At the SWE conference, I heard a number of stories from other women that I could strongly identify with and it helped me put my own experiences in perspective. Thus, I'd like to share a recent revelation that may be applicable to others.
I have come to the conclusion that while the content of my work is important, the people and the environment are a big factor in my overall happiness. Through my rotations, I adapted to the work wherever I was, but whether I like the job is strongly affected by how well I mesh with my co-workers. I have also realized that I find individual high-walled cubes to be extremely isolating. In my co-op at Toyota, the department had one big open room and the desks of the group were arranged to form a table. This resulted in a very fun environment, and I grew close to my co-workers there, even though I was a 19 year old working with five 30+ men. In my first assignment at GE, I had a double cube which I shared with another new hire and we also had a good time and got to know each other pretty well. I have had an individual cube in my last three assignments and I find that it really doesn't minimize my distractions but it does limit social interactions and teamwork. I can hear everyone around me, but I can't see those people and so I have to leave my cubicle and go to theirs to talk to them. If I don't get up and go into their cube, I send them instant messages, which seems really silly when you are 5 feet away.
Last week, I had an interview with one of the two departments that I am considering for my permanent position, starting in January. When I started looking, I was actively seeking a department where people are having fun. Two groups that I am familiar with seemed to fit this criteria and those are the two that I'm considering now. I realized that the common factor is that those departments do not have individual high-walled cubicles, but open areas where you can see many of your co-workers without leaving your desk.
Coincidentally, a friend from an earlier assignment dropped by to chat a few days ago. He has been a draftsman at GE for over 20 years. As he sat down in my 6' walled cubicle he commented that "It wasn't like this 20 years ago. We used to all work on drafting tables in a big open room with no cubicles. I remember it being a lot more fun. Now everyone's whole world is inside their computer screen."
A few months ago I came up with a theory that I have more fun when I am collaborating with others on a task than when I work by myself. I now think that this is really a symptom of the isolating environment of high-walled cubes. I realize that many people much prefer to have their own little private space vs. an open space which can be very noisy and distracting. However, I tend to think that for the average woman, the open space must be preferable because women have a stronger need to feel a part of their community. My hypothesis is that the isolating environment may contribute to the attrition of women in engineering fields.
If you have thoughts on this topic, I'd love to hear them!
