Friday, August 11, 2006
My advisor emailed me an excellent article which appeared recently in New York Times, about women in Wall Street. The article basically highlights the main problem that the women have in finding a work-life balance. Because of the long working hours (80 hours week!), a number of women have left their jobs to care for their families. Female financiers today are more aggressive about demanding fulfilling careers and family lives, and are willing to walk away from firms that do not meet their needs. Firms have realized the potential loss they face as a result of females in their 30s leaving their jobs and are increasing their efforts in trying to recruit them back.
The article also points out a few trends, like fewer women pursuing MBA and choosing Wall Street as their preferred industry. Another one I find really interesting is that quite a number of grad schools are recruiting younger women (Wharton's incoming call this fall will have twice as many students with 0 to 4 years of work experience compared to last year!), in a bid to get women into business sooner.
I guess the article has given me a better insight into a career in the financial sector. I knew it would be tough, long working hours and all, but I'm not sure if I'll be prepared to make sacrifices along the way.
I've sort of planned how my next few years will be like, but you know, I realize that I've got to keep things in perspective. No matter how hard/good I plan, ultimately everything is in God's hands. He is the one in control of my life.
posted by vivien at 11:24 AM