Without a doubt, you’ve heard the phrase. It is displayed on t-shirts and written on coffee mugs. Notebooks and calendars are glossed over. You won’t need to look too hard to find it because someone in your network has to possess something or have shared a social media image with the hashtag #GirlBoss. Whether you like it or not, it is here.
However, Girl Boss culture may not be what we need. At its core, the movement is a marketing gimmick to motivate women to topple an unconquerable system.
The term “Girl Boss culture” is used to describe women who are dominating the workplace. It refers to female business owners who put in excessive hours (often referred to as workaholism) despite the systemic barriers placed in their path (commonly referred to as sexism) and somehow manage to use the system’s flaws to their advantage.
But in reality, Girl Boss culture is considerably grimmer than some blazer-clad businesswomen stomping through deadlines. In fact, it might even be harmful.
Girl boss culture encourages women to do more to prove that they are bosses. Have a 9-5, a side hustle, be a great mom and wife. Do all of these things at optimal level and show no signs of exhaustion. For those who do not subscribe to this notion, it may come across as if they are not ambitious enough and make them feel inadequate. It does not encourage rest and doing just enough so that you and your family are well taken care of.
We do not all need to be bosses, especially girl bosses. It is okay to live your own life without being pressured to do more and show up more than you already do.
Also see: How to overcome imposter syndrome
