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I want to become a UI/UX designer (or even more techy profession) but I am afraid of the toxic tech culture.
As many women I've had my traumas from men. Most of those are still not healed (I'm in therapy). But I need a profession that is good for remote working (I've got health issues) and not too social (introvert here).
I wouldn't even consider it. But I'm in somewhat desperate financial situation. Plus, I want something promising as a career in the field that's not dying.
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Edit:
Thank you everybody so much! Definitely some food for thoughts. I'm so grateful for this forum! Everywhere else I would just get gaslighted.
I understand the appeal of tech jobs, having worked them myself. I'm currently planning a career pivot so I'm really examining what I'm ready to put up with. Especially since the security of the job isn't what it has been in the past. Apart from medicine, law and maybe teaching, there are very few "safe" fields left (and even those come with their own hefty doses of misogyny and other BS). I'd say if you're not passionate about the things you're going to do, don't bother with a tech career. You need genuine enthusiasm to put up with the toxic parts. Your "why" can't be money alone or you'll burn out fast.
I spent most of my career in tech and working in male dominated environments. You will have better luck running your own shop. Start your own business (or be freelance) so you can decide which clients to work with and make it comfortable for you. If you go in house, you'll likely get disillusioned. Build your own
I worked in a mid-size, publicly traded tech company. The culture from the top-down was exceedingly toxic (and, no surprise, male). The executive leadership in my part of the org offered little value and some of them were cruel for sport.
The pros of the job were the skills I learned, the portfolio I built, and the connections I made with people who were director-level and below (AKA the ones who actually did the work and had the expertise).
These pros are paying off now. But I suffered mightily to get here. I wish I had some good advice, but tech is notorious for a reason. I would only consider women-run businesses or businesses with a sustainable growth model, not those led by a delusional Elon Musk wannabes who are desperate to go public and get rich.
You can also choose to work for women run companies and bosses. Not a rare thing
Find remote job. I would like to learn some tips on how to network and protect your payments while working remotely.
Thank you everybody so much! Definitely some food for thoughts. I'm so grateful for this forum! Everywhere else I would just get gaslighted.
I'm also looking to go into tech. What's helped me prepare so far is the podcast Women at Work. They have a podcast about male dominated industries as well. I really like their podcasts overall, help me feel more prepared for the things I face at work being a woman. Today there's a tech networking event for women that I'll be going to, I plan to ask the fellow women there what their experiences are/if they know any companies that are nice to work at as a woman. (And/or how to vet)