r/BlueCollarWomen

On a scale of 1/10, how mad would you be if your blue collar boyfriend got you pregnant in the middle of the apprenticeship program?

Any black women here that are the only woman AND black person on the crew? What are your experiences like? Is it usually positive or negative and would you recommend this career to other people? I'm a black woman thinking of applying to blue collar jobs but I'm scared because of the stereotype that most people there are sexist and racist.

I’m 32 and have worked in the funeral industry as a graphic designer and director of development for 8 years now and I’m over it. I hate working in an office setting, I hate commuting and I work with the world’s most miserable people. I am having trouble choosing a trade. I like to work with my hands and don’t mind getting dirty. I don’t know what skills I possess that would transfer. I know that I really don’t have to have any skills to start as that’s the whole point of apprenticeship. I don’t really even know where to start. I’m looking to go union in Maryland, which I have several options for, thankfully. I think what I’m most worried about is going from six figure salary to apprentice pay. I know it’s a long term play, but it does make me nervous. I just am at my wits end with white collar work. I want to make sure I’m making the right move.

A couple months ago, I was at a company event. It was in public and drinking was involved. Near the end of the event, one of the guys made a "joke" about how "marital rape doesn't exist" and that he "rapes [his] wife every day". Half the group was women and some of us were wearing company merch, with members of the public within earshot.

This guy is a certified rage baiter and has made jokes in the past about how he thinks it's funny to piss off his wife. At another company event, he told a female employee that he told his wife "even if she showed up at our door naked, you wouldn't have anything to worry about"???

This guy is also a big time dog fucker. He calls in all the time and fucks around when he doesn't show up. Despite all this, he asked for more responsibility. They put him in charge of an important task and he fumbled it to my detriment. I had to take over for him and figure out the mess he left and we missed a deadline because of it.

I was complaining to the PM about it and mentioned the comment he made. Within 10 minutes, the owner of the company called me to tell me the guy would be let go. He was horrified that some guys actually talk like that and didn't want anyone like that associated with his company.

I feel bad for the guy's family, but I'm really grateful that my company cares enough to do something about shit like this. I didn't expect them to fire him when I brought it up, but they took it really seriously and I'm proud that there's one less shithead on site.

I know I'm very lucky to have this support and that a lot of y'all don't have that luxury, but I think we should all keep fighting for this standard because it really is the bare minimum. It still deserves to be celebrated, but it's sad that it needs to happen at all. These dudes shouldn't feel comfortable enough to spew horrible shit without consequence.

I’m (25f) aware that I‘m in touch with my animus—I‘m sure I’m more “masculine” than the average woman. I’ve often been mistaken as gay (which is whatever atp) (especially since I ask people what makes them say that and they say “you’re just so chill“). that said, I’m not, and in fact, as I age, I’m beginning to think I would derive more out of my life if I had babies. someone recently said to me doing work that’s physically draining but not spiritually draining is the ideal objective—feel like I couldn’t give less f*** about almost any job I could ever have. besides maybe teaching.

but anyway, as an American, fresh graduate of BS engineering, just starting an internship at a GC, the thought crossed my mind that I’d be interacting with/meeting 99% men, obviously—and perchance one might compel me—but I’ve also thought about running into another case of not being feminine enough for straight men in general. I’ve literally never been approached by a man in my adult life—and the 1 man I dated briefly (1 month) was bisexual, and although I think he liked SOME of my energy I think not being tiny and submissive ultimately was not to his liking.

sorta brought this up to a new friend and he said something like, “don’t worry about [finding a partner]; men aren’t men anymore and women aren’t women anymore

so it’s no wonder women think to themselves, why would I be feminine for a man that’s not masculine—“

not that it’s something I explicitly think about—I just wasn’t raised very frilly and girly.

all that to say: I think im doomed to be alone, since I’m into a masculine/“dominant” type and I’m not feminine enough to attract them.

Hello! I am 31F and looking for a career path to be able to comfortably support myself and my 3 children. I am a newly single mom and was a stay at home mom for the last 8 and a half years, up until 7 months ago. Currently working retail, but the pay is unsustainable.

My dad, my brother, my cousin, AND my ex are all electricians, so I lean towards joining electrical. They all have jokingly told me to join, but I’m seriously considering it.

Would that be a good trade to go into as a woman? Or are there other trades that might be a better fit? Am I too old to just now be looking into this line of work?

If I do join a trade, where do I even begin? What should my course of action be? I’m ready to change my life and am heavily considering this route. Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!!

I (19f) have been working as a pest control technician for about a month now, and I've realized that my sports bras aren't good for the job. I know I need something breathable and comfortable, good for lots of moving, and that--for heaven's sake--won't roll up when I lean over.

My weight fluctuates by about 10-15 pounds with some frequency, so stretchy or adjustable would be nice, but not required.

I don't care about color or style, but if price could be mentioned, that would be great.

Thank you so much!!

IBEW apprentice here! I’m here after a complete career 180; I’m in my 30s, have an M.A., used to work office jobs and/or teach at the college level. I had some, but not a lot, of experience with handy-work.

1: My job is super cool and I feel incredibly privileged as the only woman on the site. We’re doing a retrofit job with indoor plumbing so I have my own bathroom!! Which is especially great because I’ve heard the men’s rooms are trashed and the GC is threatening to oust them to portajohns. The retrofit component has been a great learning experience so far as far as problem solving and piecing together how electrical stuff works.

2: The foreman and (most of) my fellow workers treat me with respect. I had one incident with a coworker of mine who doesn’t seem to like me in which he put me in harms way. But the foreman got word of it, approached me, and reassured me that I wouldn’t be placed to work side-by-side with that guy again. I don’t give him the cold shoulder but we stay distant from each other. Fine by me.

3: the jws and foreman didn’t seem to know what to do with me at first. I could tell that they didn’t want to give me any different treatment, but as a result I was given several tasks that were physically very difficult for a petite person. I appreciate that mentality but I found it irritating in the moment to be expected to lug around 4” pvc from point a to b without help. I’ve since explained the difference in leverage between my body and theirs - which I don’t think they considered before - and now things are more manageable and I get more unprompted team-lifts for heavy or cumbersome things.

4: my hands HURT!! Stretching is really important and if I skip it, I notice it.

5: there are a lot of contractors onsite simultaneously. The tinners and sheet-rockers mostly spoke Spanish, and I do too, so they became almost like uncles for me, looked out for me and were always friendly. They finished up so they’re gone now and I miss them! The HVAC dudes on the other hand kinda suck. I feel like they gawk at me a lot and it can be distracting.

All-in-all it’s a great job. It’s interesting and I’m involved in a lot of tasks so i’m learning a lot here. No regrets as of now!

I do niche landscaping and me and one of my employees have been prepping a 4 acre property for a wedding this Saturday over the last month or so. It’s a great big (almost) 200 year old mansion in a historic town that to be honest needed a lot to get it up to snuff. And like always it’s a mad dash to the finish so loads of trades around.

Today is a heat warning and we’ve got concrete unforming the driveway, painters, labourers, carpenters, a handyman?, power washers on site today and over the last few weeks. Everyone has been great, they are all rushing and we’re there mostly dealing with the 57 custom planters I delivered yesterday.

So lunchtime comes and everyone is around. I was in my sports bra pushing a wheelbarrow uphill when the old painter’s older wife walks up to bring him cold drinks and lunch, looks at me and says “that’s not very work appropriate.” Yes lots of the guys were shirtless too at the time. We’ve all been jumping in the ocean on our breaks. All their faces were like she didn’t just say that!

Husband/painter says, “I wouldn’t say that to her she and her helper have been working circles around us for a month now.”

Concrete guy say. “She can wear what she wants she’s tougher than all of us.”

Labourer “yeah, that’s not cool at all” and walks away shaking his head.

Anyway he quickly walked her away to the park across the street and they had lunch there.

Loads of compliments on my work up to this point. Lots of respect and it’s been great. Move their rigs regularly to make my job easier, lots of jokes along the way. I’m bringing a selection of cold drinks for all the crews tomorrow as it’s supposed to be even hotter.

One thing i learned today is. Some ppl in the trades will use you being a young LADY as a way to boost their ego and confidence and boss you around, when they are on the same level as you!

OH MY GOD MY HAIR

I'm currently growing my hair out. I have been for about 7 months now. Its just past my shoulders at this point. Every day I braid my hair in one single braid at the back. Ponytails are too messy at the end of the day, buns are uncomfortable imo. Braids sit nice under my hard hat but at the end of the day im still untangling my hair before I can even think about washing it. Please send help

Just getting on here to say omg my shop is burning UP. Living in Tennessee/south rn is not for the weak🫠 it is 95 everyday and my shop is at least 15 degrees hotter. I ain’t never sweat from every single part of my body like I am now and my boss trying out so many different solutions but it just ain’t kicking this heat!!!😭

Curious how the weather is where yall are and work!

(Hopefully this isnt TMI) Recently, I've been running off mid task- to the closest air conditioned room, stripping my ppe and just gripping the wall for dear life. I have a 4cm ovarian cyst that has yet to pop 🥲All i can do is wait.

They ask wtf is happening and when I explain they stop me like "say no more" and continue on lol. I kinda appreciate that, but its so miserable... its hot as hell & every movement makes me wince.

I haven't worked this whole week even tho I need those hours for healthcare and i need the money. Im so close to graduating my apprenticeship

Thankfully, my healthcare is still great (just have to pay the missing hours) & ive been saving money for an occasion like this but its not easy. I know this is just a roadbump, and im so excited to say I finished my last day of my program!! Now on to the big test:)))

Unfortunately I had to go to hr about an issue that I mentioned to my boss multiple times about a certain coworker. I won’t go deeper into it but it got to the point of where it was effecting my work and safety and none of the crew that I worked with did nothing about it.

To solve the issue the coworker I had an issue with works in a different crew now but all of a sudden everyone in the company basically seems to dislike me and have some type of edge on me. They’re excluding me even more and barely telling me stuff. They’re only telling me stuff just enough but also not nearly as much as the other guys in my crew even though the issue I had with that coworker had absolutely nothing to do with anyone.

In terms of how this is effecting my work it’s 50/50 sometimes it effects my work because I need an extra hand but the other time it’s me just not caring much because I’d rather work alone anyway.

It sucks that even though I was in the right for the issue that was effecting my work safety that everyone is taking that coworkers side.

How do you deal with being not liked in your company?

Hello! I've posted before about these listening sessions and here I am again to spread the word to those who might be interested. I would with a non profit organization named Colorado Jobs with Justice. JWJ works on helping those with laboral issues getting connected with resources one might need. This year we are revamping the Equitable Possibilities In Construction (EPIC) program which focuses on listening and engaging with women and non binary people to share their experiences and determine what change we can help bring to encourage more people to join these work places. We have help 4 to this date and plan on having a few more before the end go the year; Which then we'll hold a summit where the participants and those others who have helped bring this together, will vote and decide what issue we would like to show most focus to. So if you identify as a woman or non binary, work in a male dominated trade, wanna be more engaged and connected with people who might experience the same issues you have, and live in Denver or the surrounding areas, this would be a great opportunity. Contact me with any questions you may have! Translation will be provided as well as rides and child care if needed. You will be compensated for your time

Hola! He puesto un post aquí antes sobre sesiones de escuchar y estoy aquí otra vez para correr la voz para los que están interesadas. Yo trabajo con una organización llamada trabajos con justicia. JWJ trabaja en ayudar a personas con asuntos laborales y conectarlos con recursos que uno necesaria. Este año estamos reconstruyendo nuestro programa de Posibilidades equitativas en la construcción (EPIC) que se enfoca en escuchar y acoplarlas con mujeres y personas non binarias para que compartan sus experiencias y determinar que cambios podemos hacer para promover los oficios que son dominados por hombres para que se sientan seguras las mujeres. Desde esta semana pasado, hemos tenido 4 sesiones y planeamos tener mas antes de fin de año; En cual luego tendremos una reunion donde ustedes votaran y decidirán que asunto nos vamos a enfocar. So si te identificas como mujer o una persona non binaria, trabajas en un trabajo dominado por hombres, quiere acoplarse y conectarse con personas que han pasado por cosas similares, y vives en Denver o las areas rodeadas, esta es una buena oportunidad. Mándeme mensaje si tienen preguntas. traducción, transporte, y cuidad de niños serán proveídos. También será recompensada por tiempo.

Buy several mini ice packs and freeze. Put them each in a thin, cotton sock, and then put two in your sportsbra, one between the boobs and one between your shoulderblades. In addition, I highly recommend buying a cooling towel in polyester to frequently wet and wrap around your neck or legs depending on your clothing. These can be found on Amazon very cheap (these are also great for when it's to hot in your bedroom to fall asleep, just dunk that bad boy in water and slap it over your upper back and voila!)

Also lots and lots of water, fluid replacement and electrolytes and try to eat more than usual to give your body enough energy. Take breaks if you can and try to work in the shade if possible at all. We can do this!

This was my second time applying to the apprenticeship and I'm lucky to get the offer letter just a few days ago. It's a very competitive local and it's not uncommon for someone to take multiple tries before getting in. I have been working as a residential trainee (no prior construction experience) and also having the support and mentorship of an amazing female master electrician. My orientation is coming up and I am very excited and also nervous lol. I just want to ask what you would advise a woman getting started in the industry, what to expect and honestly, I just want to hear others experiences. This is a complete 180 for me as a 30 year old who has only worked corporate jobs. This sub has always been very helpful and I am so happy to be posting about my acceptance on here.

Hey everyone,

I work at a farm with a lot of PTO's so I always need to have my hair up. I've been having it in a bun and now that it's getting sunnier I'm pushing the bun through a cap.

My problem is I'm getting too much (literal) shit over my hair and it feels like the cap is damaging my hair. I remember seeing some industrial blue collar women with their hair fully wrapped in some sort of tight fabric/bandana but never figured that out. I never learned to braid my own hair and have very slippery hair so whenever I try it gets very loose and easily falls out.

What do yall do to protect your hair? Without dying of heatstroke or having to spend 100s on stuff that'll get destroyed by shit

It's pretty hot lately and I'm second shift at a manufacturing factory, I clock in around 3pm and leave around 2am. Is there anything else I can do alongside chugging Gatorade and wearing an ice belt?