It might feel like gender stereotypes are so last century, but they are still lurking there right under the surface, and not only can they make it harder for women to break into traditionally male industries, but they can also put some women off even trying. 

Here's why that should not be the case and why you should not be put off from pursuing any career you want, no matter what those hoary old gender stereotypes may be telling you.

1. Passion Knows No Gender

If you've got a passion for something, follow it. Full stop. Love working with numbers? Are you fascinated by space? NASA is waiting.  Love driving? Take one of those truck-driving jobs. Dream of starting your own business? CEO has a nice ring to it. Your passions shouldn't be limited by what's "expected" of you based on gender.

Women can be just as analytical, innovative, and bold as men—sometimes even more so. So, why let an old-school stereotype stop you from pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field? If you're passionate about it, go for it! And let's face it: passion + skills = unstoppable.

2. You're More Than "Soft Skills"

It's often said that women are great at communication, empathy, and multitasking—and yes, those are incredibly valuable skills. But guess what? Women can also crush it in math, logic, and strategic decision-making. Don't let anyone tell you your talents should be confined to "nurturing" or "supportive" roles. You can be compassionate and fierce when tackling complex problems or leading a team into uncharted territory.

Want to build bridges—literally? Do it. Have a knack for coding? Write the next killer app. Women are just as capable in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers as men. Research shows that diverse teams, including those with women, often outperform those without them.

3. The Pay Gap Won't Close Itself

Yes, the pay gap is absolutely still a thing, but that does not mean you should give up and resign yourself to less before you've even tried to make things more equal. It is, after all, only when women start demanding the same as their male counterparts will things ever really change. Only when you start going for these higher-paying, higher-power jobs will women start to gain equality. And there's no reason why, just because they used to be dominated by men, those professions always have to be male-dominant.

By going for those higher-paying roles, women increase their financial independence and help pave the way for future generations of women to do the same. Plus, it's hard to argue with a paycheck that matches your skills and contributions, right?

4. Role Models Are Made, Not Born

Ever feel like there need to be more female role models in your dream field? That's probably because the door hasn't been pushed open wide enough yet—but it's time to kick it down! When you choose a career based on your passions rather than stereotypes, you become a role model for the next generation of women. Whether you're blazing trails in tech, finance, or sports, your success can inspire countless other women to follow in your footsteps.

By challenging gender stereotypes, you're not just creating opportunities for yourself—you're paving the way for more diversity in every field. And that's something we can all celebrate.

Whatever you want to do, go for it!