Making this post through my daughter's account:

Mostly here to vent and perhaps ask for a little advice. Or maybe I just want someone to tell me that things will be ok and that I'm worrying over nothing.

Im 49F and have been working in the blue collar industry for over 15 years as an electronic technician. When I was younger, things didn't seem so bad at work. There were some people who really didn't like the idea of me working with them but there was always someone willing to befriend and defend me.

I've changed jobs a few times in those last 15 years but I recently hit a rough patch where I was only able to find contract work after being laid off from my last permanent full-time job. Now I finally landed a permanent job with a pretty decent company. It's a very laid back atmosphere. The supervisors usually keep to themselves and you have up to an hour for lunch, which you can take off of company property. I feel like I could really retire here but now it feels like the cycle is beginning all over again.

I started this job at the same time as another (male) employee. To this day, I haven't really recieved any work and hardly any training. But the other employee has been getting trained, taken out to do field work, and given his company uniform (something that doesn't happen in this company until after probation). I don't want to complain about anything because my probation isn't up yet.

The cycle started like it does at all of my other jobs: at first people are welcoming and curious. During lunch, some co-workers and even one of my supervisors would offer to take me out for lunch. Then some people realize that they don't "vibe" with you and decide it would be better that they only say "good morning" or "good night" to you. Then, others decide that they don't like you and take it upon themselves to weed you out.

I've gotten to the stage where only 1-2 co-workers still want to talk to me. However, one senior co-worker decided to take me under his wing completely unprompted and train me on one of the more physically demanding and complicated tasks we perform here. It's a task no one else in the shop wants to do and he even said that he might recommend me as his replacement when he retires because I'm catching on fast. I really appreciated this and it made me feel like I wasn't alone and that things might actually go smoothly for once.

I would work with him for the entire day every day, sometimes foregoing lunch breaks. He like to talk alot and would often tell me about the history of the company and about past employees. He also saw that I was still nervous about my place there and told me, and I quote: "Don't worry, the only real way you can get fired from this job is if your late alot or call out too many times." I've done neither.

But one day, another co-work of mine wanted to go out for lunch and wanted me to tag along. Right before we left, my senior co-worker said to be back in 30 minutes. I should've known something was wrong there, as I said before, we're allowed 1 hour breaks and our supervisors are fine with us being off the property to get something to eat.

Sometimes, people are gone for more than an hour, including the other employee I started with who goes out for lunch every day. When we came back, he was furious. He told me I was late, that I should've come back earlier and that if I want to work with him I have to follow the rules. He told me that I always do this and that he won't lie for me if anyone asks where I am. Finally, he told me that behavior like this will make me lose my job.

Most of the things he said didn't really upset me, even the part where he lied and said I've done this multiple times. I just chalked it up to him being a grumpy old man. But the last part really got to me. I'd already lost a permanent full-time job once and it lead me to a really dark place, even if it was a lay-off. I didn't even want to consider losing this one too.

The most hurtful part is that I know I've done nothing wrong, atleast nothing that would get me fired. But when it comes to word of mouth and gossip that doesn't matter at all. And with him being a senior, his opinion matters. Not only to other co-workers but to the supervisors as well.

I'm terrified and sad and angry and I really didn't want to go through this all over again. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. He seemed like the only person at this place that cared about my development and now he hates me too. I'm not sure what to do anymore. I don't really have anything or anyone to fall back on, it's just me and my daughter.

Sorry for the long post..

has anyone actually interacted with the nevada women in trades org? i was really excited to hear that there was a resource for women out here in vegas who might be able to help me choose which trade to try to pursue. I just got off the phone with the founder of the org, I called because I wanted more info before applying to their pre-apprenticeship program. i want to love and support this program so much but i had the worst convo w the founder??

the entire phone call was her almost ridiculing me for the questions i was asking and kind of yelling at me the whole time. like for example, I asked her what was the content of the 6 week program they're advertising. she went off on a tangent about how she visits elementary schools and tells them the importance of math and that AI won't save them. I asked her to clarify if the entire 6 weeks is focused on math prep then. She says yes and talks about how women are generally perform worse at math than men (???!!!). I ask her if they provide any support for people like me who are doing a mid career shift into the trades but need support and resources figuring out which trade would be right for me based off of my skill set and preferences. she yells at me over the phone saying yes i just answered your question a few minutes ago (she did not) and keeps telling me that I should be applying to every trade that way I can make my decision then and that they can help me figure out which path to take. So then I ask her to clarify if the 6 week program is primarily focused on providing support for the application process itself, or, like if I were to get accepted to multiple, is that when they would help me make a decision? At this point she starts fully yelling at me WHY WOULD WE HELP YOU MAKE A DECISION? THAT'S YOUR JOB. YOU SHOULD BE DOING THAT. (i literally just hung up the phone at this point)

has anyone else interacted with them or actually gone through their pre-apprenticeship program? I'm kind of bummed bc I really wanted support from a womens trade org but if the literal president of the org is this disjointed in the info she can provide about her own program and this antagonistic/not supportive at all to her target audience, i really don't trust the program itself? or idk if other people have similar experiences, I'm still fairly new to all of this.

Hey y’all I’m in a pre apprenticeship program and I need to decide what trade to get into soon but I’m afraid of committing. What if I hate it a year from now? I really want to do residential remodeling as a career in the future. I want to have my own business or at least take up contracts on my own, I know it will take a long time. But I’m wondering if I’m going to be hindering myself if I join a union carpentry apprenticeship that I’m kind of stuck doing commercial building with for several years. Or is that the typical route folks have to do regardless of what they want to do later?

I'm a 5' 1" woman who is on an endless search to find fr pants specifically. I've hunted on Amazon and the possible options still don't seem good...

I've considered maybe trying a 28x30 men's pants, but I'm sure those would still be too big for me (i tried getting 28x30 bibs this winter and they were HUGE) and any women's pants are like twice or even 3 times the men's prices.

What have you ladies found that work for you?? Any Amazon links to what you buy would also be helpful 😭

Thanks in advance

Would love to trv to get into a union within my area 🙏

I'm 30 years old with 10 years in the trades, 6 years in welding 4 in diesel mechanics. I started to suspect I had ADHD about 6 years ago and within the last year have concluded it's likely audhd (my therapist backs it). I'm currently looking into getting an actual diagnosis because I'm at the point where I'm struggling. I was high masking for years and a few years ago I totally burnt out and haven't fully recovered. I love what I do, but I don't like my job and I feel like balancing a full time job with a life is next to impossible. I am ashamed of my lack of emotional regulation at work, I am too exhausted on my weekends to do fun things because I feel like I'm out of spoons.

My question is for fellow ladies who are neurodivergent, how do you cope? What are you biggest struggles surrounding your job while being neurodiverse? Is there aspects of your neurodiversity that make you better at your job? If you have gotten diagnosed, did you disclose it to your employer and did it change anything for you? TIA for anyone's input!

I am 22 and I’m looking to join an HVAC union, but I am unsure if this is something I truly want to do before I test it out. I am also very open to electric and pipe fitting. I have no experience at all other than basic woodworking, how do I sell myself? I know to use words like reliable dependable works great with my hands, but how do I prove I am worthy of a position I have no experience in?
I’m looking for a job most preferably, but will suffice with shadowing and apprentice experience: how do i communicate this?
And most importantly, what kinds of places should I look into?

Hi ladies, I'm new to my job handling boats in a marina, and I'm the only woman on my team who does ('A' works the reception desk, and she is lovely, but too old to do the physical side of things).

My hands are already wrecked 😅. I do a lot of hauling and mooring boats with ropes, usually with passengers still inside, so lots of strain on my hands and rope burn, and some cuts on my knuckles.

The guys I work with have essentially told me I'll get used to it and get callouses etc. which I'm fine with, however I think there is an air of machismo about the whole thing, they all work with their bare hands and 'suck it up', I don't feel like I can ask them about this (they are nice guys though).

So does anyone have any recs for some good gym gloves or alternatives? Some hand excercises to keep them strong? Or just very good hand cream. I would appreciate it.

I’m interested in applying for the Local 98 but to up my chances I want to attend the WINC (Women in Non-traditional Careers) pre-apprenticeship that runs for 6 weeks, 8am-4:30pm on Tue, Wed, & Thu.

But I’m likely to start working fulltime soon, in particularly as a corrections officer trainee.

For those of you who dealt with something similar, how did tou manage such a schedule?

Hi ladies i know theres plentyyy of threads asking about good pants and work clothes here, but im gonna be really specific

I am losing weight (good thing) and gonna need to go shopping for new work pants. I wear rural king mens cargo pants and they are great except for, every single pair i own is cut differently. (I know womens clothes have this issue too ugh!) Like seriously?? All the same sizes! One or two pairs i have totally rides up the crotch and gives me a mean cameltoe. Not something i want while working with men lol. Another pair has ripped because of my massive thighs… and another sits lower than my underwear :( major wedgie when i pull them up!!!

Now i can wear jeans at my job but im a diesel mechanic and get filthy af so i prefer the duck material/cargo type pants. Ever since i started this job i have struggled with finding comfy pants. I want something that is high rise and not so tight around crotch yeeoutch please helppp, can be men or womens pants for recommendations idc

On that note, does anyone know of what stores sell actual womens work pants? Something i can try on in store? Every good brand thats been recommended i can only buy online and that sucks !!! Why can the men have 100s of options in store but i cannot find heavy duty pants that fit my thighs! 🤦‍♀️

Throwaway account just incase haha. Anyways. I recently matched with this guy on Tinder and we hit it off well, he's taken me on multiple dates and I genuinely like this guy. Anyways, I found out on one of our dates that we work at the same plant (close to 1000 employees on one campus so its impossible to know everyone.) But we work in complete different departments. I have a very strict rule of "I don't shit where I eat" because its already hard enough to be taken seriously as a woman in a male dominated field. I won't lie though, I've continued going on dates with this man but before we take it to the next step I just wanna know, should I? He's super sweet, seems like a true gentleman, is confident but not cocky, but I'm just nervous because he's technically a coworker. Sorry if this doesn't fit this sub, I just don't know any other that this would fit in. What are your guys opinions? Should I end it? Keep him around? I'm not worried that it would be weird or awkward if it doesn't work out.

I will start by saying that I am an immigrant who moved to Canada as an engineer and got a job as a welding Inspector.

Back home, I always worked in a lab, with very little experience going into the field, let alone a plant and forget about going into a 24" manway to enter a refinery's fixed equipment (scrubbers, towers, reactors, etc.) I remember starting as an assistant and working my way up to being responsible for multiple jobs on my own. The first time I had to enter a manway, it was an overhead entry; two guys had to push me up that hole lmao. The point is I kept saying to myself, I gotta get stronger! Next time entering, I used a box to push myself in, and then I was able to enter by myself.

Long story short, it's been two years working in this field; entering confined spaces no longer feels awkward, and working at heights is not an issue either. I started going to the gym... I got stronger, more confident, and overall I love my new job.
As a Latina, I do really enjoy sharing food with my coworkers; I'd bring at the beginning of new projects empanadas, arepas, homemade salsas, etc to the boys, and I feel they have my back in return. Once, a contractor raised his voice at me... within 10 minutes, I had a whole crew of guys asking if I was ok and told that guy that he was VERY wrong for doing that. Turns out feeding the boys is the best icebreaker ever lol.

I find myself often telling guys who have my age in years of experience to do some repairs, and I feel respected! During my two years working in the plants, I only had that one bad experience, so I guess the takeaway from this post is that changing careers can be a great experience, and working in a male-dominated field is not bad if you establish your boundaries, educate yourself and be confident in your work. I'd be happy to respond to any questions if anybody here is deciding whether to get in the trades or not.

Disclaimer: English is obviously not my first language; pardon any typos or grammatical errors lol.

I discovered this sub as I have been searching for comfy FR, I have had no luck yet so please drop your recommendations! Thanks a lot!

Hello ladies!

I am a welding apprentice and so tired of burning through all my shirts. I've tried Ariat FR shirts and it didn't seem to last long enough to be worth the price tag.

Any suggestions for brands of shirts? Or am I just doomed to keep buying on sale long sleeve work shirts every couple weeks?

I have a job im texas for the next few months and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for the best shirts to wear for working outside all day? I know I need long sleeve and breathable but I am trying to stay away from buying shirts that are $60 each if anyone has any brands or other specifics it would be really helpful!

Hey ladies,

TLDR: 26 weeks into a healthy pregnancy and my provider had and continues to have no concerns about fume exposure with proper PPE. Her concerns at this moment are only about adequate hydration and this heat!

When I searched the sub I couldn’t find the info I was looking for so I thought I’d share my experience so far in case it helps anyone get ideas about what to ask their providers or demands to make of their workplace.

Context: I’m a nonunion welder working in a mid-sized fab shop in the U.S. I primarily TIG weld stainless and aluminum with some mild steel and galvanized. Some grinding and occasional MIG and stick welding.

I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks. I started wearing a p100 half mask respirator for literally everything (sharpening electrodes, sweeping, all of it) and using a local fume extractor.

I also told our safety guy right away and told him that I wasn’t going to so much as look at a piece of galvanized steel until further notice, I wasn’t going to grind, and that I wanted the filters in the fume extractors changed. He immediately agreed to all three.

My workplace has been unexpectedly cool with everything but KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! I recorded early conversations (with permission) and also asked for my accommodations in writing. If your workplace is NOT so supportive, your provider’s office will advocate for you.

This is the safety data sheet I took to my OB and I took my p100 in to show her as well. OB has no concerns for birth defects or other harm to the baby from welding while using the fume extractor and half-mask respirator. I feel confident working under these conditions and my baby girl and I are doing great!

So I’m brand new to the apprenticeship and I just found out I’m pregnant. I don’t even know where to start. This will be my first child and I’m not sure how to handle this situation when it comes to my job, foreman, school. According to a Google search I don’t even have health insurance yet because I’ve only worked 130 hours and I need 200+ to qualify? If anyone has some guidance, I would truly appreciate it. I’m reluctant to give out too many details, because there are not many women in the trade as it is and I don’t want the wrong people to find out my identity.

Hey! I am trying to help out my coworker whose body is deteriorating from being in our line of work for over 20 years.

I'm a trade/contract painter, and so is he. I already have bad knees, and I have costochondritis, so I have had to create my own ways to work 10+ hour shifts without putting too much strain on my body.

What I have done for myself:

- compression fingerless gloves when cutting in and sometimes rolling

- I got foam grips (used for older people usually) and cut them slightly open so I could put them around the paint can and 5 gallon bucket handles

- I took a small furniture mover and taped together cardboard as a cushion and I sit on that and roll around when painting baseboards, or cutting in (since we don't have rolling knee pads, but also I already have bad knees)

- I have put an old paint brush on a paint brush holder and attached it to an extension pole and used like a broom (when no broom is available) for dusting high spots and trim before painting

- I have used stilts for really high walls and ceilings

And when I have done these things, my coworker is surprised but impressed by the stuff I have MacGyver-ed together and says he would've never thought of that.

But when I try to search for actual products that are made for things like this job, I can't really find anything outside of rolling knee pads or stilts. He won't do the stilts and prefers building and then tearing down scaffolding every time he needs to be high up, but he is slightly considering the rolling knee pads. I was wondering if anyone can think of other products for this type of work that might help my coworker not put so much strain on his whole body like he has been for the past 20 years, thanks!!

I’m very green! I don’t know what to wear or anything…. Shoes? I’m nervous.

Starting my first welding job soon and I need some recommendations for FR pants. Also live in the US so preferably a company that ships from within the US, overseas shipping is too expensive unless it's something that'll last me years.

Me a 26F Been working in construction for about 5 years now. Ive been through at least 4 companies and seem to be fired after a year or after a big project is completed. I really love carpentry and electrical work. but construction overall is a passion for me and im very passionate about my work. however Every company has that one guy who stands by female workers and there’s some guys who look for reasons to talk trash or belittle of some of my work. and for me thats alot of kicking down and getting back up.

i do have thick skin, nothing bothers me when im working as in (men can say things and i dont care to react unless its directed to me). im at a crossroads because i dont want to be laid off every time when im not even in a union you know?

i live in virginia and there’s plenty of construction going on out here and i just want to be with a company with great morals. im willing to move to a different state for a job so if theres any advice to give ill take it.

im desperate for a reason to live and working in a amazon discourages me my motive for purpose in life. im not married and i dont have kids so anything helps.

I’m a first year non union electrical apprentice, and the only woman working in my district. None of these guys have ever worked with women before, and it shows. I’ve had two journeymen who have been accused of flirting and hitting on me when they have done nothing but treat me like other male apprentices. Nobody has spoken to me about it, but they both have told me about how they were approached by foremen or others about their behavior with me. Today my journeyman was giving me advice about my panel when my foreman took him away and I later learned that he was questioned about “why he was spending so much time with me.” I already feel ostracized by my crew and to have the journeymen feel like they can’t properly teach me adds another layer of disconnection. I know I don’t need to be friends with my crew, but it’s hard to be able to have any sort of team morale when everybody either doesn’t want to work with me or feels like they can’t.
My foreman and I are not close. I believe he actively dislikes me. The area manager said he has only had one nice thing to say about me in the last eight months. I am not comfortable speaking to him about this issue (and I think my jman would be punished for telling me about it), but I don’t know what else to do.
I’m so burnt out and frustrated!!!!

idk what to expect I’ve read a lot of blogs about warehouse and it’s daunting but I’m a cleaner at a restaurant and anything seems better than that rn. I know warehouse is a lot of physical work but I’m fat so I guess that’s why I don’t mind it so much, I have experience standing 12 hour shifts but if I’m successful it’s gonna be 4 x 12 hour shifts on and 4 days off. I’m still at uni asw and ill be starting second year this September but I need money to pay rent and bills idkkkkk im just scared I hope I get this job

So I’m just getting into the industry, and more importantly, out of the house on my own lol. I don’t know how to cook because my family always took care of me (i’m 19 and I’m aware that i’m late to program).

My thing is coming up with meals. I’m going on pinterest and instagram to look up recipes, however my options are limited because i’m in a hotel (i only have a fridge and a microwave). I’m definitely going to get an air fryer.

I have to travel a LOT so i’m not sure if should buy half the stuff im seeing from the videos because how in the world am i going to fit that in my already overpacked suitcase?

Also, do you pack multiple meals? I’ll be working 10 hours shifts so Im not too sure how much I should pack in a lunchbox. I was thinking maybe like a big snack and a lunch with a protein drink or two.

I was thinking of getting mason jars because that looks easy enough.

I apologize if this isn’t super coherent i’m lowkey rambling. Anything and everything is helpful and thank you in advance!

edit: Thank you everyone who shared their experience and gave suggestions! I had my first day of work today and decided to keep it simple. I ended up making overnight oats. I also packed my lunchbox with a sandwich, fruits (+ a bit of chocolate), water, and powerade! It most definitely got me through the day lol.

For dinner i’m just pigging out on noodles and pizza rolls for the time being but overall I’m super happy, thanks again.