u/QuarterMajestic2944

Idk if this is a common experience. I feel like working in tech I constantly have to prove myself to my team especially that I’m content and good at my job. I have multiple years of experience and multiple certifications and a degree to back this up. I’m frustrated because being the youngest on the team and being more shy or reserved it’s like I have to fight to be chosen on projects or really advocate to make an impact. I’m working on my self confidence gradually but being young and a woman in this field several times I’ve been basically called incompetent and with these tech layoffs I constantly have to study and get certifications. Is this a common experience? I just feel like I’m not taken as seriously and im still learning and growing I’m just frustrated. I don’t really fit in with my team being my age and it’s hard sometimes. I’m just frustrated I work as a desktop
Support analyst and hoping once I’m done with degree and certs I can maybe look for a new job or stay at this company.

I also study on weekends and every day for school and certifications on the side. I try to study what i can with my free time

I have been lifting for on and off maybe 4-5 years. I’m really proud of the progress I’ve made and it shows clearly. Sometimes I can’t wear certain clothes or I just feel a bit insecure with how wide my back has gotten I’ve leaned out but look like a linebacker haha. I don’t want to compare because we all have different body types I’m more androgynous as well so I defiantly stick out so easily. I do have visible muscle definition and notice I get surprised or questionable looks. I feel insecure or out of place with other woman like do I really belong or fit in I feel like an outsider sometimes it’s in my head but I find it hard to relate sometimes. I have sometimes gotten comments “I don’t want to lift to look like a man”. Lifting and going to the gym saved my life and I love aspects of having muscles and looking good it’s rewarding but when I go out and have an outfit where my shoulders and back are so wide I just get in my head because I know I don’t fit into beauty standards for woman. My personality is shy and reserved so i feel like it’s the opposite expectation. I’m working on building confidence and self esteem and working through body image. I know we all have certain preferences and attraction to types of woman, I’m more so venting about my experiences. Thank you