There are many ideas, especially in the workplace, about women that are outright lies. Never believe these lies. It does not matter if you are hearing them from a male boss, a parent, a colleague, or anyone. Never let anyone tell you to give up your dreams, that you are not as good as a man, or that staying at home is selling yourself short.
Many people try to tell women, especially business women, that they cannot have everything. Obviously having everything is impossible but that is not quite how the phrase is used. Generally an employer tries to convince you that you cannot work full time for them while having enough time for your family. Balancing your personal and professional life is something both men and women struggle with. But do not let anyone tell you that you cannot work while you have a family. Ignore anyone that suggests you work less to spend more time at home. These are personal choices that you and your family should make. If you are able to juggle these two aspects of your life, go for it. Stop focusing on the fact that you cannot have everything and focus on what you can have. If you want to work to get out of the house, find how much it takes to satisfy you. If you are a full time business woman and simply want to make more money so you can travel, buy a house, replace your car, or complete any of your goals then focus on achieving those. Rather than getting frustrated that your colleagues seem to have everything, spend more time reflecting on what you do have and you can work towards.
Anyone that implies, indirectly or directly, that a woman is not as good as a man is someone you do not listen to. Neither sex is better, just different. Both can be great problem solvers, prompt, hard working, creative, inspirational leaders, or anything else they commit themselves to. In addition to being equally qualified to men for any career, women and men tend to have a different perspective on subjects. We may both look at the same problem and both come up with unique but perfectly reasonable solutions. That should make women in the workplace more valuable, not less. If anyone ever says you are not as good at a job because you are woman, find someone that appreciates what you bring to the office.
In this modern day, many people try and tell women that they are selling themselves short when they choose to stay at home. Some empowered women think all women should get out of the home and find professional careers. What they forget is that by “forcing” this opinion on people, which are taking away an important choice. The only people that should decide whether or not you should be a “stay at home mom” are you and your family. You may have the skills or education for a particular career, but if you choose to stay at home you should not feel like you are wasting those skills. Raising a family is important and is something many people value even higher than their careers, extra money, or anything else.
Whenever someone tries to tell you that you can or cannot, should or should not do something because of your race or sex that is prejudice. It does not matter if they are someone you respect. In the end, you should do what you feel is right. Remember that you may not be able to have everything but you can earn many things if you work hard enough for them, you can do anything a man can in the workplace, and being a stay at home mom is your choice. You can conquer these lies, regardless of what anyone else tells you!
