It's Not Just Work: It's Self-Esteem Too
This week, I had an interview that left me reflecting not only on my immigration process or professional life but also on how many women—like me—approach work, advancement, and self-esteem from a place often conditioned by insecurity.
While writing an article about the impact of Latin American women in Washington, DC, I interviewed two incredible Venezuelan women. One of them was Sara, who shared something that stuck with me: "When you go looking for a job or ask for a promotion, you always put yourself down. We don't negotiate; we accept what's available, even if I'm qualified or overqualified." And I couldn't help but relate.
I saw myself reflected in her words. For a long time, I felt that way, too: as if my status as a migrant woman diminished my value as if learning a second language or adapting to a new culture made me less capable. But today, I understand that it's often not about who we are but what we think we deserve.
And just today—the day I'm writing this—I have a meeting to renegotiate my contract. My boss is happy with my work, and so am I. However, I recognize that this negotiation is a professional step and an act of emotional courage. Because negotiating, in this context, is also healing.
This moment has led me to think about how important it is to discuss financial education from a gender perspective. Sometimes, we normalize the lack of negotiation or the acceptance of unfair conditions so much that we don't even question it. But we have the right to ask, propose, and set our expectations. And it's not about demanding the impossible but about balancing the scales. About knowing that the value we contribute deserves to be recognized.
Today, I don't feel anxious or stressed. Unlike other times, I feel prepared. And I know this is no coincidence: the result of deep conversations, self-knowledge, and healing wounds that many of us carry in silence.
If you're also a woman going through a similar phase, I want to tell you something: you're not alone. You're not the only one who earned less than they deserved. But it's never too late to learn, correct, and grow. The next time you have to make an important decision, remember this: it's not just about work. Sometimes, negotiating is also an act of self-love.
This week, I had an interview that left me reflecting not only on my immigration process or professional life but also on how many women—like me—approach work, advancement, and self-esteem from a place often conditioned by insecurity.
While writing an article about the impact of Latin American women in Washington, DC, I interviewed two incredible Venezuelan women. One of them was Sara, who shared something that stuck with me: "When you go looking for a job or ask for a promotion, you always put yourself down. We don't negotiate; we accept what's available, even if I'm qualified or overqualified." And I couldn't help but relate.
I saw myself reflected in her words. For a long time, I felt that way, too: as if my status as a migrant woman diminished my value as if learning a second language or adapting to a new culture made me less capable. But today, I understand that it's often not about who we are but what we think we deserve.
And just today—the day I'm writing this—I have a meeting to renegotiate my contract. My boss is happy with my work, and so am I. However, I recognize that this negotiation is a professional step and an act of emotional courage. Because negotiating, in this context, is also healing.
This moment has led me to think about how important it is to discuss financial education from a gender perspective. Sometimes, we normalize the lack of negotiation or the acceptance of unfair conditions so much that we don't even question it. But we have the right to ask, propose, and set our expectations. And it's not about demanding the impossible but about balancing the scales. About knowing that the value we contribute deserves to be recognized.
Today, I don't feel anxious or stressed. Unlike other times, I feel prepared. And I know this is no coincidence: the result of deep conversations, self-knowledge, and healing wounds that many of us carry in silence.
If you're also a woman going through a similar phase, I want to tell you something: you're not alone. You're not the only one who earned less than they deserved. But it's never too late to learn, correct, and grow. The next time you have to make an important decision, remember this: it's not just about work. Sometimes, negotiating is also an act of self-love.
