when a girl comes on it's a bit of a novelty
How exactly is it a novelty ? There are many "girls" on here, and there are many females flying professionally.
Splannie... any employer worth their salt will look at your resume as a PILOT only... not a female pilot.
As has been said, There is a significant perceived advantage in being a female in Aviation these days .... and there are some who are a bit bitter about it - don't let these people get you down. ALSO... don 't think that you are owed anything just cos you are of the fairer sex. EVERYBODY does it hard thru GA, and we all had to/have to fly the SAME aircraft, in the same weather for the same pay and do the same work.
As has been said before, make sure you enjoy it.