The dictionary defines 'just' used as an adverb as 'simply; only; no more than.' Anna of Purple Squirrel Recruitment and a FlexCareers community member talks about the use of this word in our everyday language and how we use it to undermine what we do.
If you’ve ever read my blogs, you know they pretty much all come from real life scenarios. And I’ve been at it again.
New year, new preschool life and there aren’t just new friends for my youngest, but also some new grown-up friends for me! We have been doing playdates galore and in the process, I have been meeting some amazing parents juggling careers and little monkeys. But twice in the last week, I have been shocked enough to do the side-head tilt thing – “huh?”
So, I’m a recruiter, and of course one of my first questions is “are you working at the moment?” and, if so, “What do you do?” is the second. Lately, the mums I have been meeting say the same thing “Oh, I’m just working in (insert place here)”.
So, I called one of these mums out.
Why do you say “just” when you answer that question?
After an awkward pause, she said that it was because it didn’t feel like a “real” job as it was part-time or not really want they want to be doing as a forever job. But why? One is working in retail fashion and I was a little jealous, to be honest – the discounts, the interaction with so many people, the clock in and clock out (no bringing work home, thanks) – amazing!
Why do we undervalue the work we do – whatever that may be? Unfortunately, women, in particular, are notorious for it.
You might be working part-time while studying something you are passionate about, to change careers or you want to spend time with little ones while they are.. well, little! That’s ok. You might be working an interim job that gains skills to take you to the career you’ve always dreamt of. That’s ok. You might not be working at all. If that’s what you want – that’s ok. You don’t need to justify that to anyone, let alone me!
You don’t need to justify your life choices to anyone.
If we want to grow our own confidence; to build our own internal strength; to achieve our goals; we need to believe in ourselves and it is ok to show this to the world. I talked last week about the #sorrynotsorry concept, and this seems to be part of the same issue.
Next time you send an email (and this is directed to me too!), think about your language. Next time you answer a question about what you do, think before you answer and DO NOT use the word “just”. Take ownership of what you do, the language you use and how you present yourself. This is something that no one else can do for you-you need to do it yourself.
I have removed it completely. What other steps can you take to be the person you want to show others you are or can be? Language is so important. How can you “flip it” (as Monica Kade so often asks)?
In case you needed one more reason to consider removing the word “just” from your vocabulary, check out Math’s Rockstar Eddy Woo talking to the ABC last night on Australian Story at 1min 25s – you’ll see why!!
This post was originally published on Anna’s LinkedIn profile and republished here with her kind permission.
Anna has personally managed the recruitment of hundreds of candidates over the years and still loves what she does!! The STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medical) industries are her gigs, and anyone who knows her refers to her outgoing personality, tenacity and straight-up approach to life and business. There’s no time for BS here.
Most of the work they do at Purple Squirrel Recruitment is within the commercial side of the Medical and Scientific industries across Australia and New Zealand. That means lots of Sales, Service and Marketing professionals, with a touch of #sciencegeek about them. From recent graduates right up to C-suite and a number of clinical and academic professionals who have successfully transitioned across to the commercial world.
She is passionate about helping people create their own pathway to success. It doesn’t always have to be a straight line. Hers certainly wasn’t! You can contact Anna here.
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