Oddly enough, I started this post prior to the Oscars this evening BUT now it's even more timely! As a woman with a career, the articles, books, and podcasts on salary and job title inequality are something that I'm drawn to for personal benefit, if nothing else. So, I thought I'd share a quick post on some of the top conclusions I've come to and specific steps I've implemented which I feel have really helped move the ball in my own life.

A couple years ago, not long after I moved to L.A., I read Lean In. This was one of the first books that captured my interest because I identified with so much of what she talked about and specifically respected how Sheryl 1) offers advice for legitimate steps one can take to make a difference and 2) doesn't play the victim card.

After reading her book, I took several specific steps in my career and life which ended up being some of the best decisions I've made:
1. I stopped making decisions based upon the baby I might or might not have someday
 2. I made my husband a real partner i.e. I stopped doing all the housework and cooking and allowed my husband to contribute (which he was readily willing to do once I got out of the way)
 3. I negotiated my salary and refused to settle

I have a number of podcasts I listen to every week on my drive to work. One of my favorites is HBRs Ideacast. They publish a weekly podcast on different topics related to the workplace. A few weeks ago, they released an episode titled "What Still Stifles Ambitious Women". The top 3 findings I found insightful:
 1. Men are typically more confident about their career than women
 2. Women are more likely to support their husband's career than vise-versa
 3. Couples will make life decisions and move based on whomever's salary is higher at that moment but this can make a big difference especially when this happens early on
 I took this as a simple reminder that I need to fight for my own career and not feel bad about it or ever think it's not as important i.e. I need to be more confident!

I'll end with just a few final thoughts I have compiled from various articles and books I've read, as well as, some simple observations during my time in the workplace.
 1. Be easy-going: people want to work with someone who's fun and not too uptight or emotional
 2. Be confident: everyone has weaknesses but women are more likely to dwell on those rather than focus on their strengths
 3. Limit the time spent as a "Mom": women are naturally nurturing which can be a real strength but if you offer to help so much that you don't have time to get your own work done, you are doing yourself a huge disservice

Follow me on twitter @blissfullycook for more great articles.