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You Wouldn’t Stay in a Relationship That Doesn’t Value You—So Why Are You Doing It at Work?
If you’ve ever found yourself doing the most at work—staying late, taking on extra projects, mentoring others—only to be overlooked for promotions, underpaid, and constantly exhausted, let me ask you this: Would you stay in a relationship like that?
We’ve been conditioned to believe that loyalty and hard work will eventually pay off, but let’s be real—too many women are settling for less than they deserve in their careers. If you wouldn’t stay in a one-sided relationship, why are you staying in a job that doesn’t recognize your worth?
The Cost of Settling: Beyond Financial Loss
Long-Term Impact:
Women who stay in underpaying roles lose $1.2M+ in lifetime earnings (AAUW 2024).
68% of women report decreased self-esteem after prolonged undervaluation (HBR 2024).
The "Invisible Tax":
Emotional labor costs: Women spend 40% more time mentoring colleagues unpaid (LeanIn 2023).
Opportunity cost: Time spent on low-impact tasks delays leadership skill development.
The Signs You’re Settling in Your Career
Just like in dating, there are red flags that signal it’s time for change. Do any of these sound familiar?
🚩 You’re always the “go-to” but never the promoted. Your boss trusts you to get things done, but when leadership roles open up, you’re passed over for someone with less experience.
🚩 You’re overworked but underpaid. You’re running on fumes, taking on extra work without the title or the paycheck to match.
🚩 Your career feels stagnant. You’re not being challenged, you’re not growing, and you feel like you’re stuck in the same spot, year after year.
🚩 Raises and promotions “just happen” for others. Meanwhile, you keep hearing, “Maybe next year,” or “We love you, but there’s no budget.”
🚩 You feel drained instead of fulfilled. The idea of work doesn’t excite you anymore—it exhausts you.
Why Women Stay in Dead-End Careers (And Why It’s Time to Stop)
Women—especially Black women—are often taught that we have to work twice as hard to get half as much (LeanIn, 2023). While there is truth to systemic barriers in leadership, one of the biggest reasons women stay in unfulfilling, underpaying roles is because we’re taught that asking for more is risky.
🔹 Fear of rocking the boat: Many women are told that being likable matters more than being bold.
🔹 Imposter syndrome: Studies show that women underestimate their abilities and hesitate to self-promote (HBR, 2022).
🔹 A “just be grateful” mindset: Women are
socialized to be grateful for opportunities
instead of demanding their worth.
But here’s the truth: No one else will if you don’t advocate for yourself.
How to Fall in Love with a Career That Loves You Back
1️⃣ Know Your Worth & Stop Playing Small ✔ Confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s the foundation of getting paid and promoted. ✔ Speak up in meetings. Advocate for yourself. Own your seat at the table. ✔ Stop waiting for permission. The women who get ahead position themselves before the opportunity even arrives.
2️⃣ Position Yourself for Promotion, Not Just Praise ✔ Hard work alone won’t get you ahead—visibility and strategic positioning will. ✔ Align yourself with decision-makers, mentors, and sponsors who will advocate for you behind closed doors. ✔ If leadership isn’t noticing you, it’s time to make them notice.
3️⃣ Make Bold Moves—Your Career Should Serve YOU ✔ If your current role doesn’t support your goals, energy, or ambitions, it’s time for a change. ✔ Negotiate your worth. Don’t just accept the first offer—ask for more. ✔ If your workplace doesn’t value you, leave. You deserve a career that works FOR you, not against you.
It’s Time to Break Up With Burnout & Build a Career You Love
You’ve spent too long proving yourself to people who will never give you the seat you deserve. It’s time to make bold moves, position yourself for leadership, and create success on your terms.
🔥 If you’re ready to stop settling and start thriving, join my free training: “Stop Struggling, Start Thriving,” where I’ll show you how to own your confidence, step into leadership, and secure your next promotion—without burnout.
📍 Read the full details & register here: https://danalcox.fixcoaching.com/training.html