What Women Want

For a few years now I have been wondering where my ambition and drive went. I distinctly remember wanting to rise through the ranks, and become the youngest most successful [insert interesting role here] in the world. But now, after working for the same company for 7 years, when I look back on those ambitions I just want to lie down and take a nap. It seems exhausting to even think about it.

I had dinner with an old acquaintance recently. She and I both started at the same company out of college, and she has since moved on to bigger and better things. She is a product specialist at a pharmaceuticals company, and will be moving from Florida to the Midwest this summer to work out of the headquarters of her business. I still see that drive in her, but I can no longer relate. I just want to have a fulfilling 8-5 job, settle down, start a family, and take up an interesting hobby or two on the side. Moving halfway across the country to chase after a job is not an option I would consider now. Did I mention that I’m only in my 20’s?

There is no doubt in my mind that women can do whatever they set their mind to in this day and age. If that is the case, then why do we still see a shortage of women in leadership positions? Is it really because the sexist white boys club that is the executive demographic is putting them down? Or is it because women of our generation have simply traded a high-stress work life for a high-quality and more appealing livelihood? Who said that “accomplishing what you put your mind to” translates into a career of leadership, anyway?

According to this article by Wellesley College: Women Must Face ‘Labyrinth’ of Challenges to Achieve Leadership Positions, “only 6% of the Fortune 500’s top executives are female. Of those firms, just 2% have women CEOs.” There are obviously still women out there whose careers are very important to them and they strive on their own success and the success of companies they represent. These are amazing and strong women who appreciate the opportunities available to them and without whom we could say goodbye to the idea of ever having a female President. We need these women! Unfortunately they are a scarce resource nowadays.

Maybe the answer to why most women are not taking on leadership roles is not sexism, but more simply: they just don’t want to.

What do you think? Do you still have that drive? Do you know women who once had a professionally rich future and now are toning it down?

ina