportive women has been a game-changer for me. Whether it’s a group chat with my closest work friends or a professional organization, having a tribe of women who get it makes all the difference.
So, there you have it—my unfiltered take on climbing the career ladder as a woman. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it. And remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all figuring it out as we go.
Now, tell me—what’s your biggest challenge when it comes to your career? Let’s chat in the comments! 💬