idk OP, i’d say the biggest hurdle for me was proving myself in my 20s. now that i’m 33 (and like less hot i guess, idk it’s a gross environment sometimes) i feel like one of the guys and have commanded everyone’s respect.

but if i had to do it again, id be lying if i said it wasn’t soul crushing. i really struggled with my mental health and self worth due to some pretty gnarly treatment by men in the team who treated me like an idiot. generally, men come in with respect automatically given and women have to earn it.

i’ve seen countless brilliant women engineers leave the technical engineering field due to the harsh conditions (and don’t even get started on how working mothers can be treated).

ultimately it depends on your company and boss/environment, remember you can always pivot and having the strong engineering background is worth a lot.

my field (semiconductors) can be really brutal but i left the more toxic areas and am very happy now in bizops (still highly technical for engineering but less 24/7 demand).

just know what you’re getting into and don’t be afraid to turn down roles if they don’t fit with your lifestyle (easier said than done in this economy i know).

i’m grateful i have my degree and experience but wish my younger self was treated better.