I’ve had all of these at some stage in my career and more than once. But the one that leapt of the screen at me was 5. “You don’t know how to prioritise.” I don’t know how many times I’ve had this one and I thought it was just me.

I realised recently that this is double edged. If I do things to step out and be seen, I’m not prioritising and giving more attention to activities that are not part of my job. Then if I focus on my job and only do the items that appear to be a priority for my manager then I’m not seen as ambitious, not expanding my horizons, not being seen.

When I look at my colleagues and peers (who are predominantly white) I find that they are given the time and space without being challenged. I also find that I am working far harder with more hours much of it in my own time.

Thanks for helping me to see that this is another microaggression I was unaware of.