Stop Waiting Until You're "Ready"
“You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.”
Have you ever talked yourself out of applying for a job, going for a promotion, or leading a big project… because you didn’t meet every single requirement?
If so, you’re not alone.
Research published in Harvard Business Review found that women tend to apply for roles only when they meet 100% of the listed criteria. Men, on the other hand, are happy to go for it when they meet just 60%.
And I see this all the time amongst female lawyers.
We tell ourselves: I need more experience.
I’ve never done that type of work before.
They’ll never pick me.
I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.
I was talking to someone the other day who was talking herself out of an opportunity because she thought there would be others who were more experienced. She had over TWENTY YEARS of experience herself!
Here’s what the research actually showed – the reason women don’t apply isn’t because we lack confidence.
It’s because we assume the job criteria are non-negotiable.
We think if we don’t tick every box, we won’t stand a chance.
And that mindset is holding us back.
Here’s the truth:
Job specs are wish lists.
If you meet every requirement, you’re probably already doing the job – and you’re ready for something more.
While you’re waiting until you’re “ready,” your (often male) colleagues are putting themselves forward, learning on the job, and getting promoted.
It’s one of the many reasons why there are fewer women in leadership positions.
You do not need to be perfect to progress.
You just need to be willing to back yourself, learn, and grow.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
At Female Lawyers’ Club, we’re here to support, inspire and empower female lawyers to achieve their full potential – without burning out.
The doors to the membership will be opening soon.
If you’re ready to stop holding yourself back, get paid what you’re worth, and build a career you love, I’d love to welcome you inside.
Rachel