Recently, I’ve been searching for a regular full time position. I’ve been in my career for almost two decades. During that time, I’ve worked for great companies and some not so great. I started a business, and then later closed that business. Throughout it all, I’ve had some awesome experiences and really developed my skills. Every consulting assignment that I have had, I’ve been asked to stay beyond the initial engagement. Suffice it to say, there have been some dynamic experiences in my career and I feel well qualified to do what I do. And just for good measure, lack of confidence is not something I typically struggle with. So why as women, do we question ourselves about the compensation we expect? Why do we cower when it’s time to talk money?
People that know me well know that I do not fear talking about money in a social setting. To the point that I have even coached others on their money situation and methodologies for handling different circumstances. I know down to the dollar how much I need to earn to maintain my current standard of living. I also do research on what my skills and experience are worth. So imagine my amazement when preparing for a phone interview, I began to question my salary requirements.
Am I asking for too much?
Since it’s not a Fortune 100 company, should I reduce my requirement?
Ultimately, I shook it off and stayed with my established range. But the question lingered, as women, why do we do this? Do men have this same struggle? Do men question themselves on why they ask for what they ask for? I’m reminded of the anecdote in Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In about how she was convinced by her husband to negotiate her salary at Facebook. That said to me that no matter whether you are offered $20,000 or $20,000,000, as women, we are inclined to shy away from standing up for ourselves financially. So until WE decide that WE are worth it, women's pay will always lag behind.
What do you think?
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