Women conflicted concerning IT jobs,.

• Position: Information Technology - Brief article

Peer networks among women in information technology careers can go a long way toward helping them feel satisfied in the job. "Women face special issues when they pursue careers like being a CIO where it is not unusual to have 70-hour workweeks," indicates Gail Farnsley, former vice president of IT and chief information officer at Cummins Inc., Columbus, Ind.

"I know a lot of female CIOs who have left their jobs, not because they didn't love it, but because they felt so conflicted when it comes to work versus family life. That's why it's vital to find people who understand the unique struggles women face."

Studies have found that about 20% of IT jobs are held by women, and an even smaller percentage of women holds CIO positions. Farnsley notes one issue that women in IT, as well as other careers, face is that, at the same age they are hitting their stride professionally, they also are in their prime childbearing years.

"IT careers are...