self-confidence was built by playing sports as a youngster. I have no positive thoughts about my early work experience given that I graduated from college in 1966 and moved into the work force at a time when the available "professional" jobs were as a librarian, teacher, nurse or stewardess.
I chose none of those options so I became a secretary. At that time the following concepts had not yet made it into the workplace: sexual harassment is wrong, equal pay for equal work, paid sick leave and vacation leave accrued at the same rate as men and sometimes not at all, performance reviews perhaps followed by wage increase, child care needs, personal days. Women simply did not need to make a decent income because their husbands could support them. Meanwhile, we had to look just right and always wear a dress/suit and heels.
I returned to school in my 30s to get a masters. After that I realized I was no longer able to work for the man so I partnered with two other women to start a small business. I soon bought them out and became the boss.
I think it all worked out because I saw my employees as team members. If they weren't happy, and heard, and working with me I assumed the company would fail. I learned this lesson from team sports. We succeeded.
I am now retired but I am still looking for a little more self-confidence. I have actually thought about getting a part-time job so I could see how much things have changed in the past 40-50 years. I afraid I will be disappointed but at least, given my age, I won't be sexually harassed anymore.
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