Stand up to a "Man", in a "Man's World"???

Question

My boss pis sed me off today and I didn't want to but I cried. I have never cried before at work, I just let them see me mad.I cried because I felt like I was being attacked by all the guys.He was telling that this is a man's job and if I going to do it I will have to toughen up and defend myself or the guys will walk all over me.Its hard for me to be the only female in a "man's" job and I think crying made it look like I am a weak person.I am also the youngest in my area of work.I been doing this job for a year and I like what I do. All the guys at my work try to test me.Some do it because they don't like that a female does a job better than them. Other do it just because they are a s s holes. I do tech. work, like electrical,battery maint,etc.for a warehouse.How do I stand my grounds to all this men and not loose my job? I want to be able to go to work and just do my job with out the bullsh**. I feel like I have already proved myself over and over again and I shouldn't have to.

Answer 1

The next time that your boss tells you that "this is a man's job", remind him that he is breaking the law. A job is a job, there no longer is a "man's" job, just like there is no longer a "woman's" job.

Also let him know that if there is any more harassment by your co-workers, you will consider that as management's consent and approval of the unacceptable behavior, and you are prepared to take appropriate action, legal and otherwise.

Let him know that you have started a log of inappropriate action/ behavior of fellow employees and management personnel. Starting with the instant conversation, you are documenting everything that is said and done (who, what, where, when, time, place, and witnesses), that you consider to be harassment or sexual discrimination, and/ or related matters such as counselling sessions that you may be involved in.

Also make him aware that any adverse action such as termination, discipline, demotion, or transfer to a less desirable position will be considered retaliation, and if it happens you will take further more aggressive action.

Tell him these are not threats but commitments.

Ask him if that is "tough enough"!

Answer 2

I'm in a male dominated field also. You do have to prove yourself, over and over again. Unfortunately, even though you are good, you will never gain their respect that way.

The next time something happens, you tell them, in a public place, that this will NOT happen again. Be stern with your words, not whiny or girly.

You go to teh same boss and tell him you are just as good as any of the other mechanics. You will not tolerate a lack of respect, and it is up to him to change it.

Answer 3

well,it's not sexual harassment but,it is a hostile environment.the law states you have the right to work in a hostile free environment,there should be a poster located in the work place giving you the place to contact,or just contact your wage and labor board and they can give you the info for dept.of labor.sexual harassment would be to hard to prove,you would have to file complaints with your boss and if it doesn't stop contact a lawyer.i feel for you.it's a shame you don't work for me cause I'd make you a supervisor over those assholes.

Answer 4

You can sue. That's sexual harassment!