Feedback: Six workplace sins that hold your career back

2 women gossiping.  Photo/FILE

In Summary

• Women must shed off all those habits that come all too easily to them

Thank you for the article on things that women do at work that keep them from getting promotions. Trying to figure out how to be an equal footing with men in a competitive work environment is one of the issues women grapple with. (READ: 6 work place sins)

But I wonder if women can keep up with their male counterparts. To cite one case, my sister-in-law broke down under extreme stress saying that her boss was demanding too much of her and eventually quit her job – this is something you are not likely to witness in men. I think women are too sensitive and this may work against them at work.

And as the article outlined, women must shed off all those habits that come all too easily to them, but that keep them from being seen as competent workers worthy of a promotion.

That said, women should be accorded equal privileges at work, but they must remember that promotions will not be handed down to them on a silver platter. Women must fight for their place in the workplace and prove the myth that it’s a man’s world false.

Alnashir D Walji, Nairobi

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Leap of faith

The Woman of Passion article featuring Caroline Kibe lit a fire in my belly. Caroline is one of few brave individuals who take the bold step of leaving the comfort zone of employment to venture into business, where the onus is to earn is entirely on the owner.

Her story reminded me of the career switch I made three years ago. I abandoned teaching for marketing.

But the greatest lesson I took home from her story is that even as people graduate from colleges and universities and with fewer employment opportunities each year, we should change our attitudes from those of job-seekers to those of employment creators.

That way, like Caroline, we can determine our own financial security and not be at the mercy of our circumstances. Bravo Caroline! Bravo Saturday Magazine! (READ: A leap of faith)

John Kamande, Vihiga

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What an inspiring article! Caroline has really fired me up to follow in her footsteps. I wish her all the best as she works on growing her business. However, after reading about a couple of women featured in the Woman of Passion segment I wonder whether one needs to first be employed to get experience before becoming an entrepreneur, because it seems like that is what all the women featured do.

Wangechi Mwangi, via email

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Rekindling romance in the wild

It was heartwarming to read the love story of the winners of the ‘Love that speaks to me’ Valentine’s promotion. I couldn’t believe that in this day and age, parents can still try to keep two willing adults from being together on the basis of their different economic backgrounds.

But I am glad that love prevailed and in the end the couple was able to be together. After all they have been through, they really did deserve to win and they proved that true love will not give up in the face of opposition and challenges.

If there are any couples facing resistance from their parents, perhaps because they come from different tribes, they should read this story and be inspired to fight for their relationship. After all, things like tribe and socio-economic background do not count for much when it comes to choosing a marriage partner; what matters is that both parties are committed to make it work.

Rhoda Achieng, via email

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The stealthy killer

The Health Matters article on cervical cancer by Dr Joachim Osur really got to me. I recently lost a relative to cervical cancer. Unfortunately, her cancer was detected when it was too late to do anything about it.

As doctor Osur said, a regular pap smear might have helped detect the abnormal changes in the cervix early so that they could be successfully treated before they turned into cancer.

I have always been afraid of the pap smear, which my friends who have done it say is painful, but I’m sure it is better to feel a little discomfort if at all it will save my life, so I will start having regular pap smears every year as recommended. I also plan to get the HPV vaccine for me and my daughters too. Thank you for the wake-up call. (READ: The stealthy killer)

Anne Kamau, via email

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Your personal financial jigsaw puzzle

I always look forward to reading Waceke Nduati Omanga’s articles every Saturday because they are very enlightening. Last Saturday’s in which Waceke compared our financial situations to a jigsaw puzzle was very apt.

Personally, I feel like I have all these puzzle pieces that need to be put together but I don’t know where to start. However, after reading the article, I feel better placed to put my finances in order and to begin working on achieving some financial goals. (READ: Your personal financial jigsaw puzzle)

Hildah W, via email

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Home décor

I love reading the many interesting articles in the Saturday Magazine, but I miss the Homes and Gardens segment – it used to be my favourite. Please bring it back.

Monica Muthoni, Kajiado

Send your feedback to satmag@ke.nationmedia.com