I work in the bustling corporate environment of Silicon Valley, armed with a master’s degree in my field and nearly a decade of experience with my company. Yet, despite my credentials and dedication, my salary falls short compared to my male counterparts. It’s often deemed inappropriate to discuss pay, but it’s not illegal. Conversations with a few male colleagues have revealed that, like the average American woman, I earn about 77 cents for every dollar my male colleagues make.
As a single parent of four, living in an area with a high cost of living poses its challenges. My company brought me here, but the reality of expenses was a surprise. To bridge the pay gap, I took on a part-time job with a sports company I discovered during a race. It’s a passion project, allowing me to connect with fellow health enthusiasts, but it also pulls me away from my children. I wouldn’t need this extra work if I received that missing 23% from my primary employer.
When I first joined the company, I felt fortunate to transition from retail to a steady 9-to-5 role, which meant more family time and stability. However, I overlooked the possibility that my worth might exceed the initial salary they offered. After being promoted two years in, my supervisor advised against negotiating my salary, insisting it was the highest I could expect for the role. I thanked him, feeling that questioning it would be ungrateful and unlikely.
Fast forward three years, and I finally found the courage to request equal pay. I nearly apologized while doing so, as if I were inconveniencing them by asking for what I deserved. I caught myself before uttering, “I’m sorry,” realizing this was merely a request for parity with my peers.
Despite my confidence in my value as an employee, guilt washed over me after making the request. I’ve missed precious moments with my children, and that weighs heavily on my heart. On the day I advocated for my raise, I was torn between work commitments and my child’s school concert. I missed half of one performance and the entirety of another because of back-to-back meetings. The time I spent in those meetings could have been spent watching my son shine on stage.
My kids often come home to an empty house, and I juggle their after-school activities with work obligations. I managed to squeeze in work during my son’s baseball game, only pausing to capture his at-bats on my phone. Once home, I’d quickly grab dinner, remind my kids to eat and do their homework, and then rush back to the office. After finishing up around 9:15 p.m., I headed to the gym for a quick run, only to break down in tears realizing how much I missed my little ones.
While I can take paid time off, I hesitate to use it for school events, questioning which moments are worth attending. I believed that by demonstrating my commitment as a working mother, I would be compensated accordingly. Yet, the pay gap remains a frustrating reality.
I am deserving of full pay for my contributions. My recent feedback highlights my efforts: “Just walked through the deck. She said it’s the best activities, look, and flow she’s seen. Absolutely loved…[Jamie’s] portion specifically. Awesome job, and thanks again, Jamie!” My children deserve all of me, and I yearn for a way to achieve that balance. Closing the pay gap and consolidating my work into one job would be a significant first step.
As I take a moment to breathe and reflect, I remind myself that I’m not alone in this struggle. For those interested in exploring the world of home insemination, there are many resources available. If you’re curious, check out this informative post for more insights. For those looking for quality supplies, visit Make a Mom, a trusted source for home insemination kits. Additionally, you can find valuable information on pregnancy and fertility at Hopkins Medicine.
In summary, the journey toward achieving equal pay continues to be a challenge for many women, especially those balancing motherhood and work. Despite my dedication and contributions, I find myself grappling with inequities that should not exist. I’m determined to advocate for my worth while cherishing the moments that matter most with my family.