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Work takes up a huge chunk of our lives, so it’s essential to make sure that we’re in the right place. It’s not just about advancing our careers and growing as professionals, it’s also about being respected and appreciated as human beings. For Latinos in the U.S., it can be difficult to find all that in one place. While times have certainly changed, unconscious bias and discrimination are still a part of the Latino workplace experience. The thing is, it can be difficult to decide to move on to a better place. Especially when you doubt if that uncomfortable feeling you’re experiencing is even valid. To help with that, there are 8 signs it could be time to find a new job:
There’s little to no cultural inclusivity in the workplace
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A lack of cultural inclusivity is one of the most common reasons why Latinos feel like there’s something off about their workplace. When a work environment or corporate culture doesn’t embrace diversity or inclusivity, it can quickly make you feel like an outsider. If you feel isolated and are constantly experiencing microaggressions, limited opportunities, and a lack of support no matter how hard you try, it could be time to think about an exit plan.
Growth opportunities are limited for you
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Limited growth opportunities will keep your career advancement in the toilet. If you feel like you’ve hit the ceiling in your current role and there’s nowhere else to go from there, it may be time to explore other offers. Sometimes, moving on is just what makes sense if you feel like you’ve already achieved everything there was to achieve. If you’re purposefully held back or passed over for reasons that have nothing to do with your performance, that’s also a good reason to explore new offers. If you’re not growing or aren’t allowed to grow, you need to find a place where you can. Otherwise, burnout won’t be too far behind.
You’re experiencing unequal pay and treatment
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Racial and gender pay gaps are still very much a problem and it affects all people of color, including Latinos. For example, Latinas only make 57 cents for every dollar a man makes, and that wage gap varies from state to state. If you’re experiencing that wage gap and Latino employees aren’t fairly compensated compared to their counterparts, you need to take action. Discriminatory practices are illegal and you deserve better. While tackling the wage gap requires a systematic approach, finding workplaces that value employees equally is a step in the right direction for your personal career.
There’s little to no representation in leadership
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Representation matters in the workplace, especially in leadership roles. If you don't see Latino professionals in leadership positions or if there’s a lack of diversity in decision-making roles, that’s an indicator there may be limited opportunities for advancement for you. If you’re Latino and your work environment isn’t inclusive, the odds will likely be stacked against you.
You constantly feel undervalued
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You know what you’re worth as an employee and the value you bring to the table as a dedicated, productive team player. If you don’t feel like your employers do, that’s a big issue. If your efforts constantly go unrecognized and you feel overlooked most of the time, it could be time to look for a role where your contributions do matter. Being undervalued can take a toll on your motivation, which affects performance and ultimately keeps you from reaching your goals. You should feel appreciated in the workplace and it’s not about needing external validation, it’s about what’s right.
You can’t seem to find a good work-life balance
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We all know that striking a balance between work and personal life is key for overall well-being. If your current job demands way more than the job position entails or it affects your ability to maintain good health, you will get burned out. Your workplace and employers should support employee well-being for everyone, not just you. Working excessive hours all the time and dealing with limited flexibility will eventually take its toll on you. If you’re not allowed to create and maintain that work-life balance, it could be time to look for a better fit.
Your values aren’t aligned
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If your job responsibilities or company practices conflict with your personal values or ethical beliefs, you probably feel disconnected and uncomfortable a lot of the time. We have values and a moral compass for a reason. When we’re forced to act against that, everything feels wrong. If that’s how you’re feeling in your current workplace, searching for opportunities that do align with your values will bring you peace. Your career shouldn’t make you feel like you’re acting against your beliefs. It’s just not sustainable in the long term!
You constantly feel unfulfilled
Last but not least, the most telling sign that it could be time to move on to a new job is a constant feeling of unfulfillment or dissatisfaction with your job. If you find yourself dreading work and you’re never excited about anything you have to do, this is a clear indicator you’re just not aligned with your current job. Whether you’re ready for a career shift or your workplace is just not the right fit, start thinking about what needs to change and get ready to take the plunge. Transitions can be scary, but be brave and smart, and you’ll find where you should be.
Stuck. That’s what a lot of people feel like in this crazy game called life. But what’s making you feel like you don’t move an inch no matter what you do? Well, it could be a lot of things. Most of the time, it comes down to having and nurturing a fixed mindset rather than a growth mindset. “Growth mindset” has become quite a buzzword, but we’re telling you, a fixed mindset will singlehandedly stop you from growing. Where’s the fun in that, huh? If you want to start making some changes and develop a growth mindset that will keep you moving, here are 10 tips that will help you get started:
Start embracing your “imperfections”
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In Latino culture, we celebrate authenticity and individuality very passionately. Think of Frida Kahlo’s unibrow; it’s part of what made her iconic. Many other people often get mocked for a feature like that, but she embraced it, and she embraced herself as she was. There’s power in that. The sooner you understand that perceived imperfections, whether physical or of any other kind, aren’t flaws, the easier it will be for you to embrace them. Once you do that and cultivate self-acceptance, no one else will have power over how you feel about yourself.
Face challenges head-on
Challenges are a part of life and Latinos are mostly known for meeting challenges head-on and finding solutions. When Latina women want to achieve something, they eventually find a way. That requires you to reframe every challenge and setback as an opportunity rather than something to deal with. Every challenge can be an adventure and thinking about it that way is what will help you discover strengths you didn’t even know you had.
Mind your words and thoughts
Our words and thoughts shape our reality and most Latinas understand the power they have. If you want to move forward in life, you need to start paying attention to what you say to yourself and what you think about yourself. Negative thoughts are something we all experience. If you’re a Latina with a marianista mother, negative self-perception has probably been taught to you from an early age. So negative thoughts have become second nature, but it’s important to uproot them. Whenever you catch yourself having a negative or judgemental thought about yourself, replace it with a positive one. Choose self-acceptance and constructive criticism instead.
Don’t look for approval from others
One of the many truths universally accepted is that seeking validation from other people will always disappoint you. Not to mention it’s just not healthy! The thing about Latinas is that most of us grow up in tight-knit communities and families. That’s why it’s easy to fall into wanting everyone’s approval to feel like you’re on the right track. While it’s important to lean on family and friends, it’s also important to trust yourself. Cultivate your self-approval and don’t focus so much on impressing other people. Impress yourself first and foremost, and don’t let your path be decided by what others would approve of.
Keep it real!
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Authenticity is one of the many values we hold dear as Latinas, so pretending to be someone else is a big no-no. It’s the easiest way to hold yourself back and disrespect everything you are. Granted, authenticity isn’t always well-received and it’s not uncommon for other people to want Latinas to suppress their fire. But that’s no reason to betray yourself or your heritage. Be brave and embrace who you are and your culture every step of the way. Otherwise, you’re just limiting your own potential and dimming the things that make you unique.
Cultivate a sense of purpose
The thing about people with fixed mindsets is that they don’t usually know what they want to be or where they want to go. Finding one’s North can be very challenging, especially when you don’t feel like you’ve figured out the kind of life you want to lead. That’s where self-reflection comes in! You should spend time thinking about the things that give your life meaning. That’s the road to finding your unique purpose and once you have that, pursuing it will be much easier.
Redefine what “genius” means to you
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, that’s part of the fun of being human. The thing is that you need to identify them. That’s the only way to recognize and celebrate your strengths while also working on your weaknesses. Instead of being guided by someone else’s or society’s definition of genius or success, ask yourself what those things mean to you. As Latinas, we’re taught to work hard for what we want and be dedicated to our careers. Apply that attitude to your personal development and growth as well and it will take you farther than you thought possible.
Change the way you accept criticism
Criticism can be a very difficult pill to swallow. Latinas, in particular, often have to deal with criticism coming from discrimination and racism, which leads to a certain level of defensiveness. That said, we should remember that we’re the ones who give others the power to make us feel like “less than.” Whether criticism is delivered constructively or not, we can learn how to process it and decide if we want to take it or not. Even our worst haters can give us exactly the kind of feedback we need to succeed without meaning to. That’s the power of learning to examine criticism and take whatever benefits you.
Learn to enjoy the process as much as the results
For many Latinos, the journey is as valuable as the destination. Whether it’s making a meal for the entire family or learning a new skill, many Latinos take joy in the process. It’s where the magic happens! If you don’t see it that way and all you care about is the destination or the results, you’re missing out. Not only that, you’re holding yourself back. If you learn to focus on the journey and the process, you will find joy, fulfillment, and success every day, instead of only finding that at the end, when it feels like it only lasts a second.
Remember the power of “not yet”
Whenever you struggle with something, is there a voice at the back of your head saying “I’ll never get there”? Well, hold your horses! Struggling with something just means you’re not there yet. “Not yet” is a short phrase that holds a lot of power and can instantly shift the way you perceive a challenge, a setback, an obstacle, and anything in between. So remember the power of “not yet,” let that be your go-to phrase whenever something’s not going as planned. Eventually, “not yet” will turn into “I did it! I got there,” and you’ll feel even more capable than before.
Being Latine and growing up in a community often rooted in strong “traditional” values can be a beautiful, enriching experience filled with family, vibrant culture, and warm memories. However, for Latine individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, the journey may also be marked by struggle and internal conflict due to prevalent societal and religious norms and expectations.
One of the most profound challenges that queer Latine individuals may face is internalized homophobia, a harmful phenomenon stemming from societal prejudices that can deeply impact mental health and self-perception.
What is Internalized Homophobia?
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Internalized homophobia can be defined as the involuntary belief in the negative stereotypes and prejudices about homosexuality that society often projects. It isn’t exclusive to any particular cultural or ethnic group, but within the Latine community, its manifestations can be particularly complex due to the cultural and religious factors often at play.
How Does Internalized Homophobia Affect the Latine Community?
Many Latine cultures, influenced by Catholicism and traditional gender norms, may promote heteronormative expectations. Familial expectations to uphold these norms can inadvertently instill feelings of guilt, shame, or fear in LGBTQ+ Latine individuals, contributing to internalized homophobia. This often leads to a struggle with self-acceptance, creating a harmful cycle of self-doubt, and negative self-perception.
How Can Internalized Homophobia Present Itself?
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Internalized homophobia can present itself in a multitude of ways, often with complex and multifaceted ramifications. Here are some of the common manifestations:
- Denial of Sexual Orientation: It could initially emerge as an outright refusal to acknowledge one's true sexual orientation. This denial is typically fueled by fear, confusion, or the unwillingness to accept oneself due to societal or internal pressures.
- Reluctance to Come Out: Another common manifestation is a hesitation or outright refusal to come out to family, friends, or oneself. The fear of potential rejection or misunderstanding can discourage individuals from embracing their identity and sharing it with others.
- Self-loathing: Internalized homophobia can also trigger deep feelings of self-loathing, often rooted in a perception that their sexual orientation is something shameful or wrong. This negative self-image can severely impact self-esteem and overall mental well-being.
- Overcompensation and Conformity to Heteronormative Standards: This refers to the tendency of individuals to go to great lengths to fit into societal norms that favor heterosexual relationships and behaviors. Overcompensation may take the form of forced participation in heterosexual relationships, exaggerated gender performance, or denying any behavior or feelings that could be interpreted as homosexual.
The damaging consequences of internalized homophobia shouldn’t be underestimated. It can lead to a host of harmful behaviors such as self-harm, substance abuse, and other forms of self-destructive behavior. Furthermore, it can cause serious mental health issues, including:
- Anxiety: This may stem from the constant stress and fear of being discovered, rejected, or persecuted due to their sexual orientation.
- Depression: The persistent self-loathing and isolation associated with internalized homophobia can lead to chronic feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and persistent depressive moods.
- Suicidal Ideation: In severe cases, the emotional pain and psychological distress can become so overwhelming that individuals may contemplate suicide as a way to escape the internal conflict and external pressures they face.
What Can We Do to Address Internalized Homophobia?
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Addressing internalized homophobia within the Latine community requires comprehensive efforts. Education is key — both within the community and outside it. Challenging homophobia and heteronormative expectations begins with promoting a broader understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity as natural human variations, not something to be stigmatized or feared.
Providing LGBTQ+ Latine individuals with supportive spaces is crucial. Mental health services, counseling, and support groups can provide a much-needed outlet for discussing and processing feelings of internalized homophobia. These services, however, need to be culturally sensitive, recognizing the specific experiences and challenges faced by Latine individuals.
Steps Toward Acceptance
In recent years, there have been encouraging steps towards greater acceptance and representation of the LGBTQ+ community within the Latine community. There is a growing number of Latine advocates, public figures, and artists openly identifying as LGBTQ+, and Latine families and communities are evolving, with many showing unconditional love and acceptance for their LGBTQ+ members.
Still, there's a long way to go in fully addressing internalized homophobia and its harmful effects. As the dialogue continues to grow and evolve, the hope is that future generations of Latine LGBTQ+ individuals will grow up in a world where they feel seen, accepted, and loved, both by their communities and, most importantly, by themselves.
- Sylvia Rivera: The Unstoppable Force Behind the 'T' in LGBTQ+ ›
- Representation and Visibility: Narrative Change through Meaningful LGBT Latine Characters ›