When I tell people that I want to be a teacher, most people tell me that it is the perfect fit for me. They tell me that they can see me as a teacher because something about my personality suggests that I could do it well. It is really nice to hear these things because it is a career I have wanted since I was five years old. Most of everything I have ever done academically or volunteer-wise has been focused entirely on working with kids, in hopes that it will build up my resume enough to one day be accepted into a teaching position.

I have, on more than one occasion, when I tell someone I want to be a teacher, gotten the response: “Oh that is such a good job for a woman!” While I am not truly offended by this nor do I think the intentions behind that are necessarily bad, it does suggest that the only reason why I would be good at a job that I am so passionate about is because of my gender.

This goes beyond being a teacher as well. Other occupations that have fallen under the category of “Women’s Work” have gotten these kinds of responses as well. It is rather daunting to be considered “good at your job” or “bad at your job” because of one aspect of your identity, which really shouldn’t be the defining point of your career path.

So rather than defaulting to gender assumptions, here are a few other qualities that should come into question when evaluating the quality of anyone’s work:

Intelligence

Is the person educated enough to complete the tasks of their occupation thoroughly and correctly? Do they have the ability to learn from their mistakes? Are they open to learning even more even after they are considered professionals in their fields?

Dedication

Are they focused and determined? Do they strive to be better and do everything in their power to make themselves the best ____ they can be? Do they go the extra mile for the sake of their co-workers/students/patients/friends/family/etc?

Confidence

Do they truly believe that they can do their job well? Do they have the ability to ask questions or stand up for themselves when necessary? Do they correct those who are doing their tasks incorrectly as well as receive criticism well?

Creativity

Do they always try to think of new and exciting ideas? Do they keep things fresh and exciting and try to stay away from monotony? Are they always thinking of new ways to do their job and take suggestions from others?

Efficiency

Can they finish their task by or before the due date? Can they avoid procrastination and do they work well under pressure? Do they know how to prioritize their tasks? When they complete a task, is the quality up to expectations?

Eloquence

Can they speak clearly to either one person or a whole group of people? Can they deliver their message clearly and effectively? Do they share their ideas openly with others?

Flexibility

Can they adapt to their workplace environments well? Do they know how to effectively talk to one person versus another? Are they perceptive of how different groups of people may react to something?

Attitude

Does the person have an appropriate attitude in the workplace? Do they get along with their coworkers and avoid unnecessary conflict? Do they remain positive and avoid negative thoughts from deterring the quality of their work?

Open-mindedness

Are they open to new ideas form other people? Are they capable of seeing perspective and being understanding towards others? Do they avoid bias as much as possible? Do they think through things before they judge a situation or person?

Passion

Do they truly love what they do? Even if they don’t, do they put themselves into their tasks 100% in hopes of maybe finding something they do love to do? Do they work hard to make themselves better at what they do?