So I’m realizing that myself and majority of my black girlfriends are really struggling with being in corporate. All amazing, smart, educated women mid to late 40’s. Is this an us problem or general for the times?

I think it impacts black women more in their day to day life. We don’t get the ‘full’ working adult experience. We put so much into fitting into the corporate stereotype we miss out on life enriching activities such as a relationship/marriage. Our personal lives suffer as we see people our age moving forward with their families and all we have to show for it are diplomas and a stable, financially fruitful career. It’s not bad but drinks with your friends and family doesn’t fill that void of being single. It’s harder to date the more you try to be that black ‘power’ woman. I’m projecting because I’m 30 and single lol. Maybe it’s just me.

For me, my job is just a job. I don’t work for fulfillment or anything else but money; my life fulfills me, my job just pays me. That’s it.

As for how I’m perceived or how these whites view me - eh. They show up looking any kind of way, talk crazy to each other, and half ass their way through their work. Im not worried about them. I’m great at my job so they can never come after me about that. I say what needs to be said and let the chips fall where they may. If they fire me, it’s whatever. Bottom line is…I just don’t care.

Interesting post, I am an African immigrant and can’t sit still either and just enjoy the place I am at without looking for the next thing.. so.. it must just be deep in our blood line somewhere

THIS👆🏽 it chips away at my soul.

Same, I hope to be out by 40. I’ve disliked it since I started my career.

That take on it is very interesting. Being ‘lazy’ is an overused descriptor in our community. I honestly think we are taught we have to work harder and push to achieve ‘success’. It’s all relative so when our circle appears to be so impressed with our jobs we then become stuck in this ball of unhappiness. At work we are never given the respect or appreciation deserved, hard work is overlooked or stollen but we remain. It’s a good look from the outside. The money, position, status but in all honesty we are playing a game and living a lie. The lie that we are happy, the lie that we have some how made it or are striving for it. It’s a zero sum game at the end of the day if you are not feeling like you belong or truly accepted.

A lot of jobs are requiring more than what's feasible in the expected time frame. So many people work outside work hours to stay ahead. If you opt not to, it looks like you're falling behind. When in reality, you aren't. Workloads are just higher than they used to be.

YES!! Same!! I feel so stuck and underutilized and definitely not appreciated for my contributions. I was sold the idea of a career, advancement and opportunity but I have been the support and working a job.

I think it a universal problem and I have nothing but respect for those of us who beat the odds. I know that we can check all boxes and consistently do extraordinary work but still have a “hostile” environment

The problem isn't us. It's the system of patriarchy and racism.