In The Community
The Double Bind of Latina Professionals: Gratitude vs. Self-Advocacy
Professionalism has been defined to me in a myriad of ways, but I distinctly remember being told once early on in one of my first office jobs that my facial expressions were “unprofessional” and “overly expressive” for the nature of my role.
This feedback was met by me with confusion. After all, what does my face have to do with being a professional? I soon realized that this feedback was given by a coworker of mine who frequently engaged in microaggressions towards me, her attributing my normally loud voice, clothing, hairstyle, direct communication style, and overall expressiveness to me being “such a Latina.”
I’ve had this conversation a lot recently with my friends. We’re finding that although we’ve always worked to be in professional roles, we’re also finding out that these “amazing” jobs we’re given aren’t all they appear to be.
Many of us grew up in homes where going to college and landing a professional job would be considered the pinnacle of success. To many Latine and immigrant parents, having their children occupy professional spaces complete with degrees and fancy benefits is the ultimate dream.
However, once we’re in these spaces, many of us discover that we’re not in a place to express anything negative with either the work or the office, only to be told “be grateful for having a job like yours, mija!”
Expressing any of this means running the risk of being dismissed as too picky and being told to be grateful for the opportunities. But doing so means we’re compromising some of the best skills in our professional toolbox: autonomy to make decisions and advocate for ourselves.
I’m far from the only Latina who has been told to deal with mistreatment from employers and that I should be happy to be included. Which is why we need to redefine how professionalism works for us.
It’s time to set the record straight on why Latina professionals shouldn’t be grateful to just be included in these spaces.
Latinas are setting the new normal of what it means to be an accomplished professional through advocacy for our working lives. Being a professional woman, especially a Latina, doesn’t mean we let ourselves become doormats to our employers. Inclusivity isn’t a reason to take mistreatment or abuse from an employer.
With a good title and salary also comes stress, obligations, and an overcommitment to work and situations we weren’t initially prepared to navigate. The leadership skills we develop can end up being reframed as too “aggressive,” while being expected to adjust to microaggressions and workloads that don’t give us any space to exist outside of our jobs. On top of all of this, the shiny benefits like paid time off don’t actually get used when we’re stressfully checking emails after working hours.
There’s real value in being a Latina professional that’s able to advocate for herself. This includes joining Latino-focused, professional development groups, finding an online community to network, working to create your own spaces/groups in your field for others, and forming camaraderie among your professional contacts that are feeling just as displaced as you are.
While I will always disagree with the notion that Latinas need to be expected to say “gracias!” for even having a space at the table, I know it’s important to use our positions of power to make sure there’s a seat for the ones coming after.
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May 1 is referred to as May Day, International Workers’ Day, or simply Worker’s Day. It’s a day for working-class people to celebrate their achievements and reflect on how much progress has been made for everyday workers. However, it’s also a reminder of how much further U.S. workers still have to go regarding workers’ rights and overall quality of life.
The U.S. ranks dead last in worker benefits among all developed countries, and the wage gap is still a major issue, especially for women. Latina women working full-time in the U.S. find that the wage gap is even larger for them. According to the National Women’s Law Center, Latinas only make 57 cents for every dollar a man makes year-round. Of course, the Latina wage gap varies greatly by state. Latinas in California get the shortest end of the stick by earning 44 cents for every dollar a man makes.
Working hard but earning half has been a reality for many Latinas in the U.S., and having a college degree isn’t a shield from that. The National Women’s Law Center has reported that, compared to white men, Latinas may lose over $1.2 million over a 40-year career because of the wage gap. For Latinas with progressional degrees, that figure rises to nearly $2.5 million. The disparity is undeniable.
In a country where labor exploitation is high, and worker satisfaction is low, this day is a good reminder for everyone, especially Latinas, to continue to advocate for better wages and better working conditions.
International Workers’ Day and Why It’s Needed
International Workers’ Day, or May Day in other countries, is rooted in the labor movement of the late 19th century, which gained momentum after the Haymarket Affair. This happened in Chicago in 1886, when workers went on strike on May 1 to demand an 8-hour working day. They rallied peacefully but were met with police brutality. On May 4, during a rally at Haymarket Square, someone threw a bomb at police officers who were dispersing the crowd, leading to chaos and violence. Police officers and civilians were killed, and up to 40 people were injured.
The Haymarket Affair became a symbol of the struggle for workers' rights. While it led to more government crackdowns on labor organizations, it also inspired solidarity among workers in the U.S. and beyond as they continued to push for labor reforms. In 1889, The Second International, a federation of socialist and labor groups, designated May 1st as International Workers' Day to commemorate the Haymarket Affair and celebrate workers. Since then, May Day has been associated with the labor movement and the fight for workers' rights, including demands for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.
It’s worth noting that, during the Cold War, the holiday was embraced by communist countries like the Soviet Union. May Day became a major holiday not just in the Soviet Union, but in other Eastern Bloc countries. As a result, the holiday became associated with communism, so anti-communism led to the suppression of May Day’s association with labor movements in the U.S.
This is why even if May Day has roots in the American labor movement, the U.S. doesn’t officially celebrate May 1st as International Workers’ Day. Instead, the U.S. established Labor Day in 1894, which is observed every year on the first Monday of September, and Canada followed suit. Similar to May Day, Labor Day resulted from a violent clash between workers and police during the Pullman strike, which triggered a crisis. This prompted President Grover Cleveland to sign the holiday into law, presumably to maintain the support of the working class.
The day is now recognized around the world with marches and demonstrations. The holiday serves as a poignant reminder of the progress achieved through relentless activism and solidarity. From the implementation of the eight-hour workday to the establishment of labor rights, workers’ movements have won significant victories for the working class. However, the stark reality is that there are still persistent issues to address. One of those persistent issues is the gender wage gap and how it affects Latinas.
The Ongoing Challenges for Latinas
There’s no denying that the fight for gender equality in the workplace has generated more interest in recent years, but the battle is ongoing. In 2023, women were still paid 21.8% less than men on average, even when things like comparable education and work experience were accounted for. For Latinas, the challenges in the workplace are even more formidable because there are more harmful systemic barriers in place that affect them disproportionately.
Statistics reveal a persistent truth: Latina women earn substantially less than men and white women. According to the Lean In Institute, Latinas make 46% less than white men and 26% less than white women.
May Day reminds U.S. workers to confront these injustices head-on and continue demanding fair pay and benefits that improve their quality of life. Addressing the wage gap requires legislative reforms and changes in workplace policies, but it also requires a cultural shift. Any meaningful change to policy that occurred in the U.S. happened only when there was also enough public pressure to get politicians to move in that direction.
Fostering solidarity in the Latino community and standing together is key to amplifying the collective voice and engaging in transformative action. For example, sharing stories highlighting the disparity for Latina women can be a powerful way to pressure employers and policymakers. It’s also a great way to empower and inform one another.
Before social media, the public didn’t have as much access to information about market salaries, negotiation techniques, etc., and more as is available today. There also wasn’t easy access to communities that provide guidance and support when it comes to navigating job opportunities, salary negotiations, and career advancement. Today, this kind of support is only a few clicks or taps away, and it does make a difference.
A version of a U.S. economy where Latina women are compensated fairly for their work and are also treated with dignity and respect in the workplace does exist. Latinas are a powerful, talented community that’s fighting its way towards change. As the community continues to evolve, it won’t be surprising to see these harmful statistics begin to shrink.
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We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but sometimes it feels like life’s game is set on “hard mode.” Between family, work, and that yoga class you swore you'd stick to, finding time can feel like searching for that tiny earring back you dropped on the floor. (Why is it always so hard to find?), but with a sprinkle of wisdom and organization, everything is possible.
Here are seven time management tips that can hopefully help you navigate through the chaos:
Prioritize Like a Boss
Every day comes with its share of tasks, and let’s be real, some are more important than others. The first step is to identify what truly deserves your attention. Maybe it's that school project you’ve been procrastinating on for days or finally fixing the bathroom sink. Write down each and every one of your tasks, big and small, and rank them focusing on what is more urgent and important. You can even use the Eisenhower Box method to help divide them. Once you know what's top-tier, it becomes much easier to allocate your energy effectively. You'll be surprised how much time you save when you know what to focus on.
Batch it up
Just like how you organize your favorite playlists or photo albums, group similar tasks together. For instance, instead of responding to emails sporadically throughout the day, designate specific blocks of time for them. This technique, known as batching, cuts down on the mental chaos that comes from constantly shifting gears between different activities and can help maximize your efficiency (and potentially avoid feeling overwhelmed!)
The Pomodoro Technique
This time management technique consists of setting a timer for 25 minutes and working without distraction. Once the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break. And during your break, how about doing something you love? Maybe put on your favorite song, enjoy a cup of café con leche, or just do some deep breathing exercises. Especially beneficial for those with ADHD who might find prolonged focus challenging, this method combines diligence with a moment of relaxation. It's all about work and play!
Say "No" More Often
This is a tough one, especially if you're the kind who hates to let anyone down or is prone to FOMO. But stretching yourself too thin doesn't do anyone any favors. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize yourself and your goals. By not overcommitting, you ensure better quality in what you undertake and reduce unnecessary stress.
Use Technology Wisely
With smartphones practically glued to our hands, why not use them to our advantage? Organization and time management apps like Todoist, Trello, or even Google Calendar can be lifesavers. Set reminders (as many as you need to), create lists, or block out your day hour-by-hour. Technology is your friend—embrace it!
Delegate When You Can
You know the saying, "It takes a village"? Well, sometimes managing your time means leaning on that village. Sometimes managing your time means leaning on others. Maybe it's collaborating with a colleague on a task or asking family members to help with chores. Delegating doesn't mean you're avoiding responsibility; it means you're working smarter.
Self-care Isn't a Luxury
Last but not least, make time for yourself. This isn't just about face masks and spa days, though those are great too. It's about setting aside time to do things that genuinely recharge your soul, whether it’s spending some quality time with the people you love or a quiet evening all by yourself. Listening to yourself and giving your mind a break is an essential part of time management.
Time management isn't about packing more into your day; it's about making the most of the moments you have. And with a dash of strategy and a sprinkle of self-awareness, you'll be mastering the minutes in no time.
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