Mind the confidence Gap
Career Advice for Women – How not to Get Screw*d! ©
Hello again!
In one of my earlier blog posts I posed this question:
What career advice would you give to your younger self, to a friend, or a younger person (daughter, son, niece, nephew) ...somebody you love and care about?
A common theme from the many women I have spoken to young and old, early career, late career, career transitioning, career exploring, career curious, career opting in or out, women just working, women working trying to find the balance, full-time, parttime, on a break, women who loved their jobs, those who didn’t love their jobs, women exploring and developing their side gigs, or businesses, career confused women. You get the picture. Lots of different women!
Was the notion of simply having the confidence to believe in yourself and have a crack!
I have included below some of their comments.
Quotes:
I would tell my younger self and my daughter to just bloody do it, have a go. You only live once and have nothing to lose, only more experience to gain. I’ve passed on applying for a lot of roles that I was very interested in because I doubted myself and like to stay comfortable. Change is a good, thing, and you will never advance if you don’t just do it!
TB: Great fashion taste and shoes and accessories on point. Ditto MiniMe offspring - future president of the world, maybe universe.
I would tell myself – not to be afraid to just try. Sometimes you have to have a go – don’t you?
SP: Early career took a chance and landed her first dream job straight out of uni. Beautiful human, with a kind smile and heart. I hope the world takes care of her. Wears sensible, stylish shoes so she is prepared for anything the day throws at her.
Don't be afraid to ask for an opportunity and if things don't go the way you planned find another way to your goal.
CR: Kick-ass professional. Knows how to rock an interview. Testament to her determination CR can wear pointy high heels in difficult terrain…unstoppable!
Don’t underestimate your own ability. Don’t undersell yourself. Recognise that you are always a work in progress throughout your life.
RS - Champion and best work in progress I've seen. Always evolving. Always has a great pair of shoes that complements her outfit, ALWAYS.
My lightbulb moment was when chemical engineering Professor Don Nicklin asked a question in a first-year thermodynamics class: I knew the answer but was too shy to respond. I learnt not to doubt myself and vowed to back myself next time – it was a turning point for me.
Leeanne Bond - knows how to crack a corporate profile pic!
Again, and I link back to the message of my book, the simple truth is that for many women, we screw ourselves through our lack of belief in our ourselves, and our abilities. Wrapping ourselves in self-doubt, and a lack of confidence. Sometimes we are crippled by imposter syndrome, and sometimes yes, we are hampered by means and opportunities. Although as I said, I have met many women, challenged by means and opportunity who had the self-confidence, and no other choice but to ‘have a crack’ and have been very successful. I am in awe of them, and I think we all have lessons we can learn from them. Sometimes friends, we also screw ourselves by not taking advantage of an opportunity just because we think we are not ready. Well – you know what?!!! Maybe we are!!!!
Progress verses Perfection
Stiving for perfection or the 100% perfect conditions or circumstances is a waste of time and energy and rarely happens. Progress on the other hand is achievable and involves continual improvement and advancement. It's about moving in the direction of your goals and dreams. Baby steps are fine!!! Get comfortable with being a work in progress and learning along the way. The goal of progress is to push forward, evolving along the way and enjoying the journey.
The truth of the matter is peeps – no matter which way you look at it we have a confidence gap! So, control your Mind Gap.
Friends – you’ve got this!
Until next time
Stay strategic and focused on your goals!
Kym
xxoo
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