When the going gets tough....

I admit I sometimes wonder if it is all worth the while. I look at the mountain (literaly) of laundry and think about how pretty the kids are when they are clean, I take a look at the dirty dishes piling up in the sink and think about how pleased everybody are when full, I take a look at the filthy floors and remember how happy they were as they charged in without taking their shoes off...

So, I roll up my sleeves and clean up, put everything back in place as I turn the stereo up to full volume. Yes, good music makes it pretty ok after all... And yet: some times I worry:

HE WORKS, SHE WORKS - BUT WHAT DIFFERENT IMPRESSIONS THEY MAKE

Some time ago, when I was sorting old paperwork which had been piling up for quite some time (I suspect we are talking years and years here), I found this list of different impressions men and women give when doing their job. It was a list to demonstrate to us (I was a student at the time we got it) how everything can be said, but the impression is tinted by what words you choose to use.

Having a few years of work experience, I find it more amusing now than I did then, maybe you recognize one or two... or more? So... here it goes:

Have you ever found yourself up against the old double-standard at work? Then you know how annoying it can be and how lonely you can feel. Supervisors and co-workers still judge us by old stereotypes that say women are emotional, disorganized and inefficient. Here are some of the most glaring examples of the typical office double-standard.

The family picture is on HIS desk: Ah, a solid responsible family man.

The family picture is on HER desk: Hm, her family will come before her career.

HIS desk is cluttered: He’s obviously a hard worker and busy man.

HER desk is cluttered: She’s obviously a disorganized scatterbrain.

HE’s talking with co-workers: He must be discussing the latest deal.

SHE’s talking with co-workers: She must be gossiping.

HE’s not at his desk: He must be at a meeting.

SHE’s not at her desk: She must be in the ladies’ room.

HE’s having lunch with the boss: He’s on his way up.

SHE’s having lunch with the boss: They must be having an affair.

HE’s getting married: He’ll get more settled

SHE’s getting married: She’ll get pregnant and leave.

HE’s having a baby: He’ll need a raise.

SHE’s having a baby: She’ll cost the company money in maternity benefits.

HE’s leaving for a better job: He recognizes a good opportunity.

SHE’s leaving for a better job: Women are undependable.

HE’s Aggressive.

SHE’s pushy.

HE’s careful.

SHE’s picky.

HE loses his temper.

SHE’s bitchy.

HE’s depressed.

SHE’s moody.

HE follows through.

SHE doesn’t know when to quit.

HE’s firm

SHE’s stubborn.

HE makes wise judgements.

SHE reveals her prejudices.

HE is a man of the world.

SHE’s been around.

HE isn’t afraid to say what he thinks.

SHE’s opinionated.

HE exercises authority.

SHE’s tyrannical.

HE’s discreet.

SHE’s secretive.

HE’s a stern taskmaster.

SHE’s difficult to work for.