An illustrated guide to a week in the life of a woman in technology, what she goes through, and how it differs from being a guy in tech. Uses Tech Doodles.

1. “WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A
WOMAN IN TECH?”
“Who? Me?”
—Kiki Schirr

2. A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A
WOMAN IN TECH

3. Sunday night:
As the workday approaches, boredom sets in, and the woman in tech looks to her
computer to try to stave off the dull. However, as most of her friends have a social
life / family, no one is online.

4. Monday:
There is a persistent rumor in the startup world that Mondays should be joyous
things and that you’re so eager to get started on your project that you feel like a
regular (non-startup) Joe on a Friday at 4 PM. I can neither confirm nor deny the
veracity of this statement, as the Startup Police would come after me.

5. Tuesday:
Attend a conference. Most attendees will be male. While you’re okay with that…
there are some ‘moments.’

6. Wednesday:
You sit on a panel in the conference, and the presenter refers to you as a “woman in tech.”
You’re not sure whether to be flattered, or whether there’s just more pressure on you now not
to say something dumb.

7. Thursday:
Back at work, you push the limits of what you know and do something you’ve
never done before. Instead of bragging, you celebrate internally—or happy dance.

8. Friday:
You get some unexpected recognition, but someone tries to rain on your parade…

9. Saturday:
You attempt a social outing with a non-startup friend. (For those of you in
startups, that’s a popular band’s shirt…)

10. Ultimately, your week isn’t that different than it would be for a guy in
tech. You’ve networked, gotten stuff done, and tried desperately to kill
off your rapid inbox.
What’s so different about being a woman in tech?

11. “SURE, HE [FRED ASTAIRE] WAS
GREAT, BUT DON’T FORGET
GINGER ROGERS DID
EVERYTHING HE DID…
BACKWARDS AND IN HEELS.”
—Bob Thaves, in “Frank and Earnest”

12. KIKI SCHIRR
WOMAN IN TECH
AUTHOR OF TECH DOODLES
kikischirr@gmail.com
medium.com/tech-doodles/latest