The Darkside of Girlbossing

By the MTM Team | August 3, 2024

In recent years, the concept of “girlbossing” has gained traction, celebrating women who are empowered, ambitious, and entrepreneurial. The term “girlboss” was popularised by Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal, and it symbolises female empowerment in business. However, behind the glamorised facade lies a deeper, more complex reality.

The “girlboss” represents a standard of labour tied to the capitalist exploitation of the female working class. While the term masquerades as a “feminist”  endeavour, it often still fails to discount the reality of women’s domestic work. 

Girlboss culture often imposes unrealistic expectations on women to embody a specific archetype of success. The classic “get you a girl who can do both.” This pressure to excel in business while maintaining relationships, managing households, and possibly raising children can be daunting. This constantly balancing act can lead to burnout and feelings of inadequacy. 

Thus, many girlbosses struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling like they don’t deserve their success or are not competent enough for their career position. This self-doubt can be exacerbated by societal expectations and the pressure to prove oneself in a competitive environment. 

The demanding nature of the entrepreneurial spirit that girl bossing demands can take a further toll on mental health. Entrepreneurship and career-advancement endeavours can be a lonely journey, especially for women in male-dominated industries. The lack of female role models and support networks can contribute to feelings of isolation. Building a successful career often means sacrificing personal connections and social life, leading to emotional strain.

Thus, the notion of work-life balance is elusive for many of these women. Girlbosses often find themselves constantly connected to work, blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life. As a result, women and girls who align with this mindset may experience anxiety, depression, or chronic stress due to the pressure to succeed and the fear of failure. 

Despite these challenges, it’s important to acknowledge the resilience and determination of career women. Overcoming the darkside of girlbossing requires support, empowerment, and a shift in societal norms. 

The beginning stages of any worthwhile movement are always the hardest, and laying the tracks for the next generation means that sacrifices have to be made. We’re in a critical shift in the global culture, and “girlbossing” has become a permanent part of that progression. 

It’s said that being career-oriented or ambitious is “aggressive” or “male-like” when adopted to a woman’s life plans. For better or worse, the “girlboss” helps us to realise that liking your work and wanting to do better, does not take away from your womanhood or femininity and it is something to be celebrated. One does not have to be meek, use their “feminine” charms to be persuasive, or abandon their career to pursue a family. 

The girlboss shows us that we can have it all. It just takes some support, self-care, introspection, goal-setting and kindness to one’s self: 

  • Build yourself a network of like-minded women who can provide guidance and encouragement. 
  • Make time for rest, relaxation, and activities that promote well-being. 
  • Advocate for gender equality and challenge stereotypes in the workplace and society. 
  • Avoid perfectionism and set achievable goals that align with personal values and priorities. 
  • And finally, view setbacks as a learning opportunity and embrace resilience in the face of adversity.