Do you have a professional mentor that looks like you?
A couple of years ago, I attended an event where the keynote speaker posed this rhetorical question to the audience, leaving the room in silence. He then shared invaluable insights that seemed incomprehensible at the time but proved invaluable when I faced challenging professional scenarios.
"Always recognize when it's time to exit the situation. It's better to leave on your terms than to be forced out."
In our professional journeys, many of us experience a sense of disconnection from our work without fully understanding the underlying causes. For Black women, the societal pressure to embody the "superwoman" archetype often leads us to overlook these emotions and continue pushing forward. What if we choose to discard the facade of invulnerability and address the internal distress we carry? Revealing vulnerabilities in the workplace has frequently resulted in negative consequences, trapping us in silent endurance. However, amidst this prevailing silence, an increasing awareness of mental health issues is driving a transformation. More Black women are bravely advocating for themselves and facing the specific challenges posed by toxic work environments. Despite this growing self-advocacy, there remains a troubling lack of support and accountability from employers..
While I am currently employed by an exceptional organization that values family and prioritizes mental health, in my professional past, I have encountered challenges that highlight the systemic barriers Black women encounter when seeking support in the workplace. Black women face disproportionate obstacles in various aspects of their careers, including biased hiring and promotion practices. Statistics show that Black women are promoted at a much lower rate than their white counterparts, particularly when transitioning to managerial roles. Additionally, they often endure more microaggressions compared to other groups of women and receive minimal support from their managers in terms of well-being check-ins and balancing work demands.
This limited overview underscores the systemic oppression stemming from the intersection of racial and gender biases that Black women navigate daily. The ongoing struggle to be acknowledged, understood, and appreciated in professional settings can be draining, especially when it feels like a solitary battle, so remember the advice, "Always recognize when it's time to exit the situation. It's better to leave on your terms than to be forced out."
Let's delve into three signs that indicate it may be time to begin your job search.
Rejecting or Dismissing Your Efforts to Advocate for Yourself When you start noticing a recurring problem, you may try to speak up for yourself by addressing these issues with the leadership in your organization. If your attempts to advocate for yourself are consistently met with resistance from the organization, it may be a sign to consider moving on. Studies indicate that historically, when individuals of color raise concerns within an organization, there is often an inclination to shift the responsibility of finding solutions onto the individual of color, perpetuating the systemic racism that already exists. A lack of accountability and an unsupportive response from your employer after seeking assistance is another indication that it might be time to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Retaliation Following Advocacy It is a prevalent fear that often silences Black women who are facing challenges in their workplace. The worry that speaking up may result in retaliation, leading to being singled out and labeled as the "problem." Workplace retaliation can manifest in subtle or overt forms, with potential signs such as missed opportunities, bullying or harassment, demotion, increased micromanagement, or job reassignment post-advocacy. While this can be intimidating, it's important not to be discouraged. Stay empowered to speak up and be attentive to the signs indicating when it might be time to move on.
Persistent Harm Resulting in Ongoing Stress When individuals are in toxic work environments, they experience ongoing harm through microaggressions, being disregarded and undercompensated, or feeling mentally or physically at risk. This often leads to burnout and a sense of detachment from the job. If you recognize these indications, pay attention and recognize them as warning signs. Continuous harm without any effort from the workplace to acknowledge your worth is a clear indicator.
So, circling back to the question posed above: Do you have a professional mentor that looks like you?
Having a mentor who shares your background and experiences can provide invaluable support and guidance in navigating these complexities. Seeking advice and perspective from someone who understands your unique challenges and can offer insights based on similar experiences can be a crucial resource in making informed choices regarding your career trajectory.
Acknowledging that this storyline does not encompass the full spectrum of Black women's encounters in work environments, it is essential to spotlight common themes and investigate ways to preserve well-being. If you have been contemplating a change and seeking a sign to depart from a job that no longer aligns with your needs...
