The Sacrifices Women Make to Be in Tech

Leadership in the tech industry is a double-edged sword for many women. The path to the top is often paved with long hours, immense pressure, and relentless scrutiny. While these challenges exist in most leadership roles, women in tech face even higher stakes. With each step up the ladder, the demands grow heavier, and the sacrifices become more profound.

These sacrifices go beyond missing personal milestones or working late nights. Many women are forced to give up pieces of themselves—whether it’s time with family, their mental health, or a sense of balance. The pressure to excel and navigate an industry that can feel isolating often leaves them running on empty. What begins as ambition can easily transform into burnout, with little support in sight.

For women of color, the challenges are amplified. The additional emotional labor of navigating predominantly white, male spaces adds yet another layer of stress. These sacrifices, visible or not, are often accepted as the cost of success.

Women in tech leadership frequently find themselves in precarious positions, shouldering disproportionate responsibilities without the resources to thrive. As they advance in their careers, the personal toll can become increasingly invisible.

Chronic Stress and Its Link to Health Decline

Stress isn’t simply a response to feeling overwhelmed—it has real, measurable impacts on the body. Research has shown that chronic stress can disrupt the body’s natural functions, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of serious illnesses.

According to the American Psychological Association, stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that, when elevated for long periods, can contribute to inflammation, increased blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. Over time, these physiological changes can lead to diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

A study published by National Cancer Institute outlines the potential role stress plays in cancer development. It suggests that prolonged exposure to stress-related hormones can fuel the growth of cancerous cells and suppress the body’s ability to fight tumor formation. For women in leadership positions, who often face disproportionate pressures, the implications are clear: the stress of leadership, combined with systemic inequities, can, quite possibly, contribute to life-threatening conditions.

The Invisible Sacrifices of Women in Leadership

Women in leadership roles are not shying away from the challenges that come with their ambition. Many embrace the pressures of high-powered positions, knowing they can make a significant impact in their organizations. However, the harsh reality is that they often do so without the support systems that their male counterparts typically benefit from.

The pressure to “do it all” can lead women to sacrifice personal well-being, relationships, and even their health. Women of color face compounded challenges, navigating environments that have historically been exclusionary while also carrying the burden of additional emotional labor.

The Glass Cliff phenomenon, which describes the precarious positions women are often placed in—leading organizations during times of crisis—highlights how these challenges can become even more daunting. Women in tech leadership are frequently thrust into high-risk roles, only to encounter harsher scrutiny when things go wrong.

This is not just about handling stress; it’s about the systemic inequities that create an uneven playing field. While women are eager to take on leadership roles, they often lack access to the same networks and resources that facilitate growth for their male peers. The absence of supportive structures—such as mentorship opportunities, domestic help, or a strong network—forces them to navigate these turbulent waters alone, leading to a perfect storm of stress that endangers their health.

Sacrificing Health for Success: A Pattern Across Industries

The sacrifices made by women in leadership positions aren’t confined to the tech industry. Across various fields, high-profile women have shared stories of the toll their leadership roles took on their health. Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi has spoken about the immense pressure she felt balancing her career and personal life, a struggle that led to chronic stress and its associated health risks. Marissa Mayer, former Yahoo CEO, faced intense scrutiny and stress during her tenure, adding to the mental and physical burdens of leadership.

Tragically, these pressures can sometimes lead to fatal consequences. In 2023, Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, a devoted leader in education and proud Lincoln University alumna, took her own life after enduring immense professional and personal stress. Despite her love for the institution, she faced insurmountable challenges in a leadership role that seemingly provided  little support. Allegations later surfaced that her boss, John Moseley, disregarded her mental health concerns, with Candia-Bailey describing him as “heartless” and accusing him of intentionally hurting those under his leadership.

These stories are just a few out of many that show how the overwhelming stress that women in leadership endure is often exacerbated by a lack of adequate support systems. To foster a healthier work environment, it’s crucial to address the systemic issues that allow these detrimental conditions to persist.

Stress, Illness, and the Unseen Toll

A growing body of research shows a direct correlation between chronic stress and the onset of life-threatening conditions, such as cancer. The National Cancer Institute notes that while stress itself doesn’t cause cancer, it can exacerbate existing health conditions and contribute to behaviors like smoking or overeating, which are linked to cancer development. Additionally, the chronic inflammation caused by stress can promote the spread of cancerous cells.

For women in leadership, this is a terrifying reality. The constant pressure, lack of support, and high stakes create a vicious cycle where stress becomes inescapable. As women continue to break barriers in tech, it’s critical to acknowledge the toll these roles can take on their well-being and the urgent need for systemic change.

Building a Healthier Future for Women in Tech

Women in tech leadership shouldn’t have to sacrifice their health for success. It’s time to address the root causes of these sacrifices—systemic inequities, lack of support, and unrealistic expectations. Companies must implement mental health resources, offer flexible working conditions, and foster a culture where well-being is prioritized.

This is more than a call for work-life balance; it’s a call for fundamental change. The sacrifices women make to be in leadership should not be accepted as the cost of success. We must demand a future where women leaders can thrive, not at the expense of their health, but with the support they need to succeed.

Join the Movement for Change

We’ve seen enough—enough lost potential, enough health crises, and enough women pushed to the brink. We refuse to accept a system that forces us to choose between our health and our ambition.

At AnitaB.org, we’re on a mission to build a tech landscape where women and nonbinary technologists thrive without sacrificing their well-being. This isn’t just about equal opportunities; it’s about dismantling the barriers that hold us back and demanding the support we deserve.

Join us today! Become a part of a fierce community that champions equity and elevates the voices of all women in tech. Sign up for AnitaB.org Membership now, and let’s revolutionize this industry together—because we deserve to lead and live on our own terms!