When she worked in sales for a bank, Chihiro Narazaki was passed over for the best assignments in favor of older colleagues. Her input was discouraged and she often stayed late just to do routine paperwork.
The 29-year-old knew where this was heading: Her father, who works in pharmaceutical sales, had a similar lifestyle, which she describes as "stuck in time."
Determined to avoid that fate, she found a new job, selling software for Cybozu Inc. She says she now sets her own goals, her voice is heard and her presence is not mandatory.