How to "Figure it out." ?

When you start your first job in the corporate tech domain, there’s a big transition from student life to office life. College was different, you had so much time. But now suddenly you are as good as quickly you can get things done. You constantly need to prove your worth while you’re doing everything for the first time.

This transition is tough for everyone, but I’ve noticed that women face an extra layer of scrutiny. If you catch on quickly, you’re “too sharp.” If you take time to learn, you’re dismissed as slow. Ask questions, and you’re accused of needing to know everything. Stay quiet, and people assume you don’t understand. Talk to others, and it’s gossip. Keep to yourself, and you’re seen as arrogant. Be kind, and you’re warned not to let people walk over you. Stand your ground, and you’re labeled rude. No matter what you do, there’s always something to pick apart.

Women are constantly judged for everything. And you often have to downplay your potential at work to protect the fragile egos of your perfect seniors. The reason is that women need to be supportive, not assertive, as per the societal norm. For many reasons women themselves take up such supportive parts in projects that have no scope beyond. But the problem arises when all women are supposed to work that part.

So how do you step into an assertive role in a place where you’re expected to just be supportive—without coming across as rude? That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out. Turns out, you can’t just be nice, go along with everything, and still expect to become a leader. You can work on your skills and build your technical knowledge all you want, but it won’t take you far unless you stand your ground. Asking questions will always get you further than just being the nice, quiet one.

Using your potential will upset those who don’t have it—at least until they realize you’re an asset to them and the organization. So use your potential. People will always have something to say, no matter what. Don’t let the fear of judgment hold you back. You will figure it out.