Women used to be the ones who completed the household chores, prepped meals for their partners, and cared for their children. The husbands were in charge of leaving the house and working at a job to make money for the family.

But over the years, a lot has changed for the better. Women have fought to get educations, earn their degrees, and prove that they deserve a space in the workplace just as much as men do.

Women have made major advances in the workforce, but there is still plenty of room for improvement in terms of equality. Despite the progress made, women are still experiencing career challenges based on their gender. Even today, women are overlooked for jobs or promotions, experiencing pay gaps, or being heavily criticized in the workplace for their demeanor despite men acting similarly.

Let’s learn more about how to deal with gender-based career challenges.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is always important, especially if you are going through stressful or challenging times. That includes eating healthy and well-balanced meals throughout the day, getting enough hours of sleep each night, drinking enough water, and finding ways to move your body throughout the day. Self-care can help you feel better from the inside out. By putting in the work, you will have enough energy to make it through your day, better manage your thoughts and emotions, and cope with those challenging times.

Ask for What You Want

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need or want in your career. Initiate a conversation with management about your aspirations and goals. If you’re interested in a promotion, your boss should be able to outline how the new responsibilities would compare to your current role. This comparison can help you know what you need to do to prove that you’re ready to take on more. Ask what it will take to help you reach your goals. If you feel like you’re already there or deserve a raise, you can have that conversation as well. You have to be able to advocate for yourself.

Celebrate Your Wins

A lot of women have a hard time being able to celebrate their successes. Even if you’re the type of person who prefers to work hard in silence and let your success be your noise, it doesn’t mean you can’t still be proud of the work you put in and how far you’ve come. Not only is celebrating your wins great for your mental health and wellness, but it can also inspire other women you work with to do the same for their wins and successes.

Find a Support Group

Women should support other women. If you’re struggling with gender-based career challenges, there’s a good chance that other women in your company or industry may be feeling the same way. You can find a support group by networking with colleagues at work events or through a professional organization. You can also offer to help another colleague with their workload, through training, or just by being a good mentor and friend to them.

Seek Additional Support

Even though it is 2024, the world has a long way to go regarding workplace equality. If you are a woman who is struggling with gender-based career challenges, you are not alone. While there are lifestyle changes that you can implement in your personal and professional life to better cope with these challenges, there are mental health professionals who can provide help, support, and coping mechanisms you may not have yet considered through therapy for women. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help.