Why finding a job for higher positions as a woman is difficult?

19 Comments

1. Lisa McCartneyDecember 29,2025 at 5:32AM UTC

   If you are in the States, that question would definitely be illegal. No matter where you are though there is always that glass ceiling women are trying to break through.

   I think partly women take on more of the roles of the household, especially if kids come along ~ so there is not the time spent in the workforce, meaning more money. Also for so long it was thought women couldn't "handle" the work (proven false).

2. Dr. Patty GrossDecember 29,2025 at 3:11PM UTC

   If you are in the US, asking about marital status is illegal. Did you voluntarily discuss the family emergency as a reason for your sabatical? If they are that concerned about your "commitment," it is a red flag anyway, and you probably wouldn't want to work there, as they will run you to death and pay you peanuts.

3. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 2:35AM UTC

   This response screams uninformed. It’s a systemic issue that women will be slowly but surely digging themselves out of for decades before wages and opportunities catch enough to be in line with men.

   I get the vibe that you’re one of those men that take this as an, "us vs them" problem and get defensive rather than curious. Please, do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to comb through a few varying articles that break down the actual numbers simply.

   Funnily enough, you already pointed out some of the main points behind why these discrepancies systemically hinder women’s opportunities to compete with men in climbing the ladder (on average) because, despite entering the workforce at the line, the burden of childcare and familial responsibilities still unevenly fall on women over men regardless of who the breadwinner is!

   The SKILLS and GAPS you referenced above are EXACTLY where the problem lies. Because women are still predominantly burdened with a bulk of household duties and, as a result, often have little choice but to pause their career for a few early years (compounded by the increasingly unaffordable costs of child care), they are forevermore stunted in career growth compared to their husbands who got to keep their jobs with no noticeable impact on their earning and growth potential after having kids.

4. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 12:32PM UTC

   If you're in the USA, asking your marital status was an illegal question and the employer should be reported to the EEOC. The job market is tough for everyone right now, but it shouldn't be even tougher for women (although sexism still exists and can be hard to prove.) I have the feeling that you are multilingual, which is amazing! Consider adding that to your resume if applying for any type of customer service-related job because that is a valuable skill to have. Also make sure you proofread before submitting a resume or other materials to an employer. Here's hoping you find something soon!

5. GirlBossanova934974December 30,2025 at 1:18PM UTC

   As others have already said, asking your marital status is illegal. When one hears those sorts of questions, you know you are not dealing with a company that is legitimate. Only bad things come after that. Who knows what other laws they are breaking? How many lawsuits have been filed against them, etc???

6. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 1:44PM UTC

   That question was illegal.

   Because men have all the confidence in the world regardless of skill.

7. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 3:03PM UTC

   unless they live in a country where it's not illegal. Do not assume everyone on here is in the US. Different countries, different laws and in some places, it's absolutely legal to ask about a woman's marriage status, # of children and family plans, etc and not hire them if the company doesn't like the answers.

   Don't assume women are safe from discrimination in the US either. There are ways of asking these questions without asking these questions and our rights are nothing more than illusions that can be stripped at any time.

8. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 5:58PM UTC

   What about my reply was assuming ?

9. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 1:23PM UTC

   It was a general 'don't assume' not personally directed at you. Defensive much?

10. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 1:45PM UTC

    Based on the question they asked her it is indeed a thing. Im a woman in corporate land and its still a thing.

11. The Moonlit QuillDecember 30,2025 at 2:14PM UTC

    Wait, what? Who does that? Your marital status has nothing to do with your employment history or working experience; and, quite frankly it's none of their business! Nor should it reflect on your commitment potential to a job. Some people get divorced against their will, especially aging couples where one spouse wants a younger partner. That a person is shoved out of the marriage bed doesn't mean they have commitment issues. Lord have mercy, what is this world coming to.

12. Elizabeth Stiles WestDecember 30,2025 at 8:57PM UTC

    A publication called Premium Times, based in Nigeria, offers some tips regarding women being hired in that country. I would also suggest she talk to successful women in her town or city and network with them. Do you have additional ideas as to what you think she should do?

13. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 5:56PM UTC

    She did not mention where she is from. How would we know?

14. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 5:57PM UTC

    How would I know that?

15. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 1:55PM UTC

    I don't agree with this, from first hand observations. Women in the tech org I left had 5 out of 7 Director positions, and the MD was female. The promotional pathway leaned heavily toward women, many of which were entirely deserving. That said, I no longer wanted to work in an org where I felt invisible (working remotely full time did not help), and where performative impressions at times seemed to take precedence over legitimate technological aptitude. Maybe if you stop viewing your current situation thru the lens of bias, it will improve. I think the old boys club left the building around 7 years ago or so, but your mileage may vary. I pivoted into a full time "in person" role where I have agency and autonomy and am happy as hell.

16. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 6:57PM UTC

    It is illegal to ask about your marital status. Rude too.

17. Janet ParkhurstJanuary 3,2026 at 4:05AM UTC

    I think you are being unduly harsh. Of course we have the same options... in theory. And all that you said is true--but some companies prefer a man over a woman every time. Same skill set. Same experience. No gaps. It has happened to me, even when the man has gotten complaints from customers and I've gotten nothing but kudos. It's called LIFE ISN'T FAIR. I don't think the OP is presenting herself as a victim at all. I think she is just understandably frustrated. Cut her some slack, please.

18. Dr. Patty GrossJanuary 15,2026 at 2:18PM UTC

    Yes, for the 10th time. We get it. That wasn't part of the post when I responded, and why I prefaced my response with, "If you are in the US ...."

19. ErinJanuary 17,2026 at 2:50PM UTC

    Please tell the name of the employer who asked about your private life/marital status.