Career Diaries - Chapter I: Crossing the Gender Chasm
Entering the marketing industry as a young woman initially felt like I had landed in an alien landscape, much like Luke Skywalker finding himself in the Mos Isley Cantina. The chatter was loud, the bar full of seasoned veterans and mercenaries, while I was still finding my voice.
The new sights, the unfamiliar faces, and the male-dominated landscape felt as daunting as the twin suns in the desert sky, or the Death Star in the distance, aiming your way.
But I was no longer a Padawan. I had ascended to Jedi.
Fresh out of the Academy to find my place in the galaxy.
To be heard, to be understood, and to be respected.
…. Right?
There were moments when I felt my voice wasn't as audible as I wanted it to be. My ideas seemed to drown in the pool of existing knowledge and experience like whispers carried away by the wind in an open desert - or like one's voice suppressed in space where no sound can be heard. The frustration was real - a tangible weight that sometimes made the journey seem uphill.
But I didn't let discouragement conquer me. Instead, I chose to use it as fuel, turning the flames of frustration into a torch that lit my path forward. I found my voice and used it to advocate for my vision, to assert my presence, and to prove that I deserved to be heard.
I have to admit, I was a fortunate one. I found allies and mentors who stood by me, much like Chewbacca to Han Solo - or Yoda to Luke.
They saw my strengths, celebrated them, and encouraged me to strive for more. Their faith acted as a salve for the burns of challenges I faced and turned them into badges of courage. Yet, even amidst the most steadfast support, the gender gap was a persisting phantom. Maybe it was not merely about being a woman, but also the greenness of my youth, the fresh ink on my degree that still smelt of university halls. It wasn't always an uphill battle but a confrontation with reality.
In the beginning, I was frustrated. I spent a lot of energy overthinking my position in this great (yet narrowing) chasm. And I wager that sometimes, I over-analyzed things.
After some time, I reached a turning point where I shifted my focus away from what was bothering me. Instead, I actively sought out a solution that would bring me a sense of relief and contentment.
I was tired of being tired. I was tired of thinking how unfair it was. And the more energy I put into thinking how I deserved more, the more I realized I am the one who can make a difference.
But how?
POV: A Frustrated Jud
Acceptance. That was the key. I accepted the gap, not as a wall to batter my fists against but as a hurdle to be jumped over.
But this acceptance wasn't about giving in; rather, it freed me from the chains of annoyance and anger. It helped me focus on navigating the landscape, conserving my energy for battles that mattered, and channeling it into positive strides forward. With time, I learned that my unique perspective as a woman was not a liability but a strength that added new colors to the marketing canvas. Like Leia Organa carving her way through the Galactic Empire, I realized that my path was mine to forge. The journey taught me resilience and the art of turning challenges into stepping stones.
It's a battle still being fought, but it's one I now fight with wisdom, grace, and a well of inner strength.
Despite the challenges, it has been inspiring to witness the rising tide of equality in the industry. I've seen more and more women take their rightful places at the table, their voices resonating powerfully in rooms that were once monotonous. It's like watching the Resistance grow in strength and number, a reassuring testament to progress. Seeing Leia become the general.
I've been extremely fortunate in my journey. The place where I work now feels a world away from the alien landscape I initially encountered. It's a haven where diversity is valued, where voices are heard, and ideas are celebrated regardless of who they come from. It's as if I've finally found my place in the Resistance, standing side by side with allies who fight the same good fight.
My workspace doesn't feel like the harsh deserts of Tatooine, but rather, the diverse and energetic hub of the Resistance. Here, my voice is not just another whisper in the wind but an integral part of the symphony. This atmosphere of equality and respect is something I cherish deeply, and it gives me hope for a future where the gender gap will be a tale of the past.
The progress is palpable, the journey towards equality, though long, is in motion. I've been lucky to find a workplace that exemplifies this positive change, a beacon of hope in the vast galaxy of the industry. It's an affirmation of my belief that while the fight for equality continues, we are moving forward, one step at a time, towards a more balanced, inclusive world. Like the indomitable spirit of the Resistance, we keep pushing because every stride counts.
So, how did I find this haven of equality and respect? Like Leia finding her way to Luke, and vice versa, my journey naturally guided me. However, it wasn't solely about the journey's flow; it also involved intentional decisions. Once the opportunity arose, it was essential for me to investigate the ethics, values, and culture of the potential workplace.
It’s like trusting the Force, but also keeping your eyes peeled for Imperial traps. Because, let's face it, finding a workplace that offers true equality and respect should be a given, not a bonus.
Yet, we know that's not always the case. Sometimes, we have to actively seek it out.
To my fellow women in the field, I urge you to always prioritize your worth. Find places that value you, where your voice matters. Seek out the Force, don’t wait for it to find you. And remember, we're in this together. We’re each other’s Resistance, supporting one another in our collective fight for equality.
Keep an eye out for:
Inclusive work culture
Equal opportunities
Mentorship and sponsorship
Commitment to diversity
If you don’t see it? Don’t be afraid to ask; “what are the active efforts?”
Shout-out to Carrie Fisher; Forever our Leia
In the end, we're all striving for balance in the Force. We're all working towards a professional world where respect and equality are not exceptions but the norm. It's a journey we're all part of, and I believe, step by step, we're making progress.
Looking out for yourself is so important. But to do that, you also have to explore the world around you. Do you find yourself in a setting, perhaps a workplace, that cultivates a culture of equality? Is this commitment to fairness manifest in subtle gestures or communicated overtly?
You always have the prerogative to pose these questions.
Exercise curiosity when the answers aren't immediately apparent.
Engage, assert yourself, and don't succumb to fear. Because when you raise these inquiries, you prompt others to reflect.
You catalyze change and thus, make a difference.
To those who may be finding their own struggles in different ways, perhaps men navigating female-dominated fields or anyone grappling with their unique challenges, I see you. Although I may not know precisely the contours of your journey, I recognize the universality of struggle. Just as every episode in the Star Wars saga tells a different tale, I understand that each of us has our battles to fight.
So I think my message here is: Don't hesitate to ask the questions that warrant everyone's reflection if you sense that the answers are unclear, be it in a direct or indirect manner. Assert your presence, and make your voice resonate, especially when you feel as if you are being overlooked or unheard.
Every story, every struggle, every triumph is important, no matter how big or small. Our shared and individual experiences all contribute to the broader narrative, much like individual threads in a grand tapestry.
