Take a pay cut for a job that doesn’t break your soul?

Hilliary Turnipseed’s new job pays $30,000 less than in her last job.

And she couldn’t be happier.

Hilliary could do a lot with an extra $30,000 a year. So what about her new job could possibly make her excited to have taken a significant pay cut?

Flexible hours, employee appreciation, and a consciously inclusive workplace to name a few reasons.

Hilliary’s experience with bias and toxicity as one of the only Black women in her last job catalyzed her to prioritize an inclusive work culture over salary.

I predict that more women of color will follow her lead. It's already happening.

*Cue Beyonce's latest song.*

I acknowledge that placing mental and emotional well-being before pay is not always an easy — or possible — choice to make, especially for women of color.

More than 4 out of 5 Black women are the breadwinners in their households. More women of color live in poverty than white women. And without an adequate financial safety net, many of us are forced to grin and bear toxic workplaces.

Until we can’t.

Photo by @NappyStock on Nappy.co

Most women of color I’ve spoken to eventually leave a discriminatory workplace once the emotional, physical and mental toll of working in such an environment becomes too much to endure.

You simply can’t put a price tag on being heard, seen and valued at your job.

Millennials, in general, are increasingly choosing inclusive workplaces over higher pay.

A whopping 80% say that inclusion is a factor when choosing an employer, and 39% would leave their jobs right now for a more inclusive workplace.

Leaders will ignore these stats at their peril. If they want to attract top talent to their organizations, it’s clear they need to focus on inclusion.

Job seekers want more than just company-wide inclusion and diversity programs. They’re looking for leaders and peers who intentionally demonstrate inclusive behaviors day to day.

Inclusion on purpose is a big deal now and will only become more important in the future.

Talented job seekers — especially women of color — are looking for clues indicating an inclusive culture.

Have you ever left a well-paying job for a more inclusive environment? I’d love to hear your experience.

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