At a critical transition point in my career after motherhood, a woman I deeply admire, with a more senior than my position in the organization, gave this valuable piece of advice: Never be afraid to ask and don’t delay what you know must be done.

In your quest for balance, there are times when you know what is it that the organization could do for you (not a “special concession”, it is something within code, but perhaps just slightly “unusual”) that you need in order to achieve or maintain some basic balance in your life; yet you feel uncertain about daring to present the idea to your boss or worse yet, you do not think you can even ask if it could be considered, time goes by and you have the matter unresolved … Why?!

There is no simple answer.

Sometimes it is that the organization you are part of does not embrace the WDignity Culture, there is no focus on enhancing or preserving the dignity of your feminine identity and you think you have nowhere else to go, that you are stuck there … and you stay stucked! You tell yourself: Well, it is a job, it pays the bills, I like what I do – although not always my contributions are appreciated, but my personal situation “cannot afford making noise now”.

Other times, you work for a wonderful corporation, there is policy around open dialogue on this matter and you know it is a topic that can be raised, yet you feel that though “in code” it would be perceived as a “concession” or “a favor” or “an accommodation” or others will think less of you, your job, your contributions … The policy is not truly embraced in the corporate culture or it is only partially embraced.

When you have the courage to ask, to seek, to explore, you uncover where you stand and make clear your options to choose what is best for you … Owning your choices gives you strength to move forward as valued talent in the organization – while balancing your personal life or allows you to find the right organization to place your talents at play.

Do you have the courage to ask yourself if you are happy with what you have, with where you are? Do you have the courage to ask for what you need, or to move on to seek it? … Time is of the essence!