Recent data indicate that women are significantly more likely than men to leave the software engineering (SE) field or transition to other careers, with nearly half doing so by the age of 35. Despite ongoing efforts, retention strategies remain inadequate and insufficient. This study examines the career trajectories of women in the SE industry, with a specific focus on the Nordic context. We adopted a narrative research approach, using a storytelling framework to explore the lived experiences of women working in SE. We collected data through a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. To challenge gender stereotypes and foster reflection, we present the findings through a gender-switched approach. The personas vary in background, nationality, and age, and highlight a range of personal and professional challenges. Key themes include self-doubt, mental health struggles, and what we refer to as the “good-girl syndrome”—a form of internalized pressure linked to perfectionism. For instance, Jakob, a non-native speaker, described how language barriers and the scarcity of women in the field affect career advancement. Andreas, a younger professional, expressed concerns about not being taken seriously due to age. The results underscore the importance of women-centered networks in sharing experiences and fostering a sense of safety, as well as the need for open communication and transparency from companies in their hiring practices, salary data, and representation of female leadership. Our study offers a new perspective on the career paths of women, inspiring future researchers and providing an actionable set of strategies to consider for addressing the retention of women in the SE field.