(Newswire.net — September 26, 2016) — Climbing the career ladder is difficult enough for anyone but, no matter what Donald Trump tries to tell you, gender inequalities still make it a harder hike for women. At least, that’s the verdict of recent research exposing the widening wage gap faced by working mums.
New data collected and analysed by the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows that the gender pay gap rises from 10 to 33 per cent after the birth of a child, and it has major long term impacts on the future earnings and career progression of mothers.
If you’re a mum just getting back into work or trying to get a promotion, these statistics will no doubt have you feeling concerned. To ease your mind and help you on your way, we’ve identified three steps that’ll have you scaling the career ladder with ease.
Build up your confidence
Your self-confidence is one of the biggest obstacles you’re likely to face during the course of your career development. Research proves that across the world and regardless of culture or background, men continue to have much higher levels of self-esteem than women.
It’s bad news because assertiveness and self-belief are key to being a strong leader, and winning those promotions. There are lots of way of building up struggling levels of self-confidence, from studying body language to exercising. It all relies on your attitude and commitment.
Even if you feel like an exception to this rule, working on your confidence and leadership skills is never going to hurt.
Plug any skills gaps
Whether you’ve recently been out of the game on maternity leave or have just been stuck in the same job for too long, it’s easy for your experience to become outdated. Any gaps in your knowledge or skills will quickly slam the brakes on your career development, and undermine your newfound self-esteem.
So you don’t wind up at a dead-end, it’s important you identify any such gaps and work to correct them. Pursuing an online degree will allow you to study around your current schedule and responsibilities.
From educational leadership to IT management, there are plenty of options to help you progress – whatever your job.
Set your own path
If it isn’t working out with your current employer you don’t have to stick with them, nor do you have to join another company. Many successful women earned their dream job by ditching the traditional career ladder entirely.
Becoming an entrepreneur won’t be an easy slog, but if you’ve got the expertise and experience then going it alone could prove a lucrative move.
Once you’re firmly established you’ll be able to schedule your working day around any family or personal commitments you’d be forced to miss under a traditional nine to five contract.
There’s no quick-fire solution to the current wage gap issue, but making sure you’re a confident and knowledgeable asset to any business will help you handle your tricky ascent up the career ladder.