We are at the tail end of financial literacy month. There is a lot to unpack as women regarding finances and emotions, especially now. We haven't been able to eliminate the gender pay gap. We are underrepresented in the financial industry. And after seeing how women were disproportionately impacted in the workforce during the pandemic, you may be wondering, does any of it even matter? It's easy to feel like we're fighting a losing battle. We are overworked and underpaid, and it feels like we're fighting alone.

Are you experiencing existential questioning around your career? Do you find yourself wondering where you fit in the current landscape? And not just where you fit but wondering where you even want to fit in this broken system?

Many women who left the workforce during the pandemic aren't sure they want to return. The space created by the pandemic allowed them to reflect on what they really wanted. This led to two opposite but authentic responses. Some women are full of excitement vibes about the possibilities that exist. Others are full of dread because the system is broken, and the weight of fixing it is too much to carry alone.

Cue the anxiety

Finances, career choices, expectations, and figuring out what direction to move in life all add up for women. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, you're not alone.

Women are twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder than men. We are expected to handle an unrealistic amount of challenges in life. Then, we are pushed by messages to "stay strong," making it feel like we are not measuring up or not "good enough" when we start to struggle.

It doesn't have to be this hard. You don't have to carry the world's weight on your shoulders. It is not your responsibility, nor are you able, to fix all that is wrong and broken. While we all have a role to play, it's essential to step back and realize it's not all on you, and it's completely okay to get help.

Common women's anxiety symptoms can include:

• Struggling to fall or stay asleep because of all the worries running through your head

• Your thoughts constantly jumping to the worst-case scenario in situations

• Spiraling emotions that feel like they’re controlling you, not the other way around

• Feeling like you are always chasing perfection and still never measuring up

• Physical symptoms like headache, tightness in your chest, chronic pain, or digestive issues

If you find your anxiety is getting in the way of regular life or controlling you, it is a sign that things need to change. So we want to take a few moments to help redirect your thoughts so you can find the best way to move forward in this current landscape.

The Great Resignation, The Great Reshuffle, or The Entrepreneurial Revolution?

There are a lot of labels being put on what is happening in the workforce over the past couple of years.

First, it was The Great Resignation. People were quitting their jobs at record numbers. Businesses everywhere were desperate to hire. While some saw this as people being lazy or coming up with excuses not to work after the pandemic, others saw it for what it was—people hitting their breaking point of working shitty jobs for toxic employers. Life is short, and the pandemic showed us we don't want to waste it working jobs we hate.

Next came the label, The Great Reshuffle. Society started to realize that people weren't just quitting their jobs because they didn't want to work; they just didn't want to work for that employer or in that environment. People realized they wanted a different career or to work for a company that valued their work and treated them well. So they weren't simply resigning; they were shuffling somewhere else.

But one Forbes article referred to this period of time we are in as The Entrepreneurial Revolution. The article dives into several stories of women who have responded to help meet the needs of women who lost their jobs in the past few years. They are teaching women how to start and run their own businesses, so they don't have to fight for fair pay and equality in the workplace. Instead, they have complete control over creating the life they want without worrying about what a boss says or does.

It is time for reflection

Whatever you want to call this period, we're thankful it's happening, even as we recognize that it’s happening amidst a lot of chaos and turmoil. It's an opportunity to reflect on where you have been and decide where you want to go.

Do you want to stay with your current employer but feel burnt out and overwhelmed? Then it may be time to learn how to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and create a better work-life balance.

Do you love your job but hate who you do it for? Then it's probably time to devise a plan and start looking for a different opportunity.

Do you enjoy your job but know you're not fairly compensated? Then it's time to take action and ask for what you deserve, either in your current company or in a new one.

Are you tired of jumping through employment hoops and fighting for equal pay, and want more control over your situation? Then it may be time to explore what it would be like to go into business for yourself.

Spend some time thinking about where you feel anxious when it comes to your career, your employer, or your salary. Understanding what is bothering you the most will help you decide where changes need to be made. And remind yourself that you don't have to follow a set path; it's about finding what is right for you as an individual.

Identify your personal values

It's important to look at your personal values when it comes to anxiety around work or your career. This will look different for everyone, but having a clear understanding of your values will help you see where you live out of line, such as what you spend your time doing, who you work for, and how you spend your money.

If you find that the work you do doesn't align with your values, look for ways you can make changes in your current role. If that's not possible, look for an employer or new position that will allow you to do so.

This is also something you can apply to your spending. Making sure your spending aligns with your values is just as important as aligning how you earn that money. Are you supporting companies that back your values? Are you spending on conveniences like food delivery or laundry services that are meant to make your life easier but are just freeing up time for you to work even more?

Things begin to fall in place when you know, live, and work your values. You feel fulfilled at the end of your work and kick the Sunday scaries to the curb.

If you need help learning to identify your values, check out Forward in Heels for career coaching.

Choose your battles

You don't have to solve the world's problems on your own. We advise you not to make that unrealistic attempt. 

While you don't have to take all the broken systems on alone, you shouldn't bury your head in the sand, either. When we pretend problems don't exist, they don’t disappear, and inevitably come back up again in the future. Look for what your role can be in the areas that matter the most to you.

Can you close the gender pay gap on your own? Unfortunately, no, but you can take steps to be fairly paid for your work, which is likely to positively impact the women around you.

Can you change the way women of color disproportionately lost their jobs during the pandemic? Unfortunately, no, but you can reflect on your current situation and environment to identify a small step you can take to move the needle forward. For example, if you own a business or are part of the hiring process, look for what changes you can make to help women of color have the opportunities they deserve.

Small actions add up. Look for what you can do to make a positive difference in your world without setting yourself up to fail. Be realistic about what you can do with the resources you currently have, or get creative and work with some like-minded women to see what you can do together.

Learn to manage anxiety in a healthy way

Let's be honest; we've all been saying, "It's been a day." for the last two years, right? As much as we would like to snap our fingers and put everything in place as it should be, we don't have that power. Many of the problems we face were put in place long ago. Trying to wish the changes we want into existence does nothing more than wear us down. It's time to take action and address anxiety to feel our best in the current world. That doesn't mean giving up on working toward positive change, but it does mean learning to prioritize your mental health and wellness in the process.

If you are struggling with overcoming anxiety each day or want support learning how to overcome it and make necessary changes in your life, contact us today.

Follow the steps below to get started:

• Click here to share some information about you so that we can match you with the perfect therapist for your needs.

• Have a low-pressure, 20-minute call with your therapist to make sure they are the right fit.

• Schedule your first session and start on your journey to feeling better right away.

We offer specialized services for related issues like Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ Affirming Therapy, and Therapy Specifically for Young Adults. We can help you feel less overwhelmed, more relaxed, and more like the self you want to be.

Contact us here to get started today!