“I’m a graphic designer, and I’m trying to be more assertive at...

“I’m a graphic designer, and I’m trying to be more assertive at work. My bosses tell me that I need to use my voice more. Whenever my work gets criticized, I have a tendency to say: ‘You’re right.’ Or ‘I agree.’ I don’t really stand up for my own decisions, even though I had good reasons for making them. Whenever I’m around my friends, I can be sarcastic and obnoxious and say things without thinking about them. But for some reason that confidence doesn’t transfer to the workplace. It’s especially frustrating because I know that there’s this stereotype of quiet, agreeable Asian females. And I feel like I’m fulfilling it.”