669ea8548e1d1669ea853bbec3We-Walk-The-Walk

The Challenges & Triumphs of Working Women

We all face challenges at work, but you shouldn’t have to figure it all out alone. While some of us have learned how to handle career roadblocks the hard way, many are just starting out and want to be prepared. So, I reached out to several incredible women who have been there. They shared their best advice on how to overcome barriers in the workplace. This is more than just an article; it’s a collection of wisdom for all working women who believe in lifting each other up as we climb.

Our marketing team has prepared a segment that displays a couple of questions answered by several successful women in different industries to help the next generation understand how to overcome some of these obstacles in the workplace.

Our team interviewed The Green Home Coach, Marla Esser Cloos about some obstacles she may have faced during her career in the Trade Skills Industry.

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A Snapshot of Women in Today’s Workforce

To understand the hurdles women face, it helps to first see the big picture of where we stand today. The landscape of the American workforce has changed dramatically, with women playing a more crucial role than ever before. We’ve seen a strong recovery in employment since the start of the decade, and more women are contributing to the economy and their family’s well-being. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the real, tangible impact women have in every industry, from healthcare and education to skilled trades like the ones we specialize in here at Vesta. Seeing the progress we’ve made helps put the remaining challenges into perspective and fuels the drive to keep pushing forward for ourselves and for the women who will come after us.

Labor Force by the Numbers

Looking at the data gives us a clear picture of women’s growing presence and influence in the job market. The numbers show a story of resilience, especially in recent years. According to the Center for American Progress, “As of early 2023, prime-age women’s employment reached 100% of their February 2020 levels, indicating a strong recovery from the pandemic.” This is a huge milestone, showing that women have not only returned to the workforce but have become an essential part of its recovery and growth. It’s a testament to the determination and adaptability that so many women bring to their professional lives every single day.

Current Participation Rates

The rebound in women’s employment is a significant indicator of our economic strength. It means more women are building careers, supporting their families, and contributing their skills to businesses big and small. This isn’t just a statistic; it reflects a broader trend of women claiming their space in the professional world. Whether it’s in an office, a classroom, or on a job site inspecting a home’s foundation, women are showing up and proving their value. This high participation rate is the foundation upon which future progress will be built, creating more opportunities for everyone.

The Role of Education

It’s no surprise that education plays a massive part in these employment trends. Having a degree or specialized training opens doors, and the statistics back this up. A report from the National Association of Home Builders found that “About 70% of women with a college degree or higher were working in 2024. Only 34% of women who didn’t finish high school were working.” This highlights the power of education in creating career opportunities and financial stability. It underscores the importance of investing in skills and knowledge, whether through a traditional four-year degree or vocational training, to build a successful and fulfilling career path.

Economic Impact of Working Women

The economic contributions of women are undeniable and continue to grow. When women succeed, the entire economy benefits. The Center for American Progress notes, “Women have made good progress in getting jobs and working more hours, especially after the pandemic.” This increased participation directly fuels economic growth, drives innovation, and strengthens households. Think about it—every woman who starts a business, earns a promotion, or enters a new field creates a ripple effect. It’s a powerful force for positive change, building stronger communities and a more robust economy for all of us here in Arkansas and beyond.

Key Challenges Women Face in the Workplace

While we’ve made incredible strides, it’s important to be honest about the challenges that still exist. Acknowledging these obstacles is the first step toward overcoming them. From unequal pay to the constant juggling act of work and family, many women are working in a professional world that wasn’t always built with them in mind. These aren’t just individual problems; they are systemic issues that affect women across all industries and at all career levels. By talking about them openly, we can find solutions and support each other in building a more equitable workplace where everyone has a fair shot at success.

The Gender Pay Gap

One of the most persistent challenges is the gender pay gap. It’s a frustrating reality that, on average, women earn less than their male counterparts for doing the same work. According to Brookings, “Women working full-time still earn about 17% less than men each week.” This gap isn’t just a number; it represents real financial consequences over a lifetime, affecting everything from saving for retirement to managing household expenses. Closing this gap requires transparency, advocacy, and a commitment from employers to ensure fair compensation for all their employees, regardless of gender.

How Age and Race Affect Earnings

The pay gap becomes even more pronounced when we look at the intersections of age and race. It’s not a one-size-fits-all issue. The Center for American Progress reports that “For prime-age workers (25-54), women earn 16% less. Women of color face even larger pay gaps.” This data shows that the playing field is far from level, and certain groups of women face compounded disadvantages. Understanding these nuances is critical to creating targeted solutions that address the specific barriers different women encounter, ensuring that our efforts toward pay equity are inclusive and effective for everyone.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

The struggle to balance a career with personal responsibilities is something many women know all too well. It often feels like working two full-time jobs, one at the office and one at home. This constant juggling act can lead to stress and burnout, making it difficult to thrive in either sphere. The expectation to “do it all” places an immense amount of pressure on women. Finding a healthy balance is not a personal failing but a systemic challenge that requires more flexible work policies, supportive partners, and a cultural shift in how we view caregiving and domestic responsibilities.

The “Double Burden”

This balancing act is often called the “double burden,” a term that perfectly captures the weight of managing both professional and domestic duties. Research from the Center for American Progress confirms that “Women often bear a larger share of household management and childcare, leading to higher rates of stress, burnout, and guilt.” This invisible labor takes a toll, impacting mental health and career progression. It’s the endless to-do lists, from scheduling appointments and planning meals to worrying about foundation problems in the house. Easing this burden requires a team effort, both at home and in the workplace.

Childcare and Family Responsibilities

Caregiving responsibilities disproportionately affect women’s careers. When a child is sick or an elderly parent needs care, it’s often a woman who steps away from work. The data is stark: “Women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to have their work affected by family caregiving responsibilities,” according to the Center for American Progress. This can lead to missed opportunities for advancement, reduced hours, or even leaving the workforce entirely. Reliable and affordable childcare, along with family-friendly workplace policies, are not just “women’s issues”—they are economic necessities that support a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

Representation Across Industries

Where we see women working—and in what roles—tells another part of the story. While women have broken into nearly every field, there are still clear patterns of gender segregation across industries. Some sectors are female-dominated, while others, like construction and the skilled trades, remain largely male. Increasing representation across the board is key to unlocking new opportunities, bringing diverse perspectives to the table, and ensuring that women’s talents are utilized in every corner of the economy. It’s about making sure every career path is open and accessible to anyone with the skill and passion to pursue it.

Job Segregation and Leadership Roles

The issue of representation is twofold: it’s about the types of jobs women hold and their access to leadership positions. The Center for American Progress points out that “Women remain overrepresented in certain sectors, such as caregiving and education, and underrepresented in others.” Even in fields where women are prevalent, they are often missing from the top leadership roles. Breaking these patterns means challenging old stereotypes, actively recruiting women into underrepresented fields like commercial foundation repair, and creating clear pathways for advancement into leadership for qualified women in every industry.

Q: What has been the most significant barrier in your career?

Earning respect and trust of the opposite sex. Just listening to others who have been through engineering school or made it to at least the Vice President level or anything along those lines… can tell you that the most challenging part about the job is earning respect and trust from their male coworkers. It was hard-earned for a lot of people when they did finally receive the respect and gained the trust from their coworkers.

Q:How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?

Everyday. Some days I feel like a failure and then other days I feel confident. Recognizing that it is okay to fail is a very good trait to have. Sometimes you will have to fail to be able to overcome certain things. Eventually after you have been knocked down a couple of time you begin to build that resiliency. So to be able to build that confidence you have to go through certain failures to be able to get somethings.

Q:How can women support other women in their organizations?

Mentoring and coaching. Doing things together that are bonding experiences is HUGE! Communicating with others in a not-so-structured environment lets a person know that you are willing to listen and give feedback from a different perspective, and sometimes that is all it takes.

This month our team wants to take time some to celebrate Women’s History Month by providing knowledge from successful women throughout different industries. These women may have experienced things in their careers that the other women may not know how to overcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

The article mentions the gender pay gap. What can I do if I suspect I’m being underpaid? Start by doing some quiet research. Look up average salaries for your specific role, industry, and location using online resources. At the same time, create a list of your accomplishments, responsibilities, and any positive feedback you’ve received at work. Having this information helps you build a clear, fact-based case for yourself when you decide it’s time to have a conversation with your manager.

I really feel that “double burden” of work and home life. What’s a realistic way to find a better balance? Finding a perfect balance is tough, but you can definitely make things more manageable. A great first step is to get really clear on your boundaries and communicate them. This could mean not checking work emails after a certain hour or talking with your partner about dividing household tasks more evenly. It’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about creating a system that gives you room to breathe.

How can I find a mentor if there aren’t many senior-level women in my company? You can absolutely look for mentors outside of your workplace. Professional organizations for your industry are a fantastic place to connect with experienced women who are happy to share their knowledge. You can also find supportive communities online. Remember, a mentor doesn’t have to be a formal arrangement; sometimes the best guidance comes from a peer you trust and respect.

I’m thinking about a career in a male-dominated field like construction or home services. What’s the best way to start? That’s wonderful. A great starting point is to explore local community colleges or trade schools for certification programs. These can give you the foundational skills you need. You could also look for apprenticeship opportunities where you can learn on the job. Don’t hesitate to reach out to women already working in the field, maybe through professional networking sites, to ask them about their experiences.

The Q&A mentions that failure builds resilience. How do I bounce back when a mistake at work really shakes my confidence? It’s completely normal to feel shaken after a mistake. The key is to separate the event from your value as a person. Give yourself a moment to feel frustrated, then shift your focus to what you can learn from the situation. Ask yourself what you would do differently next time. Viewing a failure as a lesson, instead of a judgment on your abilities, is how you build the strength to try again.

Key Takeaways

Know the landscape: Understanding common workplace hurdles, like the gender pay gap and the challenge of balancing professional and personal life, helps you prepare to face them head-on.
View failure as a tool for growth: Real confidence and resilience are built by working through setbacks, not by avoiding them. Allowing yourself to learn from mistakes is a key part of a successful career.
Support other women intentionally: You can make a real difference by mentoring, coaching, and creating genuine connections with other women in your organization. A strong support system benefits everyone.