During a Women in Technology luncheon where we discussed how to get more young women into technology, when some – to me – surprising statistics were mentioned as a btw – ‘women in their 40’s leave the IT industry’ – what? So when they have come this far… had a decent career, have children, have TONS of knowledge about technology, and know how to play the guys – they leave!? Will I be one of them?
Well, have I ever thought of a career change – of course I have. “What am I going to do when I’m done with this?” then I think one step further… shit that would be like letting them win. I know, for me it’s always a competition, and it’s not boring, and I do love a good challenge. We’re on our 10th year now, running this software company, constantly proving ourselves… no VC money, just us, our technology and a few very loyal employees. Would I rather be somewhere else? No. are there days when I think that I should stop hiding and make a name for myself in the industry? Yes. I am proud of what we do, but I’ve been thinking and I believe that a female mentor, older and more experienced than I am would be able to help me step up to the next level (even if there isn’t one exactly where I am). I think that joining Geek Girls is a step in the right direction. I see myself as a possible mentor for younger women, and maybe one of your can help ME find a suitable mentor, so I can be of even more help to others. I’m on a board for another organization for women, and I recently got the question if I would be there if it were a mixed group – I said no – I’ve got all the men I can possibly handle/put up with/work with/talk to/enjoy the company of..etc. at and around work. I am looking forward to getting to know more Geeky Girls in the area soon, so that I may help, hire and make new friends. See you soon, Eva
Tags: personal
Amanda
January 14th, 2009
Eva,
this post makes me so curious… what do you do, and what company is this?
It’s so wierd to me that there aren’t more women in tech because it actually seems primed for girls: detail oriented, exacting, orderly, needs planning, etc. (making rash generalizations here) so its always disappointing to head to tech meetups and be faced with a room full of Y chromosomes wondering if i brought baked goods with me.
I am so excited for the first dinner I can attend!
Marcia
January 14th, 2009
Only very recently, articles written about women in tech have - thank goodness - put aside those old chestnuts about women being unable to excel because of family considerations.
These articles have identified the truth, that women leave engineering and software development because the attitudes towards us are often antagonistic, dismissive, sexist and juvenile.
It’s good to recognize and acknowledge the problems without trying to make excuses or to sugarcoat. We need a critical mass of women in tech, such as exists in other countries.
We also need a generational change in management. I’m in my 60’s, and the men my age? Forget it: you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.