COVID-19 altered many aspects of society, including women’s workforce participation. In 2020, close to 2 million women exited the workforce. Three years later, the female labor force is close to pre-pandemic levels, although women face obstacles upon their return.
One of these obstacles is childcare, which requires extensive time and money. In some states, childcare costs make up more than 30% of the average woman’s salary. Taking a break from work to care for a child can also reduce confidence when a woman returns to the workforce.
Another barrier is ageism, which targets older women and makes them more likely to be fired and less likely to receive callbacks. The idea of ageism relates to another barrier: lookism. Many women feel pressure to maintain a youthful and beautiful appearance. Studies show that whether or not a woman adheres to traditional beauty standards has a difference on wage; when a woman gains 64 pounds, her earnings decrease by 9%.
To grapple with these barriers, many women have turned to hybrid roles, which allow for greater flexibility. Other women have turned to cosmetic surgery, which can help them regain confidence in their physical appearance. In fact, 25% of women are considering cosmetic procedures. These procedures may have led to the reintroduction of 993,000 mothers into the workforce between December 2021 and December 2022, making plastic surgery a promising solution.
Source: Sieber Plastic Surgery
