Navigating the Workplace: 31 Tips for Ambitious Young Women
- Julia Flaherty
- Apr 23
- 12 min read
Over the past 16 years, I’ve held a wide variety of jobs. I started as a dietary aide in a nursing home during high school—which sounds more complicated than it was. Essentially, I was a waitress for residents and helped with cleanup. I took this job to save up for summer camp and leadership courses. By the end of high school, I had also worked as a summer camp counselor, grocery store cashier, bagger, and customer service rep.
As a college student, I kept busy with campus jobs—working in student dining services, writing for the college newspaper, and gaining experience at the radio and television stations.
After graduation, I entered the workforce full-time and faced several unexpected career pivots. I began as a sales and marketing lead in wholesale fashion, then transitioned to digital engagement roles—managing social media and influencer marketing for a perfume brand and later an entertainment website.
It was a bit of a rude awakening into adulthood, especially living alone on the East Coast—it was harder than I anticipated. After moving back to the Midwest, I picked up part-time work for a local magazine and gigged with the Green Bay Packers. Eventually, I landed a full-time role at a professional services firm that specialized in CRM and marketing automation, where I stayed for several years.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like many others, it shifted my perspective. I began focusing more on service-driven work, first at a nonprofit as a content manager and project lead for marketing campaigns, then briefly in healthcare marketing. Now, I work for myself and with a diabetes-specialty marketing agency that I’m genuinely excited about!
Throughout these experiences, I've fallen within the range of being an entry-level employee to being a people manager and entrepreneur, operating in full-time, part-time, and freelance capacities. If you do the math, I've had about 27 different job titles since I was 16:
Babysitter
Dietary Aide
Summer Camp Counselor
Grocery Store Bagger
Grocery Store Cashier
Grocery Store Customer Service Rep
Student Dining Services General Worker
Arts & Entertainment Reporter
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Promotions Director
Contributing Writer
Sales & Marketing Lead
Tradeshow Assistant
Social Media & Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital Marketing Strategist
Events & Special Projects Coordinator
In-Field Brand Enablement Ambassador
Marketing Coordinator
Digital Marketing Specialist
Children's Book Author & Illustrator
Content Manager
Marketing Campaigns Manager
Marketing Project Management Lead
Diabetes Channel Marketing Manager
Health Coach (In Training)
Client Content Manager
Entrepeneur
So, what did I learn from all these roles over the last 16 years? A lot, especially about navigating the workforce as a young professional woman.
After gaining this experience, here are 31 tips I'd share with ambitious women in business:
Don't Stay Anywhere You Aren't Growing or Learning: I received this advice early in my career, and it has stuck with me ever since. It's natural to experience a sense of stagnation in the workplace after years of service, but that doesn’t always mean it’s time to leave. Instead, it may be worthwhile to have a conversation with your boss to discuss your concerns or career goals. They can't read your mind! However, if your goals are not aligned after you share, you might want to consider exploring other options. If your work relationship isn’t bringing out the best in you, it may be time to reconsider where you're spending your time. It's your life! You only get one life.
Get Out of Work Environments Where You're Treated Like a Child: This may indicate that your workplace does not recognize your contributions or value you as a high achiever. While there are moments when humility is necessary and respecting ourselves is important, it's essential to have a strong sense of self to discern whether the issues you face stem from your own actions or from those around you.
Find Mutually Beneficial Opportunities with Your Workplace: People often feel comfortable assigning you a specific persona or role because they may feel lost without it. It's important to recognize this dynamic. Sometimes, what is best for the company may not align with what is best for you, and vice versa. Seek out environments where you can engage in meaningful discussions about your identity and surround yourself with individuals who genuinely want to support your growth. While it's true that we need to go through developmental phases to reach our goals, working collaboratively with your company on a plan can help ensure that you're on a mutually beneficial path. In the long run, this approach will lead to greater happiness for everyone and can improve employee retention by setting a positive example.
Be Considerate in Your Communications at Work: It's completely normal to feel frustrated at work—but be mindful of where and how you express it. Avoid venting or oversharing on company messaging systems. Instead, reach out to a trusted friend or colleague outside of that space for support. A quick call or text can go a long way in helping you process while maintaining professionalism.
Only Compare Yourself to Yourself: Comparing yourself to others steals your joy. Success comes from joy and hard work, not from jealousy and negativity. Lift yourself up. Lift others up. Celebrate and support the successes of all the good people around you! Spreading good karma breeds receiving it.
Treat Everyone with Respect: Whether they're the CEO, mid-level manager, intern, cleaning staff, etc., everyone deserves to be treated with the same level of respect. Of course, getting to know people over time may shift your perception and that's perfectly natural but no one deserves to be judged or doubted due to their title.
Be Gingerly with Exclamation Points: I love them too, but don’t get too carried away in your emails. Of course, you don't have to sacrifice your personality at work; just consider who receives your messages. Not everyone is as fun.
Don't Over-Apologize: We have all done it. Stop early. Over-apologizing can actually diminish the sincerity of apologies when they are truly needed.
You'll Never Get Something Right the First Time: You may have natural gifts or talents in one or more areas, but it's important to remember that you won't get everything right on your first attempt. Setting the expectation that you should excel immediately is unrealistic. Developing skills in any profession takes time and practice, so embrace the process. Focus on learning and improving day by day. Don’t hesitate to acknowledge when you’re a novice at something; being open to learning from others is crucial. Pretending to know more than you do can lead to mistakes that could have been avoided with honest communication about your experience level. Remember, perfection isn't the goal, especially when you're trying something for the first time.
If People Don't Respect When You Set Boundaries, They Probably Didn't Respect That You Had Any to Begin With: If you begin to set boundaries at work that frustrate others and they struggle to accept them, it may indicate that you were previously overextended or overutilized. Setting boundaries in the workplace is completely valid. It's important to prioritize your health and well-being, as well as the well-being of your family, which could be impacted by the boundaries you establish (or fail to establish) at work.
Hold People Accountable: If you continuously say "no worries" when someone bothers you, they will likely keep doing it. It's that simple. It's important to hold someone accountable, whether at work or at home, when their actions make you uncomfortable or upset. Addressing these conversations early on can help prevent emotions from building up and erupting later on.
Insecurity Isn't Cute: It Will Only Hold You Back: Building confidence takes time, but starting the process sooner will help you overcome insecurity more quickly. Insecurity is uncomfortable for you and those around you. It influences how you present yourself, and others can sense that energy. I understand that being your authentic self can make you vulnerable to dislike, but if people dislike you for being true to yourself, then they probably weren't the right company for you, even if you were masking.
A 9 to 5 Can Fall Apart as Quickly as a Dream: You Might as Well Go For it: I know it's not as easy as it sounds. Consider that this may look like going for a job that's a little more unconventional than being a full-fledged entrepeneur. After 16 years in the workforce, what I've found is that even if you suppress a dream, it tends to come out in some capacity anyway, so consider how you might integrate it into something that suits your lifestyle or needs rather than relinquishing the dream completely.
Advocate for What You Deserve: No One's Going to Do It For You: Even if you have a good relationship with your boss, it’s important to remember that you still need to earn your position at work. Focus on actively pursuing the next step in your career, as you cannot assume that your manager shares the same vision for your professional growth. Be honest and transparent about your aspirations. Don’t hesitate to ask for the salary you deserve or the role you are aiming for. Although discussing these topics can feel vulnerable, their response can provide you with insight into whether you are in the right environment and if you are surrounded by people who will support your growth.
How You Present Yourself is How You Will Be Received: It's important to recognize that some biases held by others are beyond your control. If the way you present yourself undermines your efforts, take time to reflect on the self-improvement you may need to pursue in order to authentically express your character. Remember, you can only control your own emotions and character, not those of others. Sometimes, despite all the personal development you engage in, it may not change the perspective of someone who is fixed in their mindset.
Don't Fall Into the Habit of Emotionally Managing Your Employees: It’s easy for women in management to fall into the trap of trying to please everyone, but ultimately, how your employees respond is beyond your control. You may present yourself as kind, generous, and gracious, yet some employees might still react negatively to your demeanor. As a manager, it’s important not to focus solely on being liked. Instead, treat all employees with courtesy and respect while also holding them accountable for their work. Be genuine in your interactions, and don’t worry too much about how others perceive you.
Lean Into a Growth Mindset: Change is difficult for everyone. Those who claim it's easy are not being honest. While some people may be more receptive to change than others, it remains true that change does not happen overnight. Be kind to yourself during the process of change; it requires time and patience. By embracing a growth mindset, you will avoid stagnation and continue to learn. Always challenge yourself to evolve! Additionally, don’t hesitate to take breaks and allow time for rest along the way.
Sometimes, Rest is the Most Important Thing You Can Do: Yep, you read that right! Rest is sometimes the most important thing we can do. When we make time for ourselves and our self-care, we can show up that much better around others.
Don't Assume Your Co-workers Are Your Buddies: I do believe that co-workers can become friends over time, but you shouldn't go into a work environment assuming everyone is your friend or wants to be. That trust should be earned over time. The longer you've been somewhere, the more you'll be able to pick up on who you can trust as a personal confidante and maybe even befriend.
Be Careful About What Skills You Show at Work: If you want to operate in a certain way at work but continue to lean into a different skill set, it may be difficult for your workplace to embrace your desires. It's best to be authentic, upfront, and reserve your other skills or talents for passion projects. You don't want to overextend yourself and do too much. Be open to trial positions, but ensure you have the details around how that plan might look, as it can also be hard to go back if it's not something you're serious about. That being said, you shouldn't be scared to explore! Just be mindful. And if you are scared, consider that it might be the opposite side of the coin—excitement. Nerves and anxiety help us survive!
Just Because You Aren't "All", Doesn't Mean You Are Nothing: As women, we can often fall into the trap of overextending ourselves, believing we need to be everything to everyone all at once. However, we deserve more from our environments. It's perfectly okay to focus on particular aspects of our lives; doing so does not make us any less valuable. In fact, it highlights that multitasking is a myth; while you might be grate at switching it up quickly, the reality is that our brains can only focus on one thing at a time. Doing too much can be crazy-making! While some women enjoy being a Jill of all trades, this approach can lead to burnout in the workplace. It’s important to consider how you can utilize one or a few parts of yourself at work while embracing another side outside of work in order to achieve the work-life integration you envision.
Focus on Work-Life Integration Over Work-Life Balance: Balance often suggests a flawless division between work and home life, but this can lead to burnout. It's rare to achieve a perfect 50/50 split between the two. Instead, consider how you can integrate your work and home responsibilities. With the prevalence of remote work, this could involve working a few hours in the morning, taking a break to walk your dog, prepare dinner, or do laundry, and then returning to work later in the afternoon. Define what flexibility means for you. As long as you complete your work and attend your meetings, it shouldn't matter what schedule you follow!
If You're Applying for Jobs, Always Take the Time to Write a Cover Letter and Tailor Your Resume: Like many things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to job applications. It's important to take your time and ensure that you are focusing on the right roles for you. Devote effort to crafting tailored cover letters and resumes that align with the job descriptions, your career goals, and your experience. This approach will enable you to submit fewer but higher-quality applications, rather than spending excessive time sending out generalized applications that may not get noticed by today's HR systems.
Make Time for Your Hobbies and Passions: I understand that it can be challenging for high-achieving women to find time for their passions and hobbies, especially when juggling other responsibilities like managing a chronic illness or caring for children and pets. However, making time for yourself is essential. It allows you to recharge, enabling you to show up as your best self in all areas of your life. Prioritizing your own needs can prevent burnout and help you express your feelings in positive ways, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.
Take Your Vacation Time: Don't feel guilty about taking time off! There’s no benefit for anyone who doesn’t use the time off they need. You’ll never get that time back, even if you receive a payout for unused vacation at the beginning of the next year. We all need breaks—so take them! The work will still be there when you return, and everything will be okay. Your company can never compensate you for the weeks you could have spent enjoying time with your kids at Disney World, relaxing with your spouse in the Bahamas, or playing with your pets at the park. Whatever your plans may be, make the most of your time off!
Disclose Personal Information Cautiously: Social media can create the impression that we should share everything with everyone, but that is not necessarily true. While some people are more comfortable sharing personal information, others prefer to keep things private. It's important to understand where you stand on this spectrum. You are not obligated to share everything with everyone, and if someone is pressuring you to do so, consider seeking advice from a professional on how to handle the situation.
Learn to Pull in Others Where You Aren't a Subject Matter Expert (SME): Remember, you don’t have to be everything to everyone! While you may have a little knowledge about many topics, there's great value in bringing in subject matter experts (SMEs) to assist you. Don’t hesitate to invite others into your circle. This approach will help you build trust in your entrepreneurial endeavors (if that’s your focus) and foster valuable connections.
Put in Your Time: Recognition doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on developing your expertise in your subject matter, staying curious, and learning from those around you. Growth takes time, and making mistakes is a natural part of the process. Stay humble, continue to show up, and trust that your efforts will be recognized. Always strive to become the person you envision for yourself. Additionally, be mindful of your privilege in any situation you encounter.
Never Burn a Bridge: Whenever possible, avoid burning bridges. You may think you will never encounter a certain person or have business dealings with them again, but that is often not the case. Even if your experience in that work environment wasn’t positive, always strive to leave on the best terms possible. Not for them, for YOU!
Don't Be Afraid to Fail: As high-achieving women, I know it can be hard to hear and accept, but you have to be willing to make mistakes. It's the only way you'll learn. We are all ALWAYS works in progress...
Take Your Time: I know it might feel like a race, but remember what I said earlier—only compare yourself to who you were yesterday. Give yourself grace and second chances. Just because something didn't work out the first time doesn't mean you're done for. If you woke up today, you can try again. Life is both short and long. While we may not know how much time we have left, always learn as if you’ll live forever. Keep growing through what you experience. Success may come in waves—at 21, 39, 57, and beyond. There’s no single way to define success or growth; do it on your own terms and feel secure in that. You got this!
What else would you add to this list of 31 tips for ambitious women at work? Share in the comments.
DISCLOSURE: These tips are not directed at any one person, company, or experience. They’re a reflection of insights gathered over 16 years—shaped by personal experiences and conversations with friends and peers throughout my career.
