This is going to be a touchy subject for some. I will do my absolute best to be as sensitive on this subject as possible, but I am not a perfect human being (none of us are), so I may inadvertently word something in a way that some might consider offensive. For this, I apologize. I assure you, it is not my intention. I would also like to add that for the sake of not having to write a novel on this one subject, I’m going to leave the topic of transgendered people out. It’s not that I don’t care (I do, you are all far braver than I think you give yourselves credit for), it’s just that I’ve only got so much time to write an entry.
Now that that small disclaimer is out of the way, let’s get down to today’s post.
Women in business traditionally have a huge uphill climb in order to find success. They have to work much harder for less pay. Business owners are less likely to listen to what they have to say. It is tremendously sexist. It is wrong. It is, and please excuse this very rare use of profanity on this blog, complete and utter bullshit. The hurdles that women have to face solely because of their gender have absolutely no place in the world in general, let alone in the workplace. It’s an archaic practice, and surprisingly enough, in many cases it’s not even intentional (I have as much trouble believing this as you do). It’s “just the way the world works.”
It doesn’t have to be.
To all my female readers, you do not have to tolerate this kind of behavior. At all. Oh sure, during the course of your business life, people will try and impose it on you. After all, it’s how things have always been done right? Screw that. You are not a second class person just because of your gender. Don’t put up with it. But as I said, people will try and impose it on you anyway. So how do you combat this?
I once said in a post that you don’t need to be perfect, just better, and that advice is your first step. You face an uphill climb. You know this. Want to make it easier? Be better than everybody else. Be so good at everything you do that nobody, not even the most sexist person on the planet, can deny your abilities. Be prepared, be confident, professional, demonstrate that you are a huge asset to everyone around you, and that your “assets” have absolutely nothing to do with it.
The path to PIE does not discriminate based on gender, be you male, female, or trans. All people are welcome, and all people are equal. Show everyone you have to deal with that this is the case. Prove it to them. Make them see that you are more than just what may or may not be between your legs, and success will be yours.
