Hi
Im 40 and used to be super ambitious in banking.
Over 20-30s had a string of sex discrim, sex harrassment, maternity pay offs. Hoped having given birth and never mentioning kids existed at employers that came next would help.
Worked at a well known bank and managed to get promoted a few times but was a male clique in CB who managed out women alot. Was put in toxic environment constant sexist comments and properly burnout last year (in bed 4 months). FCA investigating and paid off pre tribunal.
Now at a new employer, there is a clear glass ceiling & recent reshuffle the 4/10 women in ELT been demoted. So now Im most senior female layer, but men age 32 can and do get this grade. Means my boss for first time is younger than me (38)
I also know of bf from uni was an Managing Director age 35 in an investment bank but pushed out (with no pay off) at 38. Another woman I know at a diff bank is interviewing for MD but has been told could be seen as 'token candidate'.
Im finding it hard to maintain engagement. Its like we have to oay 50% to our kids now and are v well educated but if you mention this stuff youre ostracised. Then am I meant to ignore for the rest of my career. I just feel sad that nothing has changed for my generation and men are still doing whatever they can to block women / keep them out.
Any advice? I exercise, have friends, am a NED in a charity, teen kids. Thanks