'Does anyone really feel that IT has a promising future as a career field?  Be honest!'  

I think you can have a promising career... but people will have to make their own opportunities.  I know a lot of people that sit back and wait for good things to happen to them in their careers... and surprise, surprise they don't!   Others that put themselves out there, take the risks, learn as much as they can, get involved with the community and make opportunities for themselves can develop very rewarding careersl...  (be they male or female!)