For more than 20 years I’ve worked with Westpac, building and developing its programs to support women’s personal and business wealth creation. It’s taught me a lot about myself, and what women want in their life and career.
We want to learn from one another in a supportive environment. We want easy access to education, information, networking and finance opportunities. We want to be treated equally and with R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
I believe in equality and a diverse workplace, and if being treated with respect makes me a feminist, then I am proud to be a feminist. No matter what we want at home or at work, if we are to succeed it is vital that we invest in relationships, that we connect and communicate effectively with others.
Having mentors and sponsors – as well as taking on that role ourselves when we are able – is vital. It has provided me with lasting personal and career benefits. I would encourage you, whenever you uncover these little pots of gold – and they will come in all forms – grasp the opportunity and learn from each other.
A lot of the women I meet, especially those starting out, believe that if they haven’t done it all by the time they reach their 20s or perhaps their early 30s, then they’ve failed.
I am here to tell you, it’s not true.
New opportunities and the change they bring, provide us with new experiences and the chance to grow. They often lead us to rethink and even reassess our goals, which is why it’s important to have flexibility in our lives to grow organically. Believing everything has to be done right here, right now puts unnecessary stress on us as people.
My advice is to stop and take the time to ‘smell the roses’. We are different people in our 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s and our choices over time will have different outcomes. I married, had a family young, and have also spent had a long time in the workforce. This combination of family and work, has provided me with a bucket load of experience from which to draw.
One of the things I’ve learned is the need to be bold — to exert your influence at home, at work and in the community in a way that best suits who you are. Some of us shout from the rooftops. Others work more quietly. Your method is yours.
The important thing to remember is to put your name forward. Research has shown us that women tend to go for a new or more senior position only if they’re sure they can do 100% of the job.
My question is: why move if you’re not going to learn?
My rule of thumb is, be confident, understand what you are getting into and be prepared to learn on the job, and from the job. I always knew I was capable of 60% of any new role for which I went. The rest was there for me to stretch myself through and learn from the experience.
A long time ago, Prince Charming swept me off my feet and it was wonderful, but things happen. Knowing you have remained in control of your own destiny, especially financially and economically, will be important for your wellbeing and your family’s.
Having a career doesn’t mean missing out on having a family. The important thing is to plan and look at what you and/or your partner need to do to make it work together, while realising the futures you deserve are your own responsibilities.
Planning together makes sense. In the end, however, a man is not a financial plan and no one will look after you better than you.
This is an edited extract of 500 words of Wisdom by Sarah Liu, published by The Messenger Group. The book is on sale in Kikki-K and T2 stores nationally.