The Often-Overlooked Daily Hurdles Women Face at Work

Let’s face it: the workplace still isn’t an even playing field for women, particularly in male-dominated industries like tech, construction, and engineering. Gender bias, pay gaps, and glass ceilings are real. But so are the daily, subtle challenges that drain your energy and stall your career.

Below are 10 everyday hurdles many women face.

1. Not Taken Seriously

Ever propose an idea in a meeting and hear crickets, until a man repeats it, and suddenly everyone’s on board?

Women are often assumed less capable, purely because they’re women. This leads to being overlooked for key projects or promotions, even when they’re more qualified.

2. Labeled ‘Too Difficult’ or ‘Too Aggressive’

Speak up firmly? You might get the eye-roll and a comment that you’re ‘just too intense.’

When women openly disagree or challenge ideas, they risk being tagged as “difficult,” while men doing the same thing are applauded as “bold” or “visionary.”

Get a FREE virtual 30-minute lunch & learn on "Breaking the ‘Too Aggressive’ Stereotype Without Backing Down.”

3. Constantly Questioned

You have more experience and degrees, but somehow you’re always asked, ‘Are you sure you know how to handle this?’

No matter how many times you’ve proven your expertise, some colleagues still test your credibility or assume you need extra validation.

4. Branded ‘Too Outspoken’ or ‘Bitchy’

You show excitement about an idea… and get told to ‘tone it down.’ Meanwhile, a guy does the same and is praised for his enthusiasm.

Some accuse your passion of being “too loud” or “bitchy.” Men in the same position might be commended for “leadership” or “confidence.”

5. Not Treated as an Equal

Same role, same output, yet he’s given the high-stakes project and you’re assigned behind-the-scenes tasks.

From unequal pay to fewer high-visibility opportunities, women are stuck in a cycle of proving themselves, yet never receiving the same level of support or compensation.

6. Negative Spotlight

When things go wrong, you get blamed. Make a mistake or take a risk? You face outsized scrutiny, labeled as someone who “just can’t hack it.”

When things go right, credit somehow goes to the ‘team.’ You might be overlooked.

7. Feeling Forced to Be Inauthentic

Tried being more ‘dominant’ only to be labeled ‘unlikeable’? Tried being softer and got ignored?

Trying to emulate “masculine” traits to fit in can lead to the double-bind: be less liked for being too “tough,” or be overlooked for not being “assertive enough.”

8. Bro Culture Misfit

Been stuck in awkward small talk about sports or ‘dude stuff’ just to fit in, while quietly hating every minute?

Ever found yourself pretending to care about sports or “guy talk” just to join the conversation? It’s draining, distracting, and often doesn’t help you truly connect.

9. Loneliness

Have you ever looked around for a female mentor or sponsor and realized there’s almost no one to turn to?

Without accessible female role models, mentors, or a support system, it’s easy to feel isolated and wonder if leadership is really within reach.

10. No Real Work-Life Balance

You get side-eyed for leaving on time to pick up your kids, while men who stay late are dubbed ‘committed.’

Companies that glorify long hours and 24/7 availability often fail to recognize that many women carry disproportionate home and family responsibilities, leading to burnout or stalled careers.

Breaking the ‘Too Aggressive’ Stereotype Without Backing Down

None of these obstacles vanish overnight, but there are practical steps you can take to advocate for yourself, keep your authenticity and advance your career.

I’m offering a FREE virtual 30-minute lunch & learn on exactly that, called:

“Breaking the ‘Too Aggressive’ Stereotype Without Backing Down.”

In just half an hour, we’ll explore:

• Proven techniques to tackle labels like "too aggressive" or "off putting" with confidence.
• How to speak up without being labeled “difficult”
• A clear understanding of the difference between being aggressive and assertive.

You'll get a free workshop that Fortune 500 companies pay thousands of dollars to have access to. Schedule a call now to define the details for your free Virtual Lunch & Learn on Breaking the 'Too Aggressive' Stereotype. (Limited time offer)

Ready to Break The 'Aggressive' Label Women Face?

If these challenges strike a chord, or if you know a women’s ERG or leadership team that could benefit, let’s connect.

Click here to schedule a quick call with me or drop a comment/DM if you want more info. We’ll see if this FREE 30-minute lunch & learn is right for your organization or team (Limited time offer - first come first serve).

Feel free to share this with other advocates for women in your company. Let’s create workplaces where women thrive, unapologetically.

#WomenInTech #WomenInConstruction #DEI #CareerGrowth #WomenLeaders #ERG #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmpowerWomen #InclusiveWorkplace