I’ve been the first female employee
at a few companies.
Yes, I was a trailblazer.
I opened doors for other women.
But it was extremely stressful also.
Many men were unhappy
when I was hired
and they tried their best
to ensure I failed.
I also knew
if I failed,
I would likely be
the last woman they hired.
They made their token attempt
at hiring a woman
and wouldn’t try again.
Launching a new product
successfully
is challenging.
Launching a new product
successfully
while some of your team members
are working hard
to ensure you fail
is almost impossible.
I chose to move
to companies/teams
that were more supportive.
That was far less stressful
and much more enjoyable.
“My father developed
a unique form of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
as a result of being
the first black systems engineer
at IBM,
one known to many
who are racial, ethnic
or gender ‘firsts’
… a reaction to feeling
‘under a microscope,’
‘always on display’
or ‘representing one’s race.’ ”
Being first is an honor
but it is also extremely stressful.
Consider the added emotional impact
and challenges
before accepting that role.