This month, I decided to test the job market, and it reminded me of something we don’t talk about enough: Black and Brown women often stay too long in jobs that don’t value us.

We overdeliver. We outperform. We take on work no one else wants, yet we still feel undervalued, overlooked, and underpaid. We become invisible. 

And when you’re invisible, you stop seeing your own value too.

There comes a moment in every career journey when you realize you’ve stayed too long at a job that doesn’t serve you. Maybe it’s when you’re passed over for a promotion, handed more work without recognition, or told “there’s no budget” for a raise—again.

 And in today’s economy, where companies like Party City are closing stores and layoffs seem to hit the headlines every week, staying too long at a job can put us in a precarious position. In fact, staying at a job that doesn’t serve you can cost you opportunities, confidence, and even your mental health. 

We think loyalty will protect us, but the reality is that no job is guaranteed. Companies are prioritizing profits over people, and if you’re not prepared for the unexpected, you risk being blindsided.

So, when recruiters started sliding into my inbox this month, I said, “Why not?” I updated my LinkedIn, and took the calls. 

This post is about why we stay too long, how to recognize your worth, and the steps you need to take to stay ready, whether you’re actively looking or not.

 We’ll cover:

 1. Why we stay at jobs that undervalue us and don’t serve us

 2. Lessons from the Party City closures: Why you always need to stay prepared.

 3. How to position yourself for opportunities that align with your worth, get noticed by recruiters and stay in demand.

 4. Practical steps to break free and reclaim your career, and recognize your value. 

Let’s get into it. 

Why Do We Stay at Jobs That Don’t Value Us?

1. We Fear the Unknown

 The thought of starting over can feel overwhelming. We choose the comfort of familiarity, even when it comes at the expense of our growth and well-being. 

The uncertainty of leaving can be terrifying. What if the next job is worse? What if I’m not ready? What if I fail? 

This fear often keeps us stuck in roles that drain us, simply because the devil we know feels safer than the risk of something new.

2. We’ve Been Conditioned to Be Grateful

 As women and people of color, we’ve often been told to be thankful for what we have. Gratitude is important, but it shouldn’t be an excuse to accept less than you deserve. We ain’t settling because we should be “gratefully.” 

Gratitude is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your self-worth or growth.

3. We Don’t Know What’s Possible

 Many of us don’t leave because we don’t know what else is out there. Without research or exposure, it’s hard to dream bigger. We limit ourselves without even trying to find what’s out there. 

4. We’ve Built an Identity Around Our Role

Sometimes, we tie our sense of worth to the work we do for a company, making it even harder to imagine leaving. We turn into that project, that need for a promotion and waiting for someone to give us what should already be ours. 

Lessons from Party City: Why You Always Need to Stay Ready

When Party City filed for bankruptcy and began closing stores, thousands of employees suddenly found themselves without jobs. And this week, they finally closed their doors….5 days before Christmas. No severance, no bonuses…employees just left in the cold.

That’s NASTY work. 

 It’s a harsh reminder that no matter how long you’ve been loyal to a company, your role isn’t guaranteed. 

Here’s the truth: Companies make business decisions to protect their bottom line, not your career. Even if you are a top performer, your job isn’t promised. 

For employees who hadn’t updated their resumes or LinkedIn profiles in years, the closures created a scramble. If they had been proactive, they might have had other opportunities lined up.

The lesson? Never get too comfortable. Even if you’re not actively looking, always keep your materials updated and your options open.

Staying too long at a company that undervalues you, or worse, waiting until you’re blindsided by layoffs—can be a career setback. The solution? Always stay ready:

 • Keep your resume and LinkedIn updated.

 • Build relationships with recruiters.

 • Take interviews, even if you’re not planning to leave.

Taking Interviews: A Power Move, Not a Commitment

When recruiters reached out to me this month, I decided to take the calls. Not because I was unhappy, but because interviewing isn’t just about finding a new role, it’s about confirming your worth.

 Here’s what I learned:

Even if you’re not looking for a new job, taking recruiter calls can be transformative.

1.  Interviewing Helps You Learn Your Market Value 

Recruiters can give you insights into what roles are paying, what skills are in demand, and how you stack up against the competition. 

2. You Build a Pipeline

 By connecting with recruiters now, you’re creating a network that could help you land your next role when the time comes. 

3. You Sharpen Your Skills 

Interviewing isn’t just about landing a job. It’s a skill that improves with practice, and staying sharp means you’re always ready. And when you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. 

4. You Regain Confidence

When recruiters approach you, it’s validation that your skills are valuable. If your current job is making you feel invisible, this can be a powerful reminder of your worth.

5. It Gives You Leverage

 When you know what opportunities are out there, you’re in a stronger position to negotiate promotions or raises in your current role. It’s always good to know what’s out there/ Even if you are happy where you are. You can negotiate stronger when you know your worth. 

6. Your Dream Job Might Find You

Sometimes recruiters see potential in you that you didn’t see in yourself. Your dream role may not even be on your radar. Recruiters have access to opportunities you have never heard of.

How to Get Sourced by Recruiters and Stay in Demand

If you want recruiters to find you, you need to make yourself visible. Recruiters won’t come looking for you if your LinkedIn profile is outdated or your resume is a list of tasks rather than accomplishments.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

•  Write a headline with your key skills (e.g., “Data Analyst | Automation Expert | Process Improvement”). Your headline should reflect your key skills, not your current role
•  Use the “About” section to highlight achievements and your unique value.
• Add keywords from job descriptions to your profile (recruiters search by these). Add measurable achievements in your “Experience” section. 

Step 2. Refresh Your Resume Regularly

• Tailor it to showcase how you solve problems and deliver results.
• Make sure your resume focuses on the 3 top key pain points within the job description. No one cares about your laundry list of skills - they care that you can solve their problems 
• Use metrics to quantify your impact.
• Keep it visually clean and easy to scan. 

Your resume should be more than a list of tasks, it’s a showcase of your impact. Keep it updated with metrics and achievements. 

Step 3. Say Yes to Networking

 Attend industry events, engage on LinkedIn, and connect with people doing work you admire. Relationships can open doors. 

Step 4. Take Recruiter Calls

When a recruiter reaches out, take the call. It might not lead to a job today, but it builds relationships for the future.

 Step 5: Keep building your skills.

 • Certifications, bootcamps, and trainings keep you competitive.

 • List every new skill on your profile (recruiters filter by them) 

The Art of Saying No 

Sometimes, the opportunities that come your way aren’t aligned with your goals. Learning to say no is just as important as saying yes.

Here’s how to handle it:

 1. Thank the recruiter for their interest.

 2. Be clear about what you’re looking for in your next role.

 3. Keep the conversation positive and express openness to staying in touch.

Example Response:

“Thank you for reaching out! While this role isn’t the right fit for me right now, I’d love to stay connected in case future opportunities align more closely with my goals.”

Breaking Free and Reclaiming Your Career

If you’re feeling stuck in a role that undervalues you, here’s how to start making your move:

1. Research Your Market Value and Know Your Numbers 

Use platforms like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and LinkedIn Salary Insights to understand what you should be earning and what you should be targeting. 

2. Set a Timeline for Change

Give yourself a realistic deadline to make your next move, whether it’s three months or a year. Having a clear deadline helps you to stay focused. 

3. Prepare Your Finances  and Build an Emergency Fund

Make sure you have savings to cushion the transition if it takes longer than expected.

4. Craft Your Exit Strategy

When you’re ready to leave, have a clear plan: draft your resignation letter, prepare for a professional handover, and be firm about your decision.

Taking Back Your Power

Leaving a job that undervalues you isn’t just about the paycheck—it’s about protecting your time, energy, and self-worth.

You deserve:

 • A job that excites you.

 • A salary that reflects your value.

 • Professional development that helps you grow

Taking interviews this month reminded me of my value and confirmed that I’m not stuck—I have options.

FR FR , don’t wait until you’re burned out or fed up to explore what’s out there.

Interviewing isn’t about leaving—it’s about staying READY.

Staying ready means having options:

• A network that supports you.  
• A career plan that’s flexible. 
• A mindset that knows your worth isn’t tied to any one job.

Start 2025 with a career strategy that prioritizes YOU:

• What skills will you invest in?
• Who will you connect with?
• How will you set yourself up for opportunities, no matter what happens?

Don’t let a company’s bad decisions become your bad news. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.