In this new era, I feel like I’ve read it a lot of articles or books that always stated “As women, yes we can have it all”. Then, recently I have discovered that the former first lady Michelle Obama spoke about this particular topic while on tour for her book “becoming”. Where she spoke about how her marriage, motherhood, work and how she’s balancing it all.
She challenged the concept of “Leaning In” the concept of term that was created by Sheryl Sandberg the COO of Facebook. The concept describing how women should be more assertive and to move towards leading rather than supportive roles. The “Lean in” concept had good intentions. There aren’t enough women in leadership roles especially in corporates settings. Sandberg said throughout her life, she was told about the inequalities in the workplace and how hard it would be to have a career and a family.
Which I personally think it is good. It is empowering more women to focus on their ambition, achieving success and to reach their full potential. But the main question is how do we achieve success without sacrificing too much? This is where Michelle Obama stepped in.
“I tell women, that whole ‘you can have it all’ — nope, not at the same time; that’s a lie,” Obama said. “It’s not always enough to lean in because that s--- doesn’t work.”
In a candid moment, Obama cussed. Yes, it's impolite to use profanity, especially in public, but there are some issues that bring out the cussing spirit, as my pastor likes to joke.
Here is a woman who seems as though she truly has it all, giving the rest of us a sigh of huge relief as a human that it is okay not to have it all. At least not at the same time.
Source: washingtonpost.com, harpersbazaar.com, telegraph.co.uk