*4.4. Theme #4: "Experiences by Characteristics"*

The final primary theme that emerged from the analysis related to unique experiences women faced. The subthemes revolved around the following areas: women facing different challenges at work from those of their male counterparts, women of color facing different challenges from their white female or male colleagues, and the differences in challenges between women starting out in their careers and women in later career stages.

#### 4.4.1. Women Face Different Challenges

Although it may be obvious from previous sections, many women specifically noted that they faced different challenges from those of their male counterparts at work. For example, one respondent stated, "If you're a female you have to do your job 10,000%, plus figure out who is going to teach your kids and do all the things at home". Another explained, "I watched as a coworker with less experience and seniority was promoted over me because he is married and can devote "more time" to his job, even though I work more hours and have taken on extra responsibilities, and he has not".

In terms of remote working, one woman said, "Children at home default to asking Mom for everything even though Dad is also working from home and able (and willing!) to help. I feel guilty most of the day telling my child that "Mom needs to work right now".

Three additional participants shared insights that represent many women's experiences. First, one said, "The worry that male peers can take on more while I am barely sustaining creates concern about future growth opportunities. I worry about short- and long-term opportunities being lost, and it impacts how I feel about my current role". Second, one woman noted, "If it becomes safe to have childcare for our son, then I may be able to carve out more time for meetings, networking opportunities, conferences and symposia. It is already evident that my male counterparts are much better able to manage their time and submit proposals at a faster rate than I am able to".

Yet another respondent shared her experience at length: "My work anxiety with regard to being "seen" and included as a female has risen significantly since the pandemic. I have always felt marginalized, but now this feeling is compacted with a physical distance from leadership as well as the immense need to juggle homeschooling, chores, and the mental health needs of my children with work. I have rarely felt understood by my male bosses, but this gap in empathy is huge right now".
