Even though women make up half of the workforce in corporate America[ https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf?mod=article_inline&mod=article_inline ], they are highly underrepresented in senior-level positions. The higher you go up the corporate ladder, the lower the representation of women gets. While many argue that this is because of the prevalent gender discrimination in the corporate America, others hold women responsible for it too. They argue that women often play it too safe and miss many opportunities; whereas men instantly grab them, even if it involves taking risks and hedging bets.
Several surveys and research studies show that women tend to sell themselves short. It’s common for them to doubt their potential and hold themselves back from grasping the opportunities that come their way. Women are also generally harsh on themselves and hesitate to take risks. As shared by many recruiters, women are less likely to apply for jobs that require certain skills if they do not fully meet the criteria. They evaluate and often reject themselves before someone else does that. Men, on the other hand, don’t hesitate to apply for jobs they do not even have the required skillset for. They are willing to take risks and often overestimate themselves.
This hesitance in taking risks is a major reason why women often find themselves stuck in a rut, struggling (or even fail) to achieve their career goals.
Women are also more likely than men to settle for less and not speak up for themselves. While there is no denying the discrimination they face in the corporate world, women also need to push harder and take a stand for themselves.
Ask for a promotion or raise that you know you deserve, raise your voice against the injustices, and stop selling yourself short. Overcome your fears, step out of your comfort zone, and do not be afraid of making mistakes or facing rejection and failure. Chase your dreams with confidence, even if that involves stepping into the unknown. You wouldn’t know if that was a step in the right or wrong direction until you take it. So, stop playing safe and go grab what’s rightfully yours!
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