ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR JOB?

By Dr. Beverly Hyatt

Black women 55 years of age and older comprised about 14% of the U.S. workforce population in 2021. This percentage is expected to increase by 5% over the next two years. The greying of the U.S. workforce stimulated me to reflect upon the last 20 years of my working life and, in particular, the challenges I faced over the prior two-plus decades as a minority woman in the U.S. workforce. Was it all worth it?

There is a wealth of information indicating that Black woman in their late 50s and 60s are at risk for experiencing multiple forms of workplace mistreatment, discrimination, gendered racism, sexism, ageism, and stereotypical messages from supervisors and coworkers that at the very least can be daunting and disheartening. Picture yourself walking toward a group of colleagues with everyone looking at you and whispering as you walk by. I also endured the negative ramifications of the “only experience”— being the only Black female, or one of the only Black females at work and feeling targeted and consistently observed each day. To combat the detrimental “emotional tax” of feeling like I had to work twice as hard, I relied on strategies handed down by ancestors to cope: just ignore the negativity from others, do better at work, dress better, be more professional, and find ways to demonstrate your intelligence.

Over time, these kinds of microaggressions made me angry and I disliked those responsible for their prejudicial acts. Over the years, I learned to develop coping strategies that helped to protect myself against work-related stress and negative imagery. In order to help cope with racial and gender discrimination, I found strength and balance from within by appreciating the value I brought to my work, integrity I exhibit as an adult woman and dedicated employee, social circle, family, and faith. Furthermore, seeking mentorship opportunities, relying on support from loved ones and family, as well as discussing feelings with others, helped to alleviate negative self-images created by ongoing, often subtle, forms of microaggression. Relying on my strong internal compass guided by faith proved to be my bedrock, enabling me to remain optimistic and resolute in my own self-worth.

Now at age 65 and no longer formally employed, I can answer that question as to whether my efforts were worth it. Yes! I am fortunate in that I left a legacy with my company that cannot be erased—nor will it ever be forgotten! I developed great teams and a culture that reinforced the company’s values and principles.

Organizations that recognize and embrace employee wellness would benefit from developing mentorship and mental health programs whereby Black women can freely share their experiences in a safe environment at work. Developing a greater sense of empowerment may result in Black women enjoying increased satisfaction and happiness within their jobs, inducing them to work well into their retirement years if that is what they want. Such efforts are totally worth it!.u

References : Krickivich, A, Nadeau, M.C, Robinson, K., Robinson, N., Starikova, I., Yee, L. (2108). Women in the Workplace 2018. Retrieved from https:// www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/gender-equality/women-in-theworkplace-2018?cid=other-eml-alt-mip-mck-1810&hlkid=0134406f96… James, T.,Martinez, K.M (2020). Gendered Racism in the Lives of Black Women: A Qualitative Exploration. Journal of Black Psychology. doi: 10.1177/0095798420962257

White, M.S., Burns, C., Conlon, H.A.,Cohn-S(2018). The Impact of an Aging Population in the Workplace. Workplace Health & Safety. doi: 10.1177/2165079917752191 Spates, K., Evans, N. M., Watts, B.C., Abubakar, N. James, T. (2019). Keeping Ourselves Sane: A Qualitative Exploration of Black Women’s Coping Strategies for Gendered Racism. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/ s11199-019-01077-1