Women in Financial Services
Embracing Change: Breaking Free from Stereotypes
Mark.Freed / 29 Jan 2024
Fifteen years ago, I set out to buy new luggage, realizing my existing suitcases no longer suited my needs for short business trips and weekends away. At the time, the debate over wheeled suitcases was real—were they for "real men"? The notion of shouldering our own bags with pride seemed ingrained. I invested in a stylish bag with a shoulder strap, ready to defy the wheelie trend.
Owning up - Part One: I admit, I used to take pleasure in poking fun at the "hurried businessmen" relying on wheelie cases, flaunting a superiority complex. A subtle kick to their rolling luggage became my mischievous act of rebellion. Oh, the satisfaction of slowing down their dash through the airport!
Owning up - Part Two: However, I soon realized the error of my ways. After a grueling trip, arriving at Heathrow with a heavy shoulder-strapped bag, reality hit hard. Distant gates, malfunctioning walkways, and a lengthy passport control queue left me physically battered. By the time I got home, a back injury and shoulder burns prompted a rethink.
Lesson learned: Wheelie bags are a game-changer. That incident shattered my adherence to outdated male stereotypes. Today, real men have the freedom to discard those stereotypes and choose what suits them best.
Have you had a similar awakening? Share your story of breaking free from stereotypes!
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