While there was once a time when women did not work outside the home, that has changed, and there are more opportunities for women than ever before. However, that does not mean women have it as easy as men. Even though you may have to work harder, there are several ways you can advance your career.
Take Time to Get Your Finances in Order
Even though women have come a long way in bridging the income gap, men often still earn more than women, even if they are doing the same job. Whether it’s family leave, fewer opportunities, or discrimination, women have always had a bigger mountain to climb than their male counterparts. Your finances will likely see the impact of this pay gap, and you may find it harder to pay your bills than a man would.
However, even though you may have less to work with, you can still make what you do have count. Set up a budget to track your spending and help you keep track of your funds. Look for ways of reducing your monthly spending, whether it’s eating out less, cutting subscriptions, or refinancing your student loans. Refinancing can be an excellent way of saving money because it allows you to get more favorable repayment terms so you don’t have to spend as much in that area each month.
Have an Updated Resume at All Times
Even if you are happy in your current position, make sure your resume is always up to date. Every time you get a promotion or gain a new skill, add it to your resume. If your resume is not updated, you will not be able to take advantage of the opportunities that will come to you. A strong resume can set you apart from the competition today. If you don’t have a strong resume or feel intimidated about creating one, consider using a resume building tool. They will help you create a modern looking resume. Consider creating a base cover letter that you can then edit whenever applying for new opportunities.
Become More Visible
Create a strong brand and be visible in your field. This can make others more likely to see you and consider you for other career opportunities. When you are recognized in your field, you can be better able to land another job if you are laid off from your current one. Be clear about what your accomplishments and skills are, as this helps others see what sets you apart. Networking allows your name to become memorable to more people, so you become seen.
Accept New Challenges
If you are asked to do something at work that makes you feel excited, but you don’t know if you are ready for, consider saying yes anyway. Even if you are unsure right now, you can figure it out as you go. Accepting these challenges can help you expand beyond your comfort zone, and it can be a confidence boosting experience. When you appear more competent and confident, you can be better able to inspire confidence in others. They will feel you are a competent person, willing to take on any challenge. Building confidence allows you to communicate more effectively, and it allows you to ask for the things you need or want.
