17 real women share what it takes to land the job, grow your paycheck, and get ahead in your career

"For new entrepreneurs, do not work for free or undervalue yourself! You are more than capable and qualified.

"Too many times starting out I said 'yes' to a low-ball offer or free work for the mere possibility of leads, only to end up spending far too much time on a project that yielded too little compensation.

"I heard a thought one time: 'If you wake up in the morning dreading working on a project, you asked for too little money,' and that couldn't be more true. If you feel valued, the work never feels like a drag.

"As a new entrepreneur (or even more experienced!), lack of confidence is common after the initial excitement wears off. It's easier to feel confident as an employee because you receive regular feedback on your quality of workmanship. Don't let fear of failure drive you to accept less than you're worth."

— Stacey, 28, Austin, Texas
Business Owner: Nutrition Communications & Media

"When someone is on your team, they are on your team for life.

"I am a big networker, and recently someone I really admire told me he was 'on my team.' I took this to mean I did not need to try as hard to impress him — he was already impressed!

"Inevitably in professional relationships and in networking you'll transition from wanting to impress someone to being their friend, or at least someone they respect and like. Recognize when that transition happens and breathe a sigh of relief! I keep a list of people who are 'on my team' and look to them for support and advice, as well as professional advancement."

— Alex, 30, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

"One key mindset shift that will support living your best life and career is to focus less on achieving titles, external 'shoulds,' and cultural norms, and instead focus on, 'What contribution are you making?' in all areas of your life.

"f you are contributing in a way that's in line with your strengths and values, you will ultimately make momentous progress and create deep fulfillment and meaningful impact."

— Sarah, 37, Seattle
Executive Coach + Business Consultant, Leadership Development/Executive Development

"Choose the people, not a fancy company name."

— Jen, 40ish, New York City
Marketing

"There are plenty of articles, research pieces, and self-help books telling women to assert themselves in the workforce, both in terms of taking on responsibility and requesting proper compensation for our work.

"But women are still not taking this far enough; I could talk about the societal reasons why we struggle with this forever. However, I will stick to the advice: Do your job well, ask for a raise every year, act on the promotion when the opportunity arises, and if your employer isn't responding to your requests, then get a new job.

"Because I can guarantee you there are plenty of other employers out there who will see your value immediately upon interview and offer you more money, better benefits, and a more fitting title. We need to increase the amount of women in high level positions in all sectors, and it could be you."

— Aileen, 25, New York City

"Be confident. In your presence, your ideas, your position. And, if you don’t like something, change it."

— Anonymous, 29, Portland, Oregon
Marketing Manager

"Acknowledge that you don't know what you don't know and speak with as many diverse professionals as you can to understand your career options."

— Anonymous, 30, San Francisco

"It's OK to make mistakes, but learn from them and keep moving forward. Don't be lazy. And never give up."

— Bouchra, 30, New York City
Fashion Tech CEO

"We tend to forget how good we are at things, so keep a list of all the achievements you have ever accomplished and it will help you to remember how great you actually are. It helps you raise your confidence and trust yourself."

— Christine, 34, Luxembourg

"Getting your job wasn't a fluke. You deserve to be there, and earned it just as much as the person sitting next to you. You can't let impostor syndrome stop you from being your best.

"Also, side hustles and personal projects keep you sane, independent, and passionate."

— Navah, 24, New York City

"Don't wait for anyone else to give you permission to go after what you want.

"I spent a full year trying to apply for the type of position I wanted when I was trying to break into professional writing. It was also a full year of hearing nothing, or going to interviews only to be told 'no.'

"I finally realized that I was wasting my time trying to prove myself to hiring managers, or convincing someone to take a shot on me and let me show how good I was. I quit sending in applications (and getting rejected), hung out my shingle as a freelance writer, and hustled hard.

"In less than a year after I decided to take a chance on myself instead of waiting for someone else to give me permission to start doing what I loved, I made three times as much as I earned in my day job, quit, and became a full-time freelance writer and content marketer. And I've never looked back. Don't wait for someone else to say, 'you can do this' or give you a chance. Get out there and prove it for yourself.

"Also, all the advice in the world may not be able to teach you as much as experience. Sometimes, the only way to figure this stuff out is to go out there, screw up, and learn from that failure.

"Other people's advice can help you avoid making the same mistakes, but sometimes you need to go out there and totally flop before you really get it on a deep level. Don't be afraid of that flop. Just be mindful, and seek to understand what failures can teach you, or show you about yourself."

— Kali, 28, Boston
Marketing

"I've made the most career advancement when I have been most uncomfortable. Remind yourself as you are pushing through the tough times that with discomfort comes growth.

"And never be afraid to admit what you don't know! It's my most overused expression: 'I don't know what I don't know.' Embrace it!"

— Suzanne, 46, New York City