If there’s one thing that women these have in spades, it’s choices.
Choosing a career that empowers you. The freedom to choose a partner that does the same. The list goes on and on.
But there’s no shortage of what women can do, there’s still no denying the trials and tribulations of making those choices.
Whether in the form of personal judgement or pushback from others, sometimes the world aren’t us can’t seem to “catch up” with the lifestyles of a modern lady.
Some of us might just accept this sort of pushback as business as usual, right?
Times are changing, though. Rather than sit with hardships and misery, it’s important to know where to draw the line and say enough is enough.
To give you an idea of what you shouldn’t have to put up with, here are five shockingly common hardships faced by modern women and some motivation for handling them.
Spousal Abuse
Undoubtedly the most pressing aspect of life that nobody should endure is spousal abuse.
It’s not uncommon for relationships that were seemingly in an endless honeymoon phase to quickly go sour, though. Abusive tendencies might take years to emerge, or could likewise be triggered by factors such as stress, drugs or alcohol.
Normalizing such behavior is absolutely not an option if you suspect you’re in an unhealthy relationship. When someone’s “true colors” come out, there are oftentimes two options on the table: sever or seek professional help.
For example, organizations like Al-Anon are invaluable for helping spouses of alcoholics that suffer from the negative effects of their loved one’s alcohol abuse. In these cases, the abuse certainly isn’t justified but its roots are something that can be addressed. Working through such trials is incredibly daunting but is possible: simply understand that you are not at fault for them.
Workplace Harassment
With the rise of female CEOs, one might assume that a greater societal respect for women in the workplace would be the case as well.
Sadly, one-in-four women report workplace harassment which doesn’t account for the vast number of cases that might go unreported.
Coming forward to HR or someone you can trust is always an option, although it may not seem like one when you’re shaken. Naturally, you might be fearful of repercussions from someone who is in a position of power. This is totally understandable, which is why documentation in the form of witnesses or messages can help give you peace of mind when coming forward.
That said, don’t assume that harassment isn’t harassment or that you don’t have “enough” to at least make a comment. Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or otherwise unwelcome at work falls under the umbrella and should be swiftly addressed by your employer. Again, it’s about your well-being.
Career Doubts
“Oh, you’re still working there?”
“You make how much? That’s all?”
“Isn’t it about time for a job change?”
These sorts of snide comments speak to the “career gap” for women and societal pressures that come with the territory of empowerment. Just remember that you have the freedom to choose whichever career path works for you. Rather than adopt a rat race mentality or worry about your place in the labor force, ask yourself if you’re satisfied with your career choices.
If not, you have the freedom to explore new opportunities. Don’t feel pressured by friends, family or anyone else to meet some sort of arbitrary standard of what you should be doing.
Body Shaming
Body image has been a struggle for women in society as long as we can remember and the struggle is still real today.
Dealing with body dysmorphic disorder is a serious problem that shouldn’t be taken lightly. With the hustle and bustle of day to day life, sometimes it’s difficult to reach your fitness goals.
Granted that you acknowledge your health, receive regular check-ups and are otherwise comfortable in your skin, you’re golden.
Parenting Pressure
Speaking of shame and pressure, women today bear the brunt of criticism when it comes to parenting decisions.
This rings true from seemingly small choices like your child’s diet to becoming a parent altogether. Meanwhile, the phenomenon of single mother shaming is a startling problem in a world that’s seemingly become more progressive toward how we raise children as a whole.
Don’t let others put your parenting decisions in doubt or otherwise judge you, especially total strangers. Value the opinions of those around you first and foremost and know that you’re doing what’s best for your child.
Modern women have a ton on their plates navigating everything from relationships to the workforce; however, that doesn’t mean you should have to deal with unnecessary stress from others. Whether it’s passing comments or long-term issues you’re dealing with, don’t be afraid to ask from help or take action: you deserve help and your happiness.
