Professionalism and Women

Please note that the following article was written by a member of the National Association of Professional Women, but does not necessarily reflect the views of NAPW. We occasionally allow members to post guest blogs, so if this interests you please submit to napwinc@yahoo.com!

Being professional and being a woman are certainly not mutually exclusive as more and more women are coming to realize. For some women this realization comes about later in life as they suddenly realize that they have something real to offer the world.

For most women business and career is not just about money, but often about something more altruistic, a desire to give as well as take. Women, in general, have a more holistic approach to life and understand the need to balance business, home, physical and spiritual needs to feel fulfilled.

While this ideal is not always simple to achieve it can be done. The trick is in both planning and prioritizing. The other key to staying sane is to be flexible. As every woman knows the best laid plans can be thrown out in an instant. A child falls sick or is hurt, a relative needs care or dies. Our lives are often full of these crisis points and it is all to easy to become stressed by them. When these things happen, there is simply a need to adjust the plan and re-organize your priorities.

One of the best things we can do for ourselves as women is to take the time out to really think about who we are and what we want. Many of us of course want both to be successful professional women and also to be loving family members. It can help to dig really deeply into your essence. When you start digging and self-questioning you come closer to understanding yourself and solutions start to appear. For some women it may mean working from home, for some it may mean ensuring they have a solid support network set up for family, for still others it may mean putting getting ahead in their career on hold for a while. Each woman is different.

Whatever you decide to do make sure you plan in time in your day or week for time for yourself. Use that time for thinking, relaxing, reading, or whatever you enjoy, but make sure it is for your self. This is not being selfish, it is essential for your mental and spiritual well being. You are no use to anyone at home or at work if you are stressed and miserable. Think of your alone time as a chance to recharge your batteries.

Have emergency plans in place before something happens. Do you have a support network or a plan if your child should become ill or injured when you are at work? If you need to stay home and care for a sick child or relative is it possible that you may be able to take work home while keeping in touch with the office? If you are lucky enough to work in a collaborative and family friendly work place this may well be possible. If you work in a less helpful environment you may have little choice but to either take time off work, or find someone else to look after your child – the important thing is not to feel guilty. As women we are very good at taking on guilt even though we know it is a futile exercise.

On a day to day basis, though, most women have little problem balancing professionalism and womanhood, so long as they have a plan.

If you've get to join the National Association of Professional Women, give the organization a call today! You'll benefit from their mentor program, professional women networking, NAPW discounts, and more!