Many posters to the discussion spoke of the lack of a comfortable working environment in technology firms, due to long hours, poor management, and feeling excluded or discriminated against as women in a male-dominated field. Thus, as "Woodie" pointed out, one "problem beyond that of interesting women in computer and engineering fields is actually keeping them there." As an example, one member stated that in engineering, only a small percentage of women who graduate with an engineering degree actually pursue engineering jobs. Instead, many women use their degrees to transition to another field, such as medicine, law, and business. This member postulated that the lack of a comfortable working environment for women in engineering, due to their minority status, is the reason why many women choose to leave the field.

In keeping with these ideas, several women shared their frustrations with the working environment in technology fields. They spoke of not being trusted and accepted in the same way as their male co-workers. For example, "Kyriani," a female web programmer, stated that women "… are seen to need more time off, not be as dedicated to their work (because of perceived preference to family over work), etc… I find I am often excluded from the activities that my male coworkers attend, often not on purpose, they just don't think of me as "part of the crew" though I am as much of a professional as they. Women in the computer industry often get jobs like administrative assistants or similar jobs, because they aren't seen as being very technical. I have always had to prove myself in a job, something my male coworkers almost never have had to do."

Other members spoke of the excessive hours and poor management that they have encountered in the workplace, that have caused them to consider leaving their IT positions. However, the issue of long hours being a deterrent to women holding jobs in technical or scientific industries sparked some controversy amongst our members. Several members pointed out that historically, women have held jobs that demand sacrifice and grueling hours, and that this should not be held up as a reason why women are somehow unsuitable for positions in technology firms. "Mpfeifer," a female who works in software development, stated "I work longer hours than most men, and carry on a very active social life." In my opinion, it is important to make a distinction between the erroneous idea that women are somehow unsuitable for IT positions due to the hours demanded, and the fact that some women do seem to be choosing to leave the field due to what they perceive as excessive work schedules.

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