Whether we like it or not, how we assess ourselves has an indirect impact on employer choices and our working circumstances. The most notable example is two Assistant Directors with nearly identical experience. The first examines opportunities starting at $20,000 and successfully goes to interviews; the second is seeking a career starting at $10,000 but does not feel she would be successful. As a consequence, both obtain employment. On the terms, they chose for themselves.
The feedback we receive from the outside world has a significant impact on our self-esteem. This is, first and foremost, parenting and trust in us. Second, but not least, what management we worked with, what corporate culture we were exposed to, and how the employer assessed our performance.
