WHAT DOES VOTING HAVE TO DO WITH YOUR CAREER? WELL, EVERYTHING.
Are you patiently waiting for your chance to approach your supervisor about your rock star performance and that handsome compensation increase you’re expecting? In our professional lives, we expect to be rewarded for our hard work, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Failing to vote could eventually impact your ability to get a raise, secure employment, or obtain some of the benefits you enjoy at work and during your personal time.
But what if you could do something that will significantly improve your life as well as others’? What if you could simultaneously ensure your professional and personal future is protected?
As we gear up for the 2016 Presidential Election, failing to vote could eventually impact your ability to get a raise, secure employment, or obtain some of the benefits you enjoy at work and during your personal time.
Consider these powerful statements you make by voting:
I AM HERE AND I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY
We earned the right to vote in elections in August of 1920. We fought hard for it. Women no longer have to remain silent in the background so don’t. Make bold statements simply by showing up at the polls.
I CARE ABOUT MY FUTURE AND THAT OF MY FAMILY
A lot can happen in a political term including significant steps forward (or back) for women in the workplace. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (equal pay for women for equal work) was only signed in 2009. Can you believe that? Six years ago, we didn’t have that simple right. Protecting every woman’s long-term success and well-being is far more important than your boss patting you on the back for a well-executed project.
I DO NOT TAKE THE RIGHT TO VOTE LIGHTLY
It’s easy to brush off the right to vote, simply because it has always been a factor in your lifetime. In addition to caring about your future, you should also pay homage to the women of your past who did not have this luxury.
Don’t just vote, be in the know. With the 2016 election campaign underway, you may be thinking that you have plenty of time to make up your mind on the candidates, but that’s not true. Don’t wait until the last minute and make rushed decisions. Consider where you stand on the issues now.
Protecting every woman’s long-term success and well being is far more important than your boss patting you on the back for a well-executed project.
Research the candidates beyond their televised speeches (which they likely didn’t write) to find out what they stand for. Look into their backgrounds, including how their values align with your goals, mission, and beliefs. Read up on how they’ve voted on issues you consider important.
Whether this is your first time voting or one of many, don’t miss it. The only way to make your vote count is to cast it. Otherwise, you will join the ranks of people who talk about change but do nothing to make change happen.
So go ahead, fight for your raise. Just don’t forget to fight for your rights as well.
This article was written by Devay Campbell; This post originally appeared on Career Contessa
About Devay Campbell, PHR, SHRM-CP
Devay Campbell is an International Career Coach, certified Human Resources professional, and two time Amazon best-selling author. Her books include The BEST Job Interview Advice Book and Her Chronicles (co-author.)
Devay is the CEO and founder of Career 2 Cents and Career Hustlers Club. She leverages her professional and personal experience to empower individuals and audiences (with an emphasis on youth and women) in the areas of interviewing, personal brand, leadership, workplace success, resumes, conflict resolution, negotiating and more. For a FREE Consultation or to discuss speaking opportunities visit www.devaycampbell.com
Devay Campbell offers free 15 minute discovery calls. Download the first chapter of The BEST Job interview Advice Book.