The Feminine Outliers
This is a podcast that aims to educate, enlighten and enrich professional minority women in all our different spheres of life while having fun and enjoying ourselves at the same time. We want to create a safe space for us to discuss our lives and the daily nuances that surround them with the ultimate goal of being better versions of ourselves.
The Feminine Outliers
STEM Career But At What Cost?
In this episode, Choolwe and Zelda share their experiences as African women in STEM fields working in the western world. They discuss the unique pressures and mental exhaustion that come with high-functioning careers like medicine and engineering, while also highlighting the rewarding aspects of their professions. They delve into the competitive nature of STEM, the importance of compartmentalization to handle stress, and the need for a work-life balance to prevent burnout. They also touch on common misconceptions about STEM careers and emphasize the value of seeking help and embracing growth. This episode aims to motivate students and non-STEM professionals by providing a candid look at both the challenges and the fulfilling moments in STEM careers, offering valuable insights for those considering this path.
00:00 Welcome to the Feminine Outliers Podcast
00:28 Catching Up: Life Updates and Work Experiences
03:16 The Realities of STEM Careers
07:30 Unspoken Truths and Challenges in Medicine and Engineering
12:05 Balancing High-Functioning Careers and Personal Life
23:59 Transitioning from Specialization to Podcasting
25:05 Embracing Failure and Learning New Skills
26:10 Perfectionism and Its Challenges
27:07 Balancing Professional Skills with Creativity
27:36 The Misconceptions of Being Highly Skilled
30:51 The Emotional Detachment in Medicine
39:47 Burnout in High-Stress Professions
44:50 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement