I 'm a newbie at my job, how long does it take to get over it?

Question

1 1/2 weeks at my job and working with all guys. When does the scarcasim stop? Nothin too rude that I can't handle. But I want to feel more confident and comfortable around them with out them making me feel helpless. I don't have any experience at this job so everthing is new to me. The sucky thing is that I have to lift up heavy stuff and need there help alot. Which they say they don't mind, but I'm sure they do.I've got alot to learn and need to get a weight set as they like to joke about all the time. How do I get there respect ;the respect that I feel I deserve. Please no rude anwers

Answer 1

I have worked with women in jobs that are mostly male. In my experience, a woman in that environment has to keep her cool. If you ever really lose it you are done.

A woman who can take a joke (I mean a real joke, not genuine sex harassment) will do better, but really well if you can learn to joke back without being b****y. Men like a witty, friendly woman. And, men do joke a lot among themselves, so joking with them if you can pull it off will really help a lot.

Also, most men learn to respect you if they understand one thing: that you are really trying, even if you are a little weak physically. If they perceive that you are asking for help to try to get them to do your work, that will be really bad. Even if you are very weak, but they perceive that you are "lugging your guts out" they will respect you more.

In spite of the feminist stuff you have heard all your life, normal men are really protective of women if they are treated with respect. Smile a lot, and thank them in a gracious manner. (Most men will kill, so to speak, for a warm smile from a woman.)

"Heavy" is ambiguous (for public school students, that means it isn't clear). When I worked, anything over 50 or 75 pounds, we would go looking for a lift truck. Then I retired and moved to Mexico where I lug around 110 pound (50 kg) bags of cement. I also moved a 1100 pound rock about twenty feet by myself, it took me two days with plenty of rests, but it is a totally different world and no one even commented on what I had done. So, I don't know how weak you are.

PLEASE GET A BELT THAT GOES AROUND YOUR WAIST AND BACK TO PROTECT YOUR BACK. If you get hurt lifting a modest weight, that will not make for good relations with the men.

Answer 2

A few suggestions to get respect:

1. Find the nicest person there and chummy up to them. Ask them to give you some info on other people. That way, when you see that other person you can say stuff like..."How's Janet? What are you two doing this weekend?". It'll probably catch them off gaurd and give you the upper hand in the conversation. This sometimes works sometimes...other times it just makes you the weird new girl.

2. Find another girl...any other girl and have her introduce you to people. Its sort of like getting someone else to vouch that you're cool....I know its a lot like high school, but some jobs are just like that.

3. Pray for someone else to get hired. That makes them the new person and everyone will lay off on you for a bit. It also gives some you can bond with over the new hire status.

Other than that, just try to be out going and personal with people. As soon as you can connect with people on a non-professional basis...(family, hobbies, TV shows - this is a big one)...they'll open up to you.

Answer 3

Working with all guys can be a pleasant experience if these men are mature.

Mature men already know you can't do everything they do and are more than willing to help. Now if you turn into "The helpless female" that will **** them off and they will start to resent you.

Learn the job and that you can do by yourself do it and don't hesitate to ask for help. Always ask don't expect it.

I had several jobs that were considered a mans job, driving tractor trailer for one and had no problems with my male co-workers.

Don't let them get out of line. Keep them straight as far as dirty talk. That will get out of hand real quick and they will all think they can bang you.

Answer 4

Find out who is the oldest and most experienced worker there and become their friend. They'll not only show you the ropes of the job, but introduce you to others as well. That should help to shorten the newbie treatment.
But you're still going to have to learn to pull your share of the load.
Continue your friendship with that person because you'll then truly owe them a debt of gratitude. Don't ever exploit the friendship or take advantage of them. The results would be disastrous.

Answer 5

I work in a warehouse lifting grocery products. Even for a guy, it takes a while to get used to. It probably took me about a month to get the hang of it. My personal opinion is that this type of job is not for females. I have seen many females try to do the job, but it is just not for them. If you do decide to continue with this job, you should maybe try to go to a gym and start strength training. If you do start lifting weights, I guarantee you will feel weaker at work. Maybe you can get another position (lighter work) in the place.

Answer 6

i had to go through that too when i was in band in high school - i played percussion and was one of the only females. i had to put up with rude comments and jokes that made me feel inferior. the best thing i can tell you is to work really hard - harder than them! lift weights when you get home and really study up on what you have to do at your job so that you can gain their respect.

it's probably going to take you a while to learn the ropes of your job, but in the meantime don't put up with any of their crap! if they're joking about you, hit em where it hurts - joke about their "manliness". that always worked for me. keep your head up and be proud to be who you are no matter what!

Answer 7

Maybe in a way they're actually flirting with you. Sometimes guys are retarded like that. They sometimes pick on girls to cover up their insecurities of actually flirting nicely with you. Just brush it off, don't take it too serious and return their sarcasm. It'll help you fit in better and probably make you feel more comfortable.

Answer 8

Always do your share, if not with the heavy stuff, then do the stuff they don't particularly like doing. You will be tested for sure. If you work with the guys, you have to be one of the guys. You don't have to take sexual harassment, but learn to laugh and kid around with them.

Answer 9

Show them that you respect yourself and them. Do your best, including a little extra when you can help them out. If all else fails, bring in donuts on a Monday morning.

Answer 10

Well everyone gave such good responses so here is my "get 2 pt response"

Kick them all in the balls. That will shut them up.