In today’s work world, standing up for yourself and asking for what you’ve earned is very important. Whether you’re eyeing a promotion, a fair raise, or the resources you need, speaking up can make a big difference. But, let’s be real, it’s not always easy. Some women worry about seeming too pushy or aggressive, and that worry can hold them back from moving forward in their careers and getting the pay they deserve.

When I’ve spoken to women about how they feel about standing up for themselves they often speak about fear. They fear being seen as too pushy or demanding so they work hard and hope their hard work gets noticed.

There seems to be this tightrope that a lot of women feel they need to walk when it comes to negotiating. It can be when we want to show our value we worry about coming off as too demanding. Also, women tend to fear damaging relationships or facing backlash when negotiating and that fear can be paralyzing and cause us to stick with the status quo.

Not all environments are like this and the culture of your workplace plays a big role. The culture of your workplace plays a big role. Environments that encourage open talk and value different voices make it easier for people to speak up. On the flip side, places that penalize speaking up unintentionally keep inequality alive, with women missing out on opportunities because they didn’t advocate for themselves.

Overcoming these challenges means changing your mindset. Self-advocacy isn’t about demanding too much; it’s about recognizing your value and making sure you’re treated fairly. Employers can help by creating a workplace where everyone feels good about sharing their goals and asking for what they deserve.

Facing the difficulty of self-advocacy and negotiation isn’t just a personal thing—it’s a bigger effort. It’s about being brave and pushing for change so that workplaces are fair, and everyone has a shot at success and fair pay. It’s not just about you; it’s about all of us making work better together.