The biggest deterrent for women in tech

Of course you are offended. That's why reasonable, more detailed examination of generalizations such as mine rarely happens and you certainly don't hear about it. It makes people awkwardly uncomfortable and you can't have that on CNEntertinment, unless it's delivered by an over-the-top caricature you don't have to take seriously. Instead you have equally absurd generalizations based on popular opinion that make everyone feel warm and fuzzy.

1. I never had a problem working hard, 60+ hours, nor did any of my female friends growing up.

Nor do any of the women I know. In fact most of them work as hard as I do or harder. I am not surprised at all to find smart, hard-working women in technology. STEM degree stats suggest women make up nearly 20% even in the most male-heavy fields like Computer Science and Physics. The relevant demographic is not necessarily you or every woman you know, but the hypothetical women that would make up that 10-30% gap in the gender balance.

Or, from the perspective of companies wanting to hire more capable engineers at cheaper salaries, the point is not to address the imbalanced gender ratio, the point is to maximize the pool of talent by whatever means available.

2. A tech career can be great at self-actualization. You build cool shit, and can make new things that can change peoples lives. It's awesome.

Of course it can be. But what percentage of people going into STEM fields admit that it was their first choice and one made without much regard for earning potential? It certainly was not my first choice. I originally wanted to be a professor of music theory. I looked at the employment prospects and job markets and opted to pursue technology instead. In fact many of the people I've worked with in technology started out with different ambitions and wound up here because they were smart, resourceful, and needed money.

3. Seriously...you actually believe that smart women are thinking about lowering their life goals in anticipation of marrying up?

I believe that all women will marry up if they can and that dedicating time and attention to raise a family does not represent lowering of life goals. I also think that regardless of what one may want or what they may decide with their brain, most people will accomplish less if they do not face pressure.

Women absolutely care for themselves. I'm not saying there aren't still women who don't, but this view that a female will be taken care of was never something that entered into my head, nor anyone else I know.

And you are working in a technology field.

Of course women take care of themselves. The question is how much pressure are they under to do so relative to the pressure faced by a man with similar gifts and opportunities.