Workplace & Career Growth
What I Wish I Knew Before engineering schoolby
When I started working, I didn’t think much about work-life balance—mostly because I had nothing else to balance it with. Everyone worked six days a week, and Sunday was the designated day off. In this male-dominated environment, I quickly realized that being a woman put me on a bit of a radar. I showed up every single day, sick or not. No one asked me to; I just felt it was silently expected.
At the time, I didn’t fully understand the mindset I was developing, or the factors shaping it. But looking back, I see the pattern clearly.
I’d often hear things like,
“Anthony’s away for a wedding,” or
“Eugene didn’t get back from his trip in time.”
No raised eyebrows. No snide comments.
But when female colleagues needed time off, the tone shifted:
“Belinda didn’t come to work—you know how these women are.”
“Monica says she’s sick. I bet it’s boyfriend drama.”
Even the perception of flexibility varied. Male colleagues seemed to slip out of work early with little fuss. Meanwhile, I once heard:
“Don’t be like that girl who leaves early.”
“That girl” was Isabela. She’d left early twice in three months.
In contrast, Eugene frequently arrived late, left early, and took several days off every few weeks—yet no one labeled him “unreliable.” He was just Eugene.
One day, I overheard someone joking (not really joking):
“You’re an unmarried woman—what do you need all this time for?”
The comment was directed at a senior female colleague who had poured years of dedication into the company. That moment crystallized something for me.
I had unconsciously adopted the belief that I needed to work longer and harder than my male peers just to be seen as equally productive. But that mindset came at a cost: I had no time left for anything else—no family gatherings, no weddings, no social hobbies. I even lost a tooth to the stress.
When I transitioned into a new role, I knew something had to change. I began making intentional shifts that helped me maintain my reputation—this time, with far less personal strain.
Deliver your tasks with completeness, accuracy, and punctuality. When your work speaks for itself, you won’t need to explain or overextend. Fewer redos mean more time for the other areas of your life.
Offering help builds goodwill. When you need time off, those you’ve supported are more likely to return the favor. It also lightens the team’s collective load, freeing up space for personal time across the board.
Last year, my boss needed confirmation that a project milestone had been met before signing off on a payment. It wasn’t technically his job—and I was off-duty—but I offered to verify the work myself. That act bought me valuable goodwill. Let’s just say: when I need a favor now, I don’t hesitate to cash in.
Be honest when your plate is full. Explain why you can’t take on additional tasks and stand by your decision. It shows integrity, and over time, people will respect your boundaries—and trust that when you can help, you will.
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This post is not meant to pit women against men. It’s about acknowledging the different experiences at play—so that women, especially in engineering, can better align themselves with strategies that work.
Finding work-life balance isn’t just about scheduling—it’s about sustaining your well-being while still showing up with excellence. When women are aware of the landscape, we’re better equipped to navigate it with wisdom, resilience, and purpose.
