Women’s History Month is an annual celebration of the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia and during October in Canada.
Although always noteworthy, this year I have given the celebration more thought. Perhaps it is because some of the contributions so hard fought, are under attack and some even reversed. This assault not only affects our jobs and personal life choices but also affects causes we care about and support.
We are not alone in mourning the changes that set us back, many of our spouses, partners, fathers, sons, and brothers are right there by our side. I am fortunate to have such a man as my partner, and I watch my sons love and support their spouses. As so often happens, when I become sad or melancholy, I reflect on the choices and people that brought me to this point in my life.
My Career Choice
Why did I choose economics? My love of math! It was not my first choice, however. Some career testing encouraged me to give the study of supply and demand – economics – a try. But it was after the course on monetary policy and the Federal Reserve System that I was hooked! The course was called, “Money and Banking” and from then on, I wanted to be a banker!
To be honest, I also noted that bankers in my community were respected and made a decent living. All the bankers I knew, however, were men. I know the statistics would tell you that careers for women in the financial world have expanded significantly since I entered it in the 70s. When I graduated from college, however, it was a man’s world, and an advanced degree was preferred. I was out!
A Sidestep
I was not about to give up on banking but realistically, I needed income. At the time, I was married and both of us took positions with a major construction machinery manufacturer. I was a pricing analyst. At first, I priced replacement parts but then was transferred to the engine division and reviewed special price requests. Yes, I used math, and to a certain degree, it was an advantage to be a woman because this company was aggressively hiring qualified women.
I received a rude awakening, however, in my first performance review in the engine division. I had good training, was diligent in my work, and received positive feedback from the head of our department. My supervisor, however, gave me a mediocre review. I did not understand. When I returned to my desk after the review, one of my coworkers asked how it went. “Not good,” I told him. “Bev”, he shared, “Larry thinks women should not be working outside the home.” Aha!
That was my first notable discriminatory experience. Although I loved my coworkers and the work was challenging, it tainted my view of the company, and I wanted out. I started a search for a job in banking. Thankfully, it did not take long.
The Financial World
I entered the financial world via the trust investment department of a regional bank. This began my 30-year career in investments and financial planning. I wish I could say that the rest of my career was free of discrimination, but that is not the case. It is difficult for me to understand, but women were sometimes the biggest impediments to me and other women. Others supported and encouraged me and even went to bat for me at potential cost to them.
It was the latter type of woman that I chose to emulate. When I entered banking, women primarily held tellers and operational roles. Job growth was siloed, and it was difficult to get to know potential opportunities. Enter an organization that I credit with my career success along with teaching me leadership, organization, presentation, and mentoring skills, among others. It was called Financial Women International (FWI). (I do not think it exists today.)
I joined FWI to learn about other departments of my bank and to meet and support other women. As I progressed from group president to state president to national board member, my visibility increased, and I was recognized by senior management and promoted. It was my desire, as I did so, to bring other women along with me. That became a life passion!
There were setbacks, though. My bank was acquired, and then that new owner was also acquired. We were one of many mergers and acquisitions in the early 1990s. The consolidation of functions cost me my position as head of the bank investment department. It was a difficult time for me, especially because I felt that I had let my fellow FWI members down. I realize my layoff was a function of those times, but I took my responsibility to women in the financial world seriously.
Why Am I Sharing?
Banking is a much more open environment today. I also found the brokerage industry welcoming and financial advising likewise. Oh, there still are women who feel threatened by another woman’s success and men who are uncomfortable around women. There are also those – both men and women – who use their positions to make sexual advances. I experienced not only awkward moments with sexual innuendo but the loss of a job due to an undermining employee’s affair with my boss.
I have a feeling all of you who have been employed outside the home have a story to tell. Why do I think it is important for us to share our stories? We may assume that the working world is better now, and in some cases, it may be. However, it is likely that your daughter or granddaughter may learn a lesson from your story that will help her make good decisions.
It is also important to make the struggles and advances of women personal. If you have not already, please make a point to share a story, especially this month. It is important!
Reflection Questions:
How did you support other women during your career? Do you think it made a difference? Do you talk with young women about your experiences? If you’re still working, what is your role and how do you mentor other women?
