Recently I read one of the most misguided business-related blog posts ever. In it author Penelope Trunk asserts that she got terrible career advice from older women in the field. Trunk's primary demographic is Generation Y but after reading some of what she considers to be "better advice" one is left to wonder whether she can legitimately advise her readers about operating in today's business arena. Here are just a few highlights of what she considers to be sound advice along with my response to them:
- She dangerously suggests that sexual harassment in the workplace should not be reported. Why? Because in her view unlike in the 1970's, everyone knows it happens & things aren't going to change. Basically, "boys will be boys."
- My response: This is antithetical to the law as well as any workplace policy. Common sense dictates dealing with it in a sensible way but deal with it
- Trunk asserts that the salary gap between men & women no longer exists
- My response: Not only is this factually incorrect but reportedly the salary gap that currently exists [women currently get paid 75.5 cents to every dollar paid to a man] is widening not narrowing
- She discourages women from reading in order to advance & or sharpen their professional skills in a time when companies are not inclined to hire anyone who is behind the cutting edge in their disciplines. Instead she insists that it is more important to be true to yourself
- My response: While this is a point where she & I can share some agreement, staying true to yourself does not have to come at the expense of staying current. After all, while Generation Y may be on the cutting edge today, they also must prepare themselves for tomorrow
- According to Trunk, women need to mate in their mid-twenties in order to be mindful of their biological clock.
- My response: I can't fault her math when it comes to women's bodies but this is something that simply cannot be easily scheduled like keeping the trains running on time nor can it be done alone. Even under optimal circumstances, frequently people aren't emotionally ready to be parents in their twenties
These are just some of her "tips" for Generation Y women. Trunk's suggestions are dangerous, foolhardy, & frankly are either groundless or grossly misrepresent the facts. The irony is that her incredibly poor advice supports the fact that bad advice can come from anywhere & is not limited to age, gender, or generation.
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