Women in the Workplace
On Wednesday’s episode of Bad Girl Radio, we tried to discuss women in the workplace. We were somewhat distracted by other things. I though I’d take a chance to tell you all more about what I do for a living.
Third shift was never what I wanted, neither was working for a major corporation with some ethical issues. But when I moved back up here, I needed a job and the big box store was the only place to get back to me. I put in at least 20 applications and heard only from them. So, I resigned myself to my fate and started work.
Paying the rent? Awesome. Being able to buy food? Awesome. But when I am at work, I often end up loathing it. My coworkers are mostly decent people with a few jackasses thrown in. My managers are managers; if you’ve ever worked under middle management, you know what I mean. No one person or task is especially depressing or demeaning, but the scenario as a whole is absolute balls. I try not to bitch too much, but I often end up whinging and whining to anyone who will listen. And advice of “so get a new job, Erin” goes over like a lead balloon. I am actively seeking another job. I file applications, I go into places and talk to people, I am engaging and smiley and I have a decent sense of how to sell people on hiring me. But when there’s not enough money to hire somone, that doesn’t really matter.
My job isn’t really made harder by being a woman. It’s a job anyone can do, regardless of their sex. The difficulties come from attitudes on the part of my coworkers. I’m there to do my work and get paid. If pulling a 2500 lb. pallet of juice is part of my work for the night, so be it. I don’t need to run and ask a guy for help. And helping someone to move something like that without asking first is exceptionally dangerous. On two occasions, I was nearly injured by “helpful” male coworkers who were pushing without letting me know. Both times, I slowed down and the freight I was pulling did not. On one occasion, I simply dropped it and covered my head in case it fell. On another, I was turning and ended up sandwiched between the front of the cooler and a pallet of produce. Both were really frightening experiences. My female coworkers have had similar problems. People now know that if they want to push a pallet and help me out, they had damn well better let me know first. My temper is well known, and I will not hesitate to tear into someone as soon as we’re in the back room.
And that is the end of my job rant. I hope you all tune in next week. Keep reading the blog, and leave us feedback!
- Erin
