In 1996, I was working at a well known national company. The scope of my work was identical to my male colleague with one exception, I also provided ALL the training to our distribution channel (55 retail locations).
My compensation package included a base salary, commission, and bonus. Each quarter I was thrilled to receive my bonuses, which were tied directly to my retail location sales results.
One day I accidentally discovered I was earning $28K less than my colleague. At first I thought it was a mistake. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. Seems outrageous to me now, but then it was far more common. At first I was furious, and when I addressed the disparity with my boss he simply stated that my colleague earned more because I was married so therefore I was better off. #appalling
Today women still lack wage parity in many segments of the market, but there has been marked improvement in corporate Canada both in roles and on wage parity. It is no longer unheard of for women to sit in the BIG chair in corporations.
Furthermore, many women are now working in traditionally male dominated careers such as construction, plumbing, electrical, truck driving and mining.
And with women starting businesses at an unprecedented rate, there continues to be a shift in the marketplace.
Although we (as a gender) have come later to the party – in corporate careers and business ownership –women are contributing to the economy like never before.
The fact that wage parity remains a challenge is, in my opinion, the reason many women are leaving their senior-level executive roles in Corporate Canada, and/or cashing in their pension, to open their own business.
Of course this is in addition to some finding themselves downsized or, as I like to say, rightsized. When I finally left Corporate Canada it wasn’t just my experience with wage inequality that made me leave, I had been downsized twice.
It was enough to prompt me to open my business and serve others. During my last fifteen years in business, I have witnessed the positive effects of rightsizing. It is often the catalyst to change.
Today women are primed to create change, stand up, and step into the life they dream of. To do so requires moving from the shadows of conformity and expectation, into the spotlight.
And although there is more risk being an entrepreneur, there are significant benefits. For example, as an entrepreneur I set my wage without apology, knowing the value I provide.
If you are ready to move from the shadows and step into the spotlight, we can help you with that!
Why Not YOU?
