International Women’s Day 2023: Creators are using TikTok to inspire working women

In a trend that took TikTok by storm, the Corporate Girl movement has received a horde of views—130 million to be exact—from young women around the world. While some have criticized creators for glorifying long working days and the controversial lifestyle that comes with working in corporate America, others have chosen to embrace the grind and see it as a positive opportunity. On the surface, this looks like comedy sketches, outfit inspiration, and daily vlogs, but on a deeper level, the trend has created a community of women working corporate jobs that support and inspire each other. In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re taking a closer look at the Corporate Girl trend and how it inspires and empowers young women in the working world.

What’s this trend all about?

The Corporate Girl trend on TikTok is all about showcasing the success, ambition, and style of young women in the workplace. These videos offer a glimpse into the lives of women who are thriving in their careers, and inspire others to do the same. Content creators on TikTok are sharing everything from work outfit inspiration to career advice and personal anecdotes. Many of the videos under this trend showcase the ups and downs of the job search process, as well as tips for navigating office politics and building a successful career.

So why is this trend resonating so strongly with young women? For one, it offers a space for women to connect with each other and share their experiences in the workplace. It also provides a platform for women to showcase their accomplishments and inspire others to do the same. Finally, it challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes, showing that women can be successful and ambitious in any field they choose.

Empowerment through the trend

The Corporate Girl trend is not just about showcasing style and success; it’s also about challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes in the workplace. By embracing this trend, women are finding new ways to express themselves and their ambitions, and to support each other in the pursuit of their goals. The videos showcase women in the workplace, and many of them feature women offering advice, sharing their experiences, and expressing their perspectives on a variety of work-related topics. Through this trend, women are able to share their voices and connect with each other in a community that values their contributions and experiences.

Many of the videos under the trend also incorporate humor and satire to address common workplace challenges and inequalities, such as dealing with sexist comments or navigating office politics. By using humor to address these serious issues, women are able to speak up about their experiences in a way that is relatable and engaging to a wider audience.

The Corporate Girl trend provides a platform for women to showcase their achievements and celebrate their successes in the workplace. Through videos featuring promotions, awards, or personal achievements, women are able to support and inspire each other and demonstrate that success is possible regardless of gender or background.

Mental well-being as a Corporate Girl

Beyond the humor, the wave of videos romanticizing a corporate lifestyle often come with a mental health disclaimer, reminding women not to let their jobs take over their lives. TikTok creator Caitlyn Kumi uses her platform to share career advice with young women in the corporate world. Her content covers topics such as personal finance tips, interview tips, and overall advice for navigating life in your 20s. In one video, Kumi highlights the fact that young women should not define themselves by their careers. While she’s all for inspiring women in corporate roles, she insists that young people should “form an identity outside of their 9-5,” explaining that work should not be your sole source of happiness.

Another user leveraged the trend to provide women with “anxiety hacks” to protect their mental health at work. The creator @withlovesoph shares tips including using a bathroom break to take a five-minute meditation, putting on noise-canceling headphones in the office when feeling overwhelmed, and drinking tea instead of coffee to calm your anxiety.

Many videos under the trend also highlight the importance of talking to your manager about your mental health and knowing when you need to take time off. Clearly, what may have started as an outlet to share fashion inspiration and morning routines has turned into a bigger movement for women to support other women.

Criticisms of the Corporate Girl trend

Despite the positive attention that the Corporate Girl trend has received, it has not been without criticisms. One of the most significant criticisms is that the trend glorifies overworking and perpetuates a culture of burnout. Many argue that the relentless pursuit of success and the pressure to constantly hustle can be harmful to one’s mental and physical health.

Additionally, some critics have pointed out that the Corporate Girl trend may not be accessible to all women, particularly those from marginalized communities. The trend can be seen as exclusive to women who have the financial resources, social networks, and educational opportunities to pursue corporate careers. This can create a sense of exclusion for those who do not have the same opportunities or who choose to pursue different paths.

Others have argued that the Corporate Girl trend may overlook the experiences and challenges faced by women who work in industries outside of traditional corporate environments. For example, women who work in non-profit organizations, the arts, or the service industry may not fit the traditional mold of the Corporate Girl, and their experiences may be overlooked or undervalued by the trend.

Using the Corporate Girl trend in the job search

The Corporate Girl trend can also be a source of inspiration and empowerment for job seekers. By embracing this trend, women can boost their confidence, showcase their ambition, and find new ways to stand out in a crowded job market.

One user took to the platform to encourage job hunters not to give up if they’re feeling unmotivated in their search. In her video, Ruby Jane shares how she finally found a job she loves with a great manager after struggling to find the right fit for some time. She urges job seekers to persist through tough interviews and being ghosted by recruiters because, “When the right one is meant for you, it’ll come.”

User Career Coach Em shares career advice and interview tips for job hunters on TikTok. In one video, she highlights the fact that women typically won’t apply for a job unless they’re 100% qualified, unlike their male counterparts. She encourages young women to “apply to those jobs you feel unqualified for” in an effort to change the status quo.

The intersection of the Corporate Girl trend with other social movements

The Corporate Girl trend is part of a larger movement toward gender equality and women’s empowerment, but it’s not the only one. Other well-established social movements such as #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and LGBTQ+ rights are also advocating for social change and challenging systemic oppression.

The #MeToo movement, for example, shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, which is a problem that many women participating in the Corporate Girl trend may have faced. The Corporate Girl trend can help to amplify the voices of those who have experienced such harassment and encourage workplaces to implement policies that protect and support their employees.

Similarly, the Black Lives Matter movement brought attention to the experiences of Black women who often face unique challenges in the workplace due to both racism and sexism. The Corporate Girl trend can help to promote intersectional feminism and support the empowerment of Black women in corporate spaces.

The LGBTQ+ rights movement is also closely related to the Corporate Girl trend, as many LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination and marginalization in the workplace. The Corporate Girl trend can help to create more inclusive work environments where all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, can feel safe and supported.

The intersection of the Corporate Girl trend with other social movements highlights the interconnectedness of different forms of oppression and the importance of intersectional activism. By recognizing the diverse experiences of women and marginalized communities, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

#IWD2023: Celebrating Corporate Girls worldwide

The Corporate Girl trend on TikTok is more than just a viral sensation; it has become a platform for women to connect, empower, and inspire each other in the working world. By showcasing their style, success, and personal experiences, women are challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes and proving that they can be successful and ambitious in any field they choose.

In honor of International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognize the impact that this trend has had on young women around the world. By offering a space for women to share their voices and connect with each other, the Corporate Girl movement is helping to create a more inclusive and supportive working environment for all women.

Moreover, the trend is not just about celebrating success. It also highlights the importance of mental health and work-life balance. By sharing personal anecdotes and tips for navigating the challenges of the workplace, women are showing that it’s possible to achieve success while also prioritizing their mental well-being.

For job hunters, the Corporate Girl trend offers a valuable source of inspiration and empowerment. By showcasing their ambition, confidence, and unique perspectives, women can stand out in a crowded job market and find new ways to pursue their career goals. And as more and more women join the movement, it’s clear that the Corporate Girl trend is more than just a passing fad; it’s a powerful force for change and progress in the working world.

Photo: Welcome to the Jungle

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