7 Reasons Women Are Getting The Six Figure Jobs Over Men and How to Compete
The workplace landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decade, with women increasingly securing high-paying positions that men once dominated. This trend isn’t just anecdotal—research shows women are outpacing men in educational achievement and developing key skills that today’s employers value highly. Understanding why this shift is happening isn’t about creating gender division but identifying the professional attributes that lead to success in today’s economy. For men feeling left behind, recognizing these patterns offers valuable insights into how to remain competitive in the evolving job market.
1. Higher Educational Achievement
Women now earn the majority of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the United States. According to Pew Research, women have outpaced men in college enrollment and completion since the 1980s, with the gap widening. This educational advantage translates directly to qualification for higher-paying positions that require advanced degrees.
For men looking to compete, prioritize continuing education, whether through formal degree programs, certifications, or specialized training. Investing in your knowledge base pays significant dividends in career advancement opportunities.
2. Superior Communication Skills
Studies consistently show women often excel in communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills—attributes increasingly valued in leadership roles. These soft skills facilitate team building, client relationships, and organizational cohesion, making women attractive candidates for executive positions where such capabilities drive business success.
Men should actively develop these skills through practice, feedback, and training to remain competitive. Communication workshops, leadership seminars, and mentorship opportunities can help bridge this gap and enhance professional effectiveness.
3. Diversity Initiatives and Changing Corporate Priorities
Many organizations have implemented diversity initiatives aimed at correcting historical imbalances in leadership. According to McKinsey research, companies with diverse leadership teams outperform their peers financially, giving businesses tangible incentives to promote qualified women.
Men can adapt by becoming diversity allies rather than viewing these initiatives as threats. Understanding the business case for diversity and actively supporting inclusive workplace cultures positions you as a forward-thinking professional aligned with modern corporate values.
4. Adaptability and Resilience
Women often demonstrate remarkable adaptability in professional settings, having navigated traditionally male-dominated environments. This resilience translates to flexibility in changing work conditions—a critical trait as industries transform rapidly.
To compete effectively, men should cultivate adaptability by embracing change, seeking diverse experiences, and developing comfort with uncertainty. Taking on cross-functional projects and lateral career moves can build this valuable skill set.
5. Collaborative Leadership Styles
The command-and-control leadership model is giving way to collaborative approaches where leaders facilitate team success rather than dictate it. Women often naturally gravitate toward these inclusive leadership styles that research shows drive innovation and employee engagement.
Men can enhance their leadership effectiveness by adopting more collaborative approaches: soliciting team input, sharing credit generously, and focusing on developing team members’ strengths rather than maintaining hierarchical authority.
6. Strong Networking and Relationship Building
Professional advancement often depends on relationships as much as individual performance. Women frequently excel at building authentic professional connections and maintaining supportive networks that provide opportunities, mentorship, and advocacy.
Men should invest time in genuine relationship building beyond transactional networking. Focus on creating value for others, maintaining connections over time, and developing authentic professional relationships that transcend immediate career needs.
7. Work-Life Integration Skills
Effectively balancing professional demands with personal responsibilities has become increasingly valuable in corporate settings. Women who have traditionally managed multiple roles often bring superior organizational skills and efficiency to leadership positions.
Men can develop these capabilities by embracing work-life integration strategies: setting boundaries, prioritizing effectively, and developing systems that maximize productivity while preventing burnout.
Leveling Up Your Professional Game
Rather than viewing women’s advancement as competition, smart professionals recognize it as an opportunity to elevate their own approach to career development. The attributes driving women’s success—education, communication, adaptability, collaboration, relationship-building, and balance—represent the evolution of professional excellence in today’s workplace.
To remain competitive, focus on continuous improvement in these areas while leveraging your unique strengths. Seek feedback on your professional approach, find mentors who exemplify these qualities, and be willing to evolve your working style to meet changing expectations.
The most successful professionals, regardless of gender, recognize that career advancement in today’s economy requires a comprehensive skill set that combines technical expertise with emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership, and adaptability. Developing these attributes allows you to succeed in any competitive environment.
Have you noticed changing requirements for leadership roles in your industry? What skills have you found most valuable in advancing your career? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Read More
12 Common Resume Mistakes and How to Fix Them for Your Dream Job
Work-Life Balance: 12 Ways Men Can Achieve It in High-Pressure Jobs
Travis Campbell is a digital marketer/developer with over 10 years of experience and a writer for over 6 years. He holds a degree in E-commerce and likes to share life advice he’s learned over the years. Travis loves spending time on the golf course or at the gym when he’s not working.