My day job working as a lady in tech keeps me very busy these days. Admittedly, my absence on Pure Wander has been noticeable over the past few weeks, Believe it or not I didn’t take the summer off, in fact my fingers were glued to my keyboard as the dog days of summer passed by.
This included a quick hop across the pond to meet my European colleagues in Bucharest, Romania. It only took a few sips of palinka in the company of locals to realize that Romania has much more to offer than vampire tales. Bucharest certainly took me by surprise, so much so that I’m heading back for a few months this fall! I see why people might want to think about moving there long-term, or potentially buying property in Romania. After spending much time there, it seems like a good investment.
You’ll never know if you don’t go
As the plane sat on the tarmac preparing for takeoff, I made a pivotal decision. This trip Bucharest would only mark the beginning of an eastern European adventure. I’ve heard amazing things about thriving industries and business in Romania, I couldn’t wait to be a part of it. I would do whatever it takes to make my way back to this unexpectedly charming city.
The question is, will I be able to weave my personal passion for travel into my professional life? While preparing the relocation proposal, the following travel quote served as inspiration: “You’ll never know if you don’t go” – Your Passport.
Fighting Fears as a Lady in Tech
Working in a male dominated field can lend itself to challenges as a lady in tech. In my seven years working as a product designer and front-end developer I have faced these challenges first hand. One of the biggest lessons I have learned if that despite how intimidating it may be, you must empower yourself to speak up and be heard, truly leaning in. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook executive and advocate for women in the workplace says is best, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
After meeting the people whom I’d only previously seen on a slack channel, I realized the value face time (not the apple invention) can have in a remote collaboration environment. It took real guts to muster up the courage to approach management, but it paid off. To my surprise this was an easy sell!
The healing power of travel
Career development was not the only reason for the trip. A few years ago I experienced my first heartbreak. True heartbreak, the soul crushing, hopeless kind of lost love. I had pictured myself building a life someone who had no interest in living that life with me.
Looking back on that dark time I’m now grateful for it. One of the first things I did after taking off the ring was to head straight to the bookstore. I breezed past the self-help and romance sections, beelining to the travel section. What book did I buy? Getting Out: Your Guide to leaving America.
I resisted the urge to run that summer. However, I am glad that three years later I’m figuring out a way to live my dream and embrace love in a different form. Love of travel. I’m certainly looking forward to the direction this adventure takes my heart, body, and soul. I’m especially looking forward to sharing my adventures this fall here on Pure Wander.
“The healing power of travel” has become, literally, a foreign concept to me now that I’m a mother. I can’t think of anything more stressful than packing bags for a long flight to an unknown place. Maybe when my kids are out of the house my wanderlust will return in full force, but for now, I’m content to live vicariously through pictures and blogs like these!
Back in India, we do have many women who have tech jobs but they often get the easiest ones and not the leadership roles. It is inspiring to know more about you and I glad you had a great time in Romania 🙂
I’m not a wanderer but I like watching others. I am also into a tech job and I know how stressful it is. One should always plan some outing to get relaxed but I am still struggling. I really want to feel the healing power of travel.
Lady in tech! This sounds so inspiring. I am a firm believer in feminism and I feel that every woman can achieve whatever they dream. No one can stop us (except chauvinism of another woman 😉 ) I am glad that you enjoyed your visit to Bucharest and I feel we must travel at least once a year to get connected with our soul.
Well done you lady for totally kicking a mans world of tech.
I also work in tech. I have experienced everything you have mentioned in this post. It’s hard to get heard as women in tech and I agree being fearless helps a lot. My first taught me that. I also admire Cheryl Sandberg a lot. I don’t travel much due to my job but I dream of it everytime. I hope I get to travel more soon.
Surekha I’m glad to hear that you have been brave throughout your career in tech. If you are looking for further inspiration to continue to be fearless, check out this TED talk on bravery over perfection.
I Think it’s really unfortunate that tech is still a male-dominated field of work. Glad you’re empowering yourself to stand up and be taken notice of. I’m really glad you had a great vacation, it’s amazing how travel can open your eyes, broaden your horizons and make you feel better.
Thanks so much for the support, Ellie, as ladies we need to stick together and support each other in this field.
I totally agree with your thought on Healing power of travel. Traveling changes a person and when you come back home, you find yourself a new person. Even depression can be also treated by traveling.
Thank you so much for your support yukti. I’m looking forward to learning more about myself over the next few months and coming how with a fresh perspective on life.
Good you are in a male dominated industry. I can imagine how tough it is but we definitely need more women doing what you do.
I love this, and well done you for being such a strong amazing lady! I’m a real home bird though!
It is always so hard for women to outshine in a male dominated industry, no matter how good she is! But persistence does pay of, good for you!
xx, Kusum
Thanks so much Kusum!
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