At some point in my career, I finally gave myself the permission I deserved all along; to work for a great place to work and not limit myself to anything less. I found one, and I’m very happy and feel very fortunate that I’m not likely to be one of the millions of Americans looking for a job this year. If you’re one of them, however, I have some advice.
I’ve been sharing the same words of wisdom to all my young married guy friends for years; they’re concerned because their wives, new moms, moms-to-be or young moms, aren’t happy with their jobs; aren’t earning what they deserve or feel as if they’re not treated as well or as promoteable as their singleton or older-mom peers. In one case, a friend’s wife is nearing the end of her stint as a contract employee, following a major downsizing at her company.
I have Three Steps for the wives/moms/moms-to-be to follow:
1. Tell yourself, loudly and clearly, that you deserve a great job that makes you happy, satisfied and appropriately compensated. Say it every day until you really believe it.
2. Conduct your job search using ONE list: Working Mother’s 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers. These companies have the best benefits, many locations and a culture of support for people like you. Your compensation after your jump should be no less than 10 percent more than you made previously. If you don’t yet have children, but plan to in the future, there’s no better environment in which to find a good maternity leave, and a schedule that works for a future working mom.
3. Do whatever you have to do to hold out for the job you deserve. If it means taking an interim job in the meantime, tomake ends meet, do it, but don’t stop your search. The right job is out there waiting for you.
