Let Nothing Hold You Back

Not too long ago, I had a deep conversation with someone about American economics and opportunities. That person, being from an overseas country, said America isn’t like the dream they sold her. She then asked, “Do you feel being African American has ever held you back?” The answer was and remains an affirmative no. If you face discrimination because of your gender, lack of experience, race or other reason, know that those who discriminate against you don’t own the keys to your progress.

Be Self-Assured by Doing

Sometimes, you have an overwhelming sense of the imposter syndrome because you feel underprepared. The only way to quell that self-doubt is to better prepare yourself. Think about it from this angle. If your gas light is rapidly blinking, you realize the car will turn off if you don’t fill up. If you keep driving, you’ll stress yourself wondering if you’ll make it home before the fuel burns out. You’re not confident you’ll make it.

… you might get turned down by a dozen employers. Don’t take it personally.

On the other hand, when you decide to pull into the gas station, you sigh a breath of relief. After getting gas, you’re confident that you’ll make it to your destination. Refueling reignited your confidence.

That said, you don’t always have every skill an employer is looking for, but you can develop those skills. Microsoft Word and Teams probably aren’t programs you use every day, but they’re easy to learn. Think of how you can develop skills you need but don’t have.

… any person in business would hire the competent employee over the not-so-competent.

Also, you might get turned down by a dozen employers. Don’t take it personally. Keep trying, and if nothing happens, redo your résumé and cover letter. Check them and recheck them for spelling errors and accuracy. Ask a friend to look it over and offer feedback. After changing it up some, you’ll end up getting more attention and actual interview requests.

In this country, it’s not unusual to encounter sexism or racism. Luckily, many employers hire fairly. They don’t care who you date or if you’re a certain gender. All that matters is whether you get the work done. Surely, any person in business would hire the competent employee over the not-so-competent.

Be Resourceful

When you don’t have access to endless wealth, you have to know more than those who do. As an example, most millionaires probably let their lawyers worry about their LLCs’ yearly paperwork. You’ll have to know how to manage it yourself. Or you’ll have to pay someone. Because you start off with less than a millionaire, you have to find and use resources.

If you have a problem with a corporation, you usually can’t call up the owner like Amazon CEO Jess Bezos can. You can spend months trying to resolve an issue only for the company to ghost you. That’s why you have to know consumer protection laws and become familiar with lawyers who take certain cases for free.

You have rights, and there are organizations and lawyers to help you enforce those rights for free.

On that note, become familiar with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and local consumer rights groups. File a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office in your state when a company does something wrong to you. Know who can help you if you are discriminated against.

A company might mistreat you because of how you look or where you live. You can literally make them pay you dollars if their actions arise to a civil or criminal offense. You have rights, and there are organizations and lawyers to help you assert those rights for free.

The Takeaway

Let nothing hold you back. One person’s negative behavior isn’t reflective of the entire world. Discrimination exists, but it can hold you back only if you let it. Even if you have encountered the word “No” more times you’d like to hear, it takes just one “Yes.” Be resourceful, and assert your rights. Question yourself, and give good answers. Don’t ever doubt yourself.

This article was written by Jermaine Reed, MFA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Reeders Block. Join the email list to get notifications on new blog posts and books. Join Jermaine in the new Bigger Me 💪 Discord for more personal growth tips. This article is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human.