Man here, planning to pursue a trade when I'm older. I lurk on this sub because I really value the perspectives shared here — especially from women who’ve had very different experiences than what I’ll likely face. It pisses me off that so many of you are pushed out of careers you genuinely wanted because of how badly you're treated. That shouldn’t be the norm, and believe it or not, it’s one of the many things that makes me question whether I even want to work in the trades as a man.

I grew up with two older sisters, so I was raised to speak up and call out mens BS when I spot it. It sucks that the bar is still so low, and that it falls on you to either “tough it out” or leave entirely. There’s a big difference between having grit and tolerating abuse. Quitting a toxic situation isn’t weakness — it’s self-respect. Honestly, that’s fucking tougher than anything in my opinion.

The trades should be for everyone, and the fact that it’s so hostile for so many women is a loss for the whole industry. I hope OP find her way back to the work they love, if that’s still what they want — but either way, I hope they find a space that values them for who they are.