'Don't romanticize the grind': 24 Working Women Spill Wisdom That Took Them a Lifetime of Corporate Careers to Master

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Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor
Jul 13, 2024 7:00 PM EDT

Being a woman in the workplace poses several challenges. As most working women can attest, it may say 2024 on the calendar, but sometimes it feels like 1955 in the break room, and every now and then, we face the cruel realities of the working world. However, even with 84 cents to the dollar, women have proven to be the X-factor in the office that can help liven the cubicles. We enrich our workplace despite the pay gap, but sometimes getting through work every day can be troublesome. 

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, many 20-something-year-old women come into the corporate world with expectations that aren't always met. Luckily, a collection of 24 experienced working women have come together to share advice that they wish they had known in their 20's when they first started in the corporate world. Keep scrolling to read some sound advice that not only applies to women in the workforce but pretty much everyone who's ever had to clock into a 9-5 job. 

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  • 01
    whenshappyhr CORPORATE GIRLIES: what advice would you most want to give new graduates about to start their first job? and/or, what do YOU wish someone had told you before starting your profesh career????
    via whenshappyhr
  • 02
    caitlin.osullivan93 3d Don't look at/reply to emails when on PTO! It will still be there when you get back and you won't get any extra credit for replying whilst away! Take the time to switch off!!
    via caitlin.osullivan93
  • 03
    mariadetodas 3d Do not expect for leadership to look out for your career and leveling up, look (or create!) for your own opportunities. Networking is vital
    via mariadetodas
  • 04
    tessaporquerino 6h Document everything and yes, go home on time!
    via tessaporquerino
  • 05
    tonia_si 3d Be careful what you share with your coworkers and supervisors/managers. Keep it always professional, avoid talking down for others and never NEVER EVER express your emotions towards anyone.
    via tonia_si
  • 06
    jess.m.sheppard 3d Just apply. Even if you don't have all the requirements, the worst they can do is say no. If you have most of the qualifications for a job, don't be discouraged that you aren't the "ideal" candidate on paper. You may be the best of the bunch that apply!
    via jess.m.sheppard
  • 07
    magsragazzo 3d Always counter your offer
    via magsragazzo
  • 08
    juliavacation 3d Your work colleagues are not your friends and family. It's a business contract-set boundaries and don't let those relationships take over your brain space
    via juliavacation
  • 09
    shann.d.hill 3d Maybe I was the only one that needed to hear this, but a degree is NOT an express ticket to management #humbled
    via shann.d.hill
  • 10
    lifewithlaurenrh 3d Always have your resume up to date because you never know when you may need it.
    via lifewithlaurenrh
  • 11
    ashsup 3d Respond to people, even if you don't know the answer. It's okay to not know the answer right away. Replying is just courteous and shows personal accountability.
    via ashsup
  • 12
    thereallilycooper 2d Learn how to healthily manage stress and regulate emotions! Make boundaries in the beginning and don't romanticize the grind! It only leads to burnout
    via thereallilycooper
  • 13
    inlamadrinawetrust 3d Take your breaks & lunches, protect your brand & most of all: take your PTO. Practicing work/life balance will be key to avoiding burnout and keeping your sanity.
    via inlamadrinawetrust
  • 14
    heatherdiannecook 3d You're going to be judged if you set boundaries. That doesn't mean you shouldn't set them. It may hurt your career at that organization but it won't hurt it as a whole. Only stay with a company for 2 years max for the first 5-10 years of your career so you can maximize your earning potential and not get pigeon-holed into a specific type of business.
    via heatherdiannecook
  • 15
    chelseyfeldman 3d You never owe anyone an explanation for the pto or sick days you're given. No need to overshare
    via chelseyfeldman
  • 16
    ecmoyer 3d Document everything! Take notes in meetings, take screenshots of messages on Teams, Slack, Google chats, etc. When an issue arises having the documentation handy will show what actually took place during a conversation especially if someone else is saying it didn't.
    via ecmoyer
  • 17
    virginiejolie 3d do not share your personal life with colleagues or it will eventually come back and bite you in the
    via virginiejolie
  • 18
    gabbybeballen 3d There's going to be people who dislike you for reasons that have nothing to do with you. You can be nice, helpful, productive and professional but it won't change their opinions. Water off your back and keep working and being yourself!
    via virginiejolie
  • 19
    imdanielleroberts ❤ 2d Dream jobs don't exist. Take care of yourself, and measure your success by quality of life over productivity.
    via imdanielleroberts
  • 20
    thebryanacamille 3d Introduce yourself to your co workers. Have coffee with potential mentors. Keep a folder of any emails or messages where someone gives you praise or recognition. You'll need it in your performance review.
    via thebryanacamille
  • 21
    realgsgiggle 3d The moment I started viewing my career as a vehicle to get me from point a to b to c and not as a personal mission to fulfill my passions I was able to enforce healthy and sustainable boundaries.
    via realgsgiggle
  • 22
    bloomer88 3d If you died they'd post your job within a week. If you're lucky maybe send out a communication about your passing.
    via bloomer88
  • 23
    joyfullychristine_2d Stay open to learning and don't be afraid to ask questions. Have mentors outside of your direct supervisor. Strengthen your resiliency and protect your emotional and mental wellness. Invest early on! If you have the means to do so, max out your contributions. Keep track of your accomplishments as they happen. Keep a folder in your inbox labeled 'love letters' and drop any positive feedback you receive in it.
    via joyfullychristine_2d
  • 24
    alisehousden 3d Get an office blanket and keep it there. And don't be afraid to (respectfully) quit and move on - sometimes it takes a few jobs to land where you are meant to be. Start contributing to a retirement account IMMEDIATELY. Even if it's a few dollars per check. Get up and stretch/walk every hour on the hour.
    via alisehousden

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boss worker females corporate employee woman empowered manager job empowerment Female Empowerment wisdom relatable work coworkers interesting working ceo womens memes employees advice career supervisor workplace womens female company ladies coworker business working women women lady
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