Picture this: a family reunion where the topic of career choices comes up. Meg, an 18-year-old, is excited about pursuing a computer science degree, just like her cousin. But when her cousin is asked for advice, things take a dramatic turn. Instead of encouraging Meg, the cousin shares her own harrowing experiences in the field and advises against it. Was she out of line, or just being honest?
Family Reunion Career Talk

Unsolicited Advice?

The Unpleasant Truth

Meg’s Passion for CS

A Dark Journey

The Industry Nightmare

A Never-Ending Cycle

Role Models Gone

The Price of Mental Health

Meg’s Interest Piqued

Rick’s Outburst

A Heated Argument

Walking Away ♀️

Edit: Seeking Better Experiences

A Glimmer of Hope ✨

A Brutal Honesty or a Dream Crusher?
When Meg’s cousin revealed the harsh reality of her own computer science career, it sparked a heated debate at the family reunion. Meg’s father, Rick, was furious, accusing the cousin of trying to ruin his daughter’s future. But was she just trying to protect Meg from the same pain she had experienced? The internet is divided, with some defending the cousin’s honesty and others arguing that her experience isn’t representative of the entire field. One thing’s for sure: this family reunion will be remembered for years to come.
Women in computer science discuss systemic sexual harassment in the industry.

Female scientist warns about harassment in STEM careers. Fathers ignore reality.

Mixed reactions to woman warning about dark side of CS careers

A cautionary tale of the dark side of computer science careers

Encouraging women to enter CS feels like feeding them into a meat machine ♀️. Telling the younger woman what she might experience is important .

Female software developer shares positive experience in diverse workplace

Being honest without being harsh – NTA handled it well

Helpful advice on computer science careers and avoiding harassment.

Debate on the prevalence of sexism in computer science careers

Honesty can lead to arguments, but NTA for giving opinion

Empowering Meg’s career choice with informed decision-making

NTA. Sexual harassment is real and it makes for a toxic work environment

Honesty is the best policy for career advice

Discouraging women from computer science is not the solution

Former chef shares dangers of industry, supports OP’s warning to cousin.

Supportive comment thread with a hint of drama

Engaging discussion on the importance of honesty and open communication

Encourage her to develop tools to deal with harassment and sexism

Reality check: Commenter not at fault for calling out unrealistic expectations.

Commenter exposes institutional sexism in computer science careers.

Giving honest advice to family about computer science careers

Experienced professionals share positive experiences in the industry

Giving advice to cousin’s daughter, dad overreacts

Honesty is the best policy

Giving advice without being TA

Giving honest advice without sugarcoating. Diplomacy is key

Encouraging caution and entrepreneurship in a male-dominated industry

Sharing the harsh reality of computer science careers.

Commenter calls out Rick for being TA. Drama alert

Commenter calls out a sensitive father in a NTA situation

Encouraging caution in computer science careers amidst sexual harassment scandals

Honesty is the best policy . NTA for sharing your thoughts.

NTA. The cousin disregarded their daughter’s safety and mental health

Woman shares personal experience in IT to advise cousin’s daughter.

Sharing industry experience to help make informed decisions

Supportive reply receives positive feedback.

Honesty over pleasing others. NTA for warning about consequences.

Retired IT pro shares reality of workplace harassment towards women

Sexual harassment in IT fields forces woman to teach instead

Exploring alternative careers with better mental health and safety prospects

Honesty is the best policy . NTA did her a favor.

Supporting victims of sexual harassment in the tech industry
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/aa446996-585d-4804-8a0a-e160bb852a4e.png)
Encouraging response to advice given to cousin’s daughter about careers

Black female scientist shares valid experience while encouraging individual decision-making

Giving an honest opinion can be tough ♀️
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/612f2924-40ff-4d2b-916c-9cca6c9182ea.png)
Woman shares negative experience in tech, sparks debate on discouraging niece

Helpful advice on computer science careers. NTA

Standing up to verbal abuse, NTA wins the day

Female CS graduate shares experience of gender bias in workplace.

Experienced female IT worker disagrees with discouraging computer science careers.

Experienced IT worker disagrees, but NTA for sharing concerns

Career warning from a victim of harassment. NTA

Experienced tech worker warns of prevalent harassment in industry

Experienced female computer scientist defends industry and encourages women in STEM

Friend’s gaming industry experience validates warning against computer science careers

Encouraging women in tech despite challenges is key

Informative comment on sexism in STEM and supporting the OP.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/b37a35e8-5552-4cb6-a38d-9c61db4d3ff0.png)
Overcoming family’s outdated views to pursue a fulfilling career

Former IT worker warns about industry’s dark side

Cousin’s greed puts Meg’s safety at risk. NTA warns her.

Informative comment on potential harassment in CS careers, dismissed by family.

Female software engineer shares constructive criticism on cousin’s warning

Sexual harassment is not exclusive to tech, NTA for warning.

Valid concerns about sexual harassment in business settings

Breaking the glass ceiling in computer science is still tough

Standing up against toxic masculinity in tech industry. NTA

Rick seeks opinion, gets NTA verdict instead
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/ad79dddf-4848-4824-9421-ad624656aaf7.png)
Advice on seeking career advice: talk to multiple people

Being honest about the challenges of a career isn’t overstepping
