Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Beyond Workplace
I’ve always been curious about the phrase ‘Glass Ceiling’. I’ve heard it a lot but never truly understood what it meant. I knew it went beyond the literal idea of a ceiling made of glass, so I decided to research it. Through my research, I discovered that while it is a metaphor, it is also an experience many of us, especially women, encounter daily particularly in our workplace and without realizing it.
Generally, the glass ceiling refers to an unacknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession which mainly affects women and the minorities groups. It’s the invisible limit that keeps many from rising despite their qualifications or abilities.
I came across this thought-provoking quote by Marissa Mayer:
“I think that the glass ceiling is not really about women or men, it’s about people who take risks and people who don’t. And the people who take risks get ahead, and that’s how it should be.”
Could it be that the toughest barriers we face aren’t external but the ones we place within ourselves?
The more I reflected, the more I realized the truth in this. The most imposing glass ceilings often exist within us — our fears, doubts, and unwillingness to step outside our comfort zones.
Returning to Mayer’s quote, I interpreted her message to mean that success isn’t defined by gender but by one’s willingness to take risks. Those who dare to take chances are the ones who break through barriers.
This leads me to wonder: Could the glass ceiling metaphor extend beyond its conventional representation? The answer, I believe, is yes.
The concept of the glass ceiling has grown into something bigger and deeper. It’s no longer confined to workplace limitations. It encompasses internal struggles, societal expectations, and even creative roadblocks.
In this article, I will be discussing the various ways ‘glass ceiling’ supersedes its conventional meaning and ways we can overcome these invisible barriers to attain growth and true freedom.
Personal Limitation
“I can’t do it.” “I’m not good enough.” “I’m scared.”
Sound familiar?
These words are the personal glass ceilings we create, often holding ourselves back before anyone else does. Most times, these barriers come from fear, self-doubt, or a lack of confidence and breaking them isn’t easy.
I know this because I’ve been there. Early in my writing journey, I was too scared to share my work. I told myself it wasn’t “good enough.” But my sister encouraged me to put it out there, saying, “The worst anyone can do is offer feedback, and that’s a good thing!” So, I posted my work. To my surprise, the feedback was mostly positive, and even the constructive feedback helped me grow. That first step made it easier to keep going.
Now, I’ve learned a few things about breaking these invisible barriers. First, I focus on silencing negativity. It’s not just about avoiding negative words or people. It’s about being mindful of the thoughts I let take up space in my mind.
Second, I set goals that challenge me without overwhelming me. SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) have been a game-changer.
Third, I show up for myself. Whether it’s sticking to my to-do list, reading daily affirmations, or making time for personal growth, these small actions build confidence over time.
And finally, I’ve surrounded myself with people who inspire me and push me to be better. The right circle of friends can make all the difference.
Breaking a personal glass ceiling isn’t a one-time thing. It is a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and courage. By daring to imagine the unimaginable, believe in the unbelievable, and see the invisible, we can transcend our limitations and achieve our dreams.
Societal Expectations
We often hear our parents, neighbours, or the community or country we find ourselves in tell us some unconventional things that are directly or indirectly classified as the norms. We often hear them say words like, “You can’t do that.” “That’s not how things are done.” “People like you don’t make it there.” “Men are not supposed to be doing women’s work.” “The home is where a woman belongs.”
These are not just mere words but glass ceilings society has imposed on us. They are the expectations imposed on us by society on the things we should and should not do, who we can become, and the actions we are expected to take.
Society loves to tell us what is appropriate for our gender, age, culture and even our background. It loves shaping what we believe we are allowed to dream. But those expectations are not rules, just someone else’s opinion.
I was lucky to not have experienced this in my early writing days. But my sister, she wasn’t as lucky as I was and she had to fight to chase her dream of study contemporary art in school.
The first step to breaking societal glass ceiling is by asking yourself ‘whose expectations am I living by? Once you are able to figure the answer out and come to the realization that you are chasing other people’s definition of success, you will recreate the definition for yourself and follow your narrative to the T.
By refusing to let the fear of judgement stop you from taking that big bold step, you open doors of many opportunities and possibilities. If my sister hadn’t fought hard for what she wanted, I couldn’t have imagined what she would have been today. Also, if Oprah Winfred had listened when society told her that career not to even talk of success in the media was out of her reach, she wouldn’t be as well-known as she is today.
Lastly, by surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and by not the limits others place on you. The right community will challenge those expectations and help you build the courage to pursue your dreams unapologetically.
Though societal glass ceilings are tough, it doesn’t make them unbreakable. With resilience, self-belief, and a commitment to living on your own terms, you redefine what is possible.
