A woman's career is different from that of a man's. Some say that even the word Career is too strong "My job history is not a career." 

I conducted a survey on woman's career and values in Finland to understand better the realities of a high-achieving woman. Women start later and finish earlier, they tend to make value-based decisions on their career, put family first and face old attitudes and platitudes. All this makes career management sex-related.

Many women described what they have seen in their working life; having to work temporary jobs, having to leave own needs to the last to find flexibility between work and other life, being paid less and not being appreciated for being working mothers. "Motherhood is not appreciated, it is seen more as a burden," wrote one of the women.

Many are confident about their skills and have high motivation, they wish to advance in their career. However, there are many who are too modest, not clear about their career wishes and wish to be "found". Many feel that they are not seen as competent candidates and they would appreciate a boss who could "see their potential". Many feel that companies are too male dominant and that strong women are seen as "hard, even scary".  

Many give credit to their networks; family, spouse and social networks. Many high-achieving mothers give thanks to their spouses. Only few women receive coaching or mentoring, many more would welcome it.

"It is too much this OR that -choices, I would want to live a BOTH life. The question is how to combine a demanding and interesting job with family values and looking after myself."

High-achieving woman, you are not alone in the career zic-zac. Here is a few tips on how you can make a difference in  your career:

1 Get a mentor or a coach. Talk about your sentiments, share your worries, ask for guidance. There are many mentoring programs available and there are also many men, who wish to mentor women. Women need men in their career. It is about 50/50 balance. Ask for a volunteer mentor or hire a coach/mentor.

2 Influence your employer's HR practises and culture. Family-friendly cultures can be built. In Finland you can find some excellent tips for bosses & HR practises here: #parassyy https://www.parassyy.fi/ (by Väestöliitto).

3 Ask for feedback and share your career wishes. Talk like a leader. If you wish to advance in your career, state it clearly, ask for leadership training, apply for leadership programs, study further, look for and accept new challenges. Way to the top is zic-zac, get experience from several company functions, not just one.

4 Not everyone is up to leadership positions. It takes a lot and needs compromises in your life. Find out about what it takes and if you willing to accept it. 

5 Pace yourself. Working careers are longer than ever. Design your life in different life stages and build good routines & networks. It is also good to remember that nobody misses their workplaces at the hour of the final call. Balance in life is invaluable.

"There is hard pressure in trying to balance work and family. If you want to have greater role at work, it means longer hours. It takes a lot of balancing, but is has been worth it."