I might hate programming. After spending years in this field, I still wouldn’t call myself a perfect developer. I’ve built my own projects, freelanced, and yet, I’m still searching for that ideal job with a healthy work culture, not just another place lacking in values.
I enjoy software development to some extent, especially in the last five months, but the environment often makes it difficult to stay passionate.
I know I need to improve in my field, but sometimes people drain that motivation. It’s the same with learning German—I’ve almost given up. Maybe I need to transform this slight hatred into love, like I did with coding.
The Confidence Crisis
Long story short, here’s a sensitive topic I need to address: as a woman in software development, I’ve faced tougher challenges than my male colleagues.
This has nothing to do with a lack of self-confidence or being ‘too emotional’—a comment I actually received from an employer just a few months ago.
At first, I thought it wasn’t true, but then I realized that this industry can really take a toll on your confidence and make you question yourself.
From the outset, I want to avoid making sexist remarks because I value equality. I came across an article that inspired me to share my own experiences.
According to a 2024 report, women hold just 26.7% of technology jobs. Higher-level positions like CTOs or heads of engineering have even lower representation of women.
Struggles of a Female Developer
Software development was cool for me before the pandemic and before everyone chasing money learned to code. I loved the logic behind the code, the ways to solve problems, and the transformation of ideas into products. However, on this journey, I encountered more obstacles than I expected. From my first day at work, I was overwhelmed by the number of male colleagues and, at times, their prejudices. But I am grateful to those who have been supportive.
Is My “Female Way of Thinking” the Problem?
I’ve been a software developer for three years and have had very emotional moments because of these perceptions. When I shared my experiences with colleagues, they suggested that my unique way of thinking led to misunderstandings. But were they implying that my "female way of thinking" was the problem? That’s just funny.
I worked in a field dominated by men. They often communicated in a very direct and unprofessional way, thinking it was the best way to solve problems. I preferred a more collaborative and polite approach, believing in giving feedback constructively. But even if my ideas were good, they didn’t seem to have the same impact.
Managing Emotions in a Professional Setting
My manager once said, “If two male team members have a strong argument, nobody thinks twice because it’s seen as normal. They would resolve it and move on. Your emotional response makes it hard to manage, because of the difference between you.” He was right in a way—I was emotional. But now, I’m more mature because life, especially in this industry, isn’t easy for women. It was clear that assertiveness was more acceptable coming from men.
One stereotype I’ve encountered is the misconception that women are too emotional and, therefore, unsuitable for technical jobs. The notion that a woman’s emotional nature would hinder her success in software is a common mistake. In reality, women and men have equal talent and skills in software development. The fact that only 17% of tech company CEOs are women shows how pervasive this misconception is.
Feeling Isolated in a Male-Dominated Industry
Among my male colleagues, I sometimes felt isolated and struggled to make friends. This is largely due to the minority status of women in the tech field. I also face the stereotype that women focus too much on details and miss the big picture. But this is more about individual differences than a talent disparity.
Why It Can Be Fun
Loving the freedom of being myself and not worrying about what others expect of me. 💃
Enjoying the sense of accomplishment in a field where few women are seen.
Ignoring outdated ideas and focusing on what I’m good at.
Getting cool ideas when I’m alone, thinking and working.
Using my emotions to my advantage — they help me think differently and do better work. 👧
Showing everyone that women aren’t just part of tech; we’re rocking it! 🚀
Being a co-founder of something meaningful and not letting unworthy companies define my value.
Why It Can’t Be Fun
I have so much to say about this, but it will be for another blog post!
Conclusion
My experiences may not resonate with everyone, but they’ve shaped who I am as a developer. I’m still here, pushing through the challenges, and making my own way. Software development industry isn’t perfect, neither am I.
I’m still a developer, and I’ll keep going until I can say, “I’ve mastered this, and now I’m unstoppable.”
I’m not doing it to prove anything to anyone. I’m doing this for myself, creating what I want, how I want, and earning the success I deserve.
One day, when I’ve built my best apps and achieved everything I’ve dreamed of, I’ll sit back and enjoy the results.
Through this article, I’m simply sharing my journey. If it resonates, great. If not, that’s fine too.
I’m here to build, to create, and to succeed on my own terms. And that’s all that really matters to me. Best, Naz
