Beyond the Numbers: The Cost of Self-Doubt

When I read this article stating that women continue to earn more than $12,000 less annually than men, I couldn't help but wonder…

How much of that gap is measured in dollars, and how much is measured in confidence?

Now, before anyone misunderstands me, I'm not suggesting women are responsible for the gender pay gap. There are systemic issues that deserve attention. 

But I also believe that there's another part of this conversation that deserves just as much attention: how our experiences shape the way we see ourselves and our worth. Our belief in ourselves. One statement from the article especially caught my attention: the gender pay gap exists at every education level and widens significantly as women get older and advance in their careers. 

As someone who is over that "magical" age of 50 and someone who never earned a college degree, that statistic hit differently. I have built a career that I am incredibly proud of. I've earned certifications, accepted leadership roles, served on boards, and built relationships that have opened doors I never could have imagined. Yet, there are moments when I walk into a room and question whether I belong there - not because I haven't earned my seat, but because someone once made me question whether I had. 

Throughout my career, I've worked for leaders who have inspired me to grow, challenged me to think bigger, and gave me opportunities I may not have pursued on my own. I've also worked for leaders who did the opposite, and their words still live rent-free in my head many years later. Comments that made me question whether I was experienced enough, smart enough or even, ready enough.

Those experiences don't simply disappear. They can quietly follow you into meetings, interviews, leadership opportunities, and yes, even salary conversations. 

As I reflected further, I found myself then wondering… 

While no single factor explains the gender pay gap, What if part of the solution is also changing the conversations we have with, and about, women? 

The article provided us with statistics. My hope is that we never lose sight of the people behind those statistics. Every number represents a woman, a career, a conversation, and a moment where someone either found the confidence to advocate for herself or was made to question whether she should. 

When women know their worth, we are more likely to advocate for it. And when we help other women recognize theirs, we don't just build confidence, we build a future where every woman feels she has earned her place at the table. 

~Kelly Moore Community Impact Chair, Brave Women Project AVP, Business & Community Development, cfsbank 

​Ordained Wedding Officiant and Storyteller, Moore Love Enterprises

Board President, ​Leadership Washington County