What's it like being a Woman in Tech?
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“WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A WOMAN IN TECH?” “Who? Me?” —Kiki Schirr
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Transcript of What's it like being a Woman in Tech?
“WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A WOMAN IN TECH?”
“Who? Me?”—Kiki Schirr
A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A WOMAN IN TECH
Sunday night: As the workday approaches, boredom sets in, and the woman in tech looks to her computer to try to stave off the dull. However, as most of her friends have a social life / family, no one is online.
Monday: There is a persistent rumor in the startup world that Mondays should be joyous things and that you’re so eager to get started on your project that you feel like a regular (non-startup) Joe on a Friday at 4 PM. I can neither confirm nor deny the veracity of this statement, as the Startup Police would come after me.
Tuesday: Attend a conference. Most attendees will be male. While you’re okay with that… there are some ‘moments.’
Wednesday: You sit on a panel in the conference, and the presenter refers to you as a “woman in tech.” You’re not sure whether to be flattered, or whether there’s just more pressure on you now not to say something dumb.
Thursday: Back at work, you push the limits of what you know and do something you’ve never done before. Instead of bragging, you celebrate internally—or happy dance.
Friday: You get some unexpected recognition, but someone tries to rain on your parade…
Saturday: You attempt a social outing with a non-startup friend. (For those of you in startups, that’s a popular band’s shirt…)
Ultimately, your week isn’t that different than it would be for a guy in tech. You’ve networked, gotten stuff done, and tried desperately to kill off your rapid inbox.
What’s so different about being a woman in tech?
“SURE, HE [FRED ASTAIRE] WAS GREAT, BUT DON’T FORGET
GINGER ROGERS DID EVERYTHING HE DID…
BACKWARDS AND IN HEELS.”
—Bob Thaves, in “Frank and Earnest”
