Value yourself

Yesterday was International Women's Day, and the theme was equal work opportunities everywhere for woman. Today, woman are a stronge presence in the work force, but the "wage gap" still exists. This is often an overlooked source of insecurity for many of us ladies. The statistics are out there, but more importantly than what the numbers say right now, how to change this situation should be the main focus.

In order to get what you want, you need to know what you want, and you need to ask for what you want. But if you're out there working hard without giving yourself the credit you deserve, you're putting yourself at a disadvantage. It's about time all that hard work pays off! Here are some Guiltless tips on how to stay true to yourself while also getting what you deserve on the job:

1.) Value yourself: When you're discussing salary, don't underestimate your worth. There are so many tools out there to help you determine the salary you deserve. And remember, if you are working there, it means your work is valued and needed.

2.) Be Confident: Stand behind the work you do. You're efforts are imense, so don't shy away from showing them off. Of course it's important to be flexible and adaptive in the work place, but it's important to acknowledge your well thought out points and to stand by them. If you're not behind your own work, who will be?

3.) Take a break!: Studies show that sleep and rest are just as important as hard work when you're moving your way to the top. Give yourself a break once in a while in order to let your brain recharge and reboot. Sometimes turning yourself off is the hardest thing to do, but it often pays off more than you'd expect.

What's it like for you in the workplace? If you're a woman, do you feel that your gender makes a difference in your perceived value at work? If you're a man, what are your thoughts on this gender gap?