Women are less likely to take risks than men. In many ways this can be considered a good thing, but not when it comes to our careers.

It is estimated that (globally) women carry out at least 2.5 times more unpaid work than men, but for every dollar men earn, women earn 77 cents. At present, there are only 9 female CEO’s in FTSE 100 companies, and there is a lack of women in positions of power across all industries.

Our aversion to calculated risk taking simply means women are less likely to put themselves in positions where the outcome could be greatly beneficial. For example, starting a business, or initiating pay reviews with an employer. Women are also less likely than men to apply for a job where they do not meet all of the entry requirements.

Risk taking is necessary sometimes, although the thought of it can be especially unsettling for neurodivergent women. Particularly those who experience Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (a severe emotional pain because of a failure or feeling rejected). So, what do we do about it?

Understand the importance of risk taking in your career

Simply put, you never know where it can lead you. Our founder Emily Banks, a neurodivergent woman, took a risk when she founded Enna. The result of taking that risk has led to employing a team who are dedicated to building more neuro-inclusive workspaces through consulting, training, and recruitment services. The risk of 1 woman has created a ripple effect of positive change.

In order to level the playing field – to move towards an equal society with equal pay and inclusive opportunities, we need more women in positions of authority. Especially more neurodivergent women, who can see problems and solutions through an intersectional lens.

How can women who experience RSD get more comfortable with risk taking?

If you’re a woman who experiences rejection sensitivity dysphoria, the thought of taking a risk is certain to conjure up feelings of anxiety. You can mitigate this by:

1. Doing your research – Whether you are negotiating pay or starting a business, research is key. Even if you’re not feeling confident, you will appear more confident when you have hard data to support your request, ideas, or pitch.
2. Taking care of yourself – Remember, treating yourself like a precious object makes you stronger. Having systems in place to manage your health and wellbeing will help to manage your RSD too. Try tapping therapy to quickly alleviate anxieties and restore a sense of calm in the body. You could even do this in the bathroom before or after meetings/interviews.
3. Honouring your feelings – If something makes you angry, it’s an indication your boundaries have been crossed. It helps you define your values. Do you desire to do something, then the thought of actually doing it makes you want to shrivel up and hide? This indicates the thing you are putting off is of great importance to you. Fear of failure or rejection is NORMAL! Although these feelings can be heightened by our neurodivergence, the greater your emotions, the greater the opportunity is to learn about yourself.
4. Building a strong support system – Talk to people you trust about your concerns, and allow them to build you up, or be there for you if you don’t get the outcome you were hoping for.
5. Starting small – Taking small steps towards breaking out of your comfort zone will help to build up your confidence, little by little.

The theme for international women’s day 2024 is ‘inspire inclusion’. We want to remind neurodivergent women to never allow fear or negative thoughts to stand in the way of your goals. Taking calculated risks in your career can be the thing that propels you towards a better life. You could earn more money, have greater job satisfaction, and advocate for other neurodivergent women when you enter those spaces.

Ready to find your next opportunity with a Neuroinclusive employer? Take a look at our jobs board