In the spirit of reflection at year’s end, BusinessDay’s December 2025 Women’s Choice poll asked readers to share the defining moments behind their career wins, offering insight into the resilience and ambition of working women. The responses reveal a year marked by both achievement and adversity, where progress was not always defined by titles alone but by growth, adaptability, and intentional self-investment. Many women identified their biggest career wins as securing salary increases, transitioning into new roles, or completing major certifications and professional training. For some, success meant changing jobs and significantly improving income, while others pointed to business expansion, diversification into new industries, or staying professionally competitive through continuous learning. These accomplishments highlight how women are increasingly redefining success in ways that align with both financial stability and long-term career sustainability.
Skill development emerged as a central driver of growth. Leadership and management abilities were the most frequently cited competencies that helped women advance, followed closely by technical, digital, and communication skills. Respondents consistently linked career momentum to deliberate upskilling, mentorship, and structured learning. Whether through professional courses, workplace development initiatives, or self-directed training, women demonstrated a strong commitment to building capabilities that would position them for greater responsibility and influence. This emphasis on competence reflects a strategic response to environments where women often feel the need to be exceptionally prepared to access opportunities.
Working conditions in 2025 reflected a mixed experience. While some women reported more flexible or hybrid arrangements and even fully remote work, others saw a shift toward increased on-site expectations or no significant change at all. Regardless of the format, heavy workloads and burnout were recurring themes, underscoring that flexibility alone did not necessarily translate into healthier work-life balance. Several respondents spoke of limited organizational support, emotionally demanding environments, and pressure to perform in roles with expanding responsibilities but limited structural backing. Yet many described these very challenges as the obstacles they were most proud to overcome.
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Confidence barriers also featured prominently. Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and navigating new leadership responsibilities were common struggles. Some respondents shared experiences of stagnation—working in environments where promotions or salary growth were absent—while others described having to push through emotionally taxing conditions to remain relevant and visible. Despite these hurdles, perseverance became a defining marker of professional pride, with many women highlighting their ability to remain consistent, focused, and committed to personal growth even when external recognition was limited.
Support systems proved essential. Mentorship, workplace development programmes, professional training platforms, and spiritual or personal growth practices were repeatedly cited as pillars of strength. Women who had access to guidance and structured learning reported greater clarity in decision-making and increased confidence in navigating career transitions. In a year shaped by economic uncertainty, these support systems helped women recalibrate their priorities and maintain forward momentum.
The economic climate significantly influenced career decisions. Many respondents said it pushed them to prioritise saving and financial planning, diversify income sources, and seek greater stability over risk. Rather than slowing ambition, financial pressure encouraged a more strategic approach to career growth. Women became more deliberate about long-term positioning—building side ventures, investing in certifications, and aligning their choices with both present needs and future security.
Motivation throughout the year was largely anchored in two forces: passion for meaningful work and the pursuit of financial stability. Some women emphasised personal, emotional, and spiritual development as the foundation that sustained them through demanding periods. Others were driven by the need to build economic certainty in an unpredictable environment. Together, these motivations reveal a generation of women who are both purpose-driven and pragmatically aware of the realities shaping their professional lives.
Looking ahead to 2026, the dominant focus is advancement with intention. Many respondents are positioning themselves for senior leadership roles, investing in further training and certifications, growing businesses or side ventures, and seeking clearer long-term direction.
