I read “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg for our most recent #BookClubBlogger and after devouring all 175 pages, I came to the conclusion that it’s a must read for all women working in the corporate world. I also know a few gentlemen who could benefit from reading it as well.I’m sure that my past experiences influenced my perception of the book, but I don’t doubt that there is something for everyone to learn.
One of the biggest eye openers for me came from Sandberg’s statement: “Men are promoted based on potential, while women are promoted based on accomplishments.” Prior to reading this book (and a few others) I hadn’t given much thought to the inequality that presents itself in the workplace.
I want to share a quick (personal) experience that showcases the difference between men and women when it comes to work.
When Pete and I first moved to Kansas City we were both on the hunt for a job. I was hard-pressed to find something with a creative emphasis so I settled for a position at JPMorgan working as a Retirement Education Specialist. To put it plainly, I worked in a call center. I serviced 401k’s for various companies around the world and while it paid the bills, it definitely wasn’t my cup of tea. After my training started, a few more positions opened up and Pete applied in hopes that it would give us some additional income until we both found what we were really looking for.
We both earned the same Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and we both accepted the same position at JPMorgan, however, I graduated a year before him and I technically had more experience. Printed clearly on Pete’s offer letter was a higher salary than mine. Neither of us did any negotiating (which was also a great talking point in the book) and looking back, I can’t help but think that the reason he was offered a higher salary was the simple fact that he was a male and I was a female. I wasn’t the slightest bit concerned at the time, I was just happy that we both had a job. (*Editor’s note: I discussed sharing this story with Pete prior to posting and he was more than supportive of me doing so.)
Comparing my situation to the COO of Facebook was hard at times and I’m sharing this story in hopes that you might be able to relate. Like I said, I never gave much thought to the equality barriers that present themselves and how they might be effecting me. If this situation were to happen again today, I would be looking at it from a completely different perspective.
While I don’t agree with everything Sandberg stands by, I think she serves up a lot of great takeaways with a more positive emphasis. I’ve highlighted a few that stuck out to me below:
“Knowing things could be worse should not stop us from trying to make them better.” -Sheryl Sandberg (Click here to tweet!)
“If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, you don’t ask what seat, you just get on.” -Eric Schmidt“Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.” -Sheryl Sandberg. (Click here to tweet!)
Read on for the rundown on the next virtual book club…
I liked reading your thoughts on the book but am sad to hear your story! Thanks for sharing. – J
Your personal story is unnerving i’m glad you shared it.
Ashlee
I completely agree and had a similar situation at my last corporate job. It’s interesting how the dynamics play out in the corporate world when it comes to equal pay! I’m anxious for the next meet-up/book!
Wow! I’ve never seen it put so clearly in black and white. It’s something I feel goes on, but don’t really want to believe it to be true/deal with it. Thanks for the recommendation. I know you’re destined for great things:)
love your thoughts about inequality in the workplace. i had not really given it much thought and now want to “lean in”. your next book club book sounds like a great book too! i may have to join your google hangout if i can get a copy of the book at the library! xx
This is a great personal story to share (not great that it happened at all), but I think it is important for women to bring this to light! And you are going to totally kick butt with whatever you do next!! 🙂
Your story is insane!! Scary how real that is.
I want to join this one! I actually haven’t read the book yet, so I’ll have to do it. Also, your story makes me squirm – I can’t believe things like that are still happening. 🙁
Okay, maybe I need to read this. Because what happened to you was BULLSHIT. (No offense to my homeboy Pete! And it’s so good of him to support you in sharing this story.) Equal pay for women, c’mon 2014. Lean In sounds like a really good, informative read!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
It’s crazy to know firsthand that it still happens. I’ve read tons of articles outlining why the statistic that says “for every dollar a man makes a woman only makes 77 cents” is false….and while I agree that it may be skewed, you can’t deny the cold hard facts of this instance and so many others.
You better, girlfriend!! I’m working my way through it right now and it’s GOOD. It’s a unnerving story, but at least I’m learning and I won’t let it happen again.
I’m reading it right now and let me tell ya, it’s a goodie! You should definitely join us 🙂
If only I could go back in time and do something about it!
Thank you so much. You rock, girlfriend! 🙂
Hi Emily! I’m so glad that you liked it. It really is a great read and I think there is a lot to learn so that as women we can stand up for ourselves. I ended up buying Dream Year at Barnes and Noble because my library didn’t have it just yet, but I can already tell it was a good purchase 😉 we would love to have you join the virtual meet up in December!
That’s sort of how I was before, but I’m starting to see things like this creep up and I’m not okay with them at all! Thank you so much for that 🙂 I hope you’ve had a great week so far!
Very interesting…and aggravating. I’m excited, too! I’m working my way through the book right now and I think it will stir up a great discussion with our group!
Heard that, girlfriend.
Thank you 🙂 I wavered on whether to share, but I knew I needed to do it.
You will have to let me know what you think 🙂 I agree. It’s frustrating and discouraging. I wish I could go back in time and stand up for myself.
That’s crazy! I think it’s easy to think that this kind of stuff can’t still be happening, because Hello, it’s 2014, but hearing your story is a good reminder for all of us. Thanks for sharing!
Umm wow, that’s so ridiculous that men/women get different offers and priority treatment. It sounds like I’m really going to need to check out this book – especially the chapter on negotiating offers!