If you’re a gal that works in a more male populated field, you’ve probably started to notice some discrepancies over time. Being home for Christmas break and working for my dad’s electrical contracting business after working at a coffee shop for a semester has really given me a shockwave. I grew up working for him but I never really realized all of the things girls have to deal with in a job that more men do rather than in a more female oriented or gender neutral job. Of course, this article is not to go against anyone’s job. Most jobs are good unless they include standing on a corner or selling body parts/drugs on the black market. ;) So if you’re a girl like me who is an electrical apprentice or something of the like, I’m sure you can relate to my struggles.
1. Urinary Privacy
Most dudes who have to pee while on the jobsite just go by a tree or behind a truck or something. Girls? Well, if the bathroom is framed in and has working plumbing, we have to make sure there’s toilet paper…or at least a McDonald’s napkin. When there is plumbing, but no walls or door, we have to make sure no one is around and then we gotta go as fast as we can. If there is no plumbing or any of that other stuff, we have to hold it until break time. Yay.
2. Hot Guys
Now, I’m a heterosexual gal and while 98% of the time, I don’t give a crap what I look like at work, I’m pretty sure the day I don’t wash my hair and have last night’s crusty makeup on is the one time there’s a hot guy at the job site.
3. Having Long Hair
Love my long hair. But I’m not partial to it when it’s getting caught in a power drill. Or sticking to plastic sheets from static. Or when it’s windy and it blows in my face and I can’t see what I’m doing and fall off a ladder. Cool.
4. Period Week.
Worst. Week. Ever. Especially when you’re the only woman on the crew. Remember that bathroom issue? LOL. Blood doesn’t wait for break time. And why are there never any garbages in the bathrooms? Where are we supposed to put our tampon wrappers? In our pockets? K. Bring them out and throw them away in front of the guys? K, cause that’s not awkward or anything.
5. Guys Think They’re Better Than Us
Honey, I’ve been doing this since I was freaking 12, let me wire the damn light. No I don’t need your help. Also, go away. Kthxbai.
Here’s the deal, if I need help, I will ask for it. If you need help, but deny getting any from me and just wait for the next guy, I’m gonna be salty. But maybe that’s just the woman in me.
6. Manicures
It’s honestly no use spending money on a good acrylic set when they’re just gonna get broken off or scratched up while on the jobsite. Gloves don’t help, either. Broken, stubby nails caked in dirt, grease, and what ever else will have to do.
7. Hands
Hope your boyfriend/girlfriend/cat friend likes rough hands, cause yours are never going to be soft. Just remember, somebody somewhere said callouses are sexy. I think.
8. Work Boots
Why aren’t there functional work boots made for women? Am I just crazy? I can either ruin my cowboy boots, Nikes, or winter boots. Great selection. I don’t want boots made for men; I want them made for women. Because I have woman feet. Because I am a woman! Steel toe boot equality pls. On second thought, I’ll just wear flip flops and get a toe chopped off and never work again. via GIPHY
So yeah, there you go. Don’t get me wrong I love my job. And my winter boots are comfortable! I just think life would be easier with a proper bathroom and gloves that protect cute nails.
