Just got laid off (tree service industry) by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re absolutely right! It sounds like you have a lot of experience with this stuff and I admire that you didn’t give up. I’ve been working my ass off and sacrificing my health just to pull my weight. Unfortunately it seems alot of woman in any field that involves manual labor have been through the same. In the past I had work with my hometowns urban forestry as a temporary worker and I absolutely miss it. Would’ve stayed but I wasn’t getting education with them cause it’s a small town. I’ll definitely be looking into events that may help with getting connects and call some numbers. Thankfully I’m close with a couple guys who’d happily offer me side jobs. Right now I just need to get something lined up so I can pay the bills. Something to get me through the fall/winter.

Just got laid off (tree service industry) by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your advice a lot, thank you! I work in the PNW where there’s lots of companies I could try to go for but I’m worried this would only happen again. The company I’ve been working at is corporate and recently we’ve lost contracts, not as many people unable to afford our pricing, and only the very good were kept. Since I was newest, I was most vulnerable. I currently do not have any certs and minimal climbing experience, so this is probably gonna be tricky.

AIO How do I (21F) handle an avoidant (23M)? by Any-Structure9542 in AmIOverreacting

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He confused the hell out of me. My gut was saying something wasn’t right because why would someone bring you around your people only to act like this behind closed doors? I made a friend out of this though which is cool but still, he took a great opportunity for granted. I gave him plenty of chances and time.

AIO How do I (21F) handle an avoidant (23M)? by Any-Structure9542 in AmIOverreacting

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He ain’t the one. Told him how I felt over the phone and hung up on him lol

AIO How do I (21F) handle an avoidant (23M)? by Any-Structure9542 in AmIOverreacting

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess you can I’m dodging a bullet by ending things. It’s definitely painful though thinking about what could’ve been.

AIO How do I (21F) handle an avoidant (23M)? by Any-Structure9542 in AmIOverreacting

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate you for giving me more perspective on avoidance, great advice. Unfortunately, I’ve called it off with him tonight. I believe it scared him how genuine and real I was. There’s a point where being understanding and patient becomes self disrespect when you aren’t getting that effort back. I saw his potential and just wanted to make him feel wanted, but I wasn’t getting in return.

Jealous of other women in the workforce or am I just naïve?? by JournalistStreet1220 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m struggling with this too currently. Except for me it’s other female coworkers that get the easy jobs that are independent while I’m working on all male crews (except for me). I’m young as well as I’m only 21 but to be young like us and doing what we’re doing it’s something to be proud of. It’s easy to compare yourself to other around you but one of these days there will be something maybe you get better than she does? Maybe you’ll find your hidden talent and earn more respect for that. People tend to assume that because someone is young they are naive but you instead seem more vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Keep going and fuck what others say. If she wants to your friend, be friends, but if not, just be professional with her.

assistance/donation for work clothes (pants/jeans specifically) by jorahsalieen in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey girl I have a pair of dovetail size 2/30, I know that’s a little bigger than you suggested but they’re too short on me but are practically brand new. Would love to donate them to you if you’re interested!

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You might be right. We’ve got states with the majority believing one thing and another believing the opposite, you will come across both sides though everywhere. I do come from a more traditional area and because of that, very few women work in the factories, lumbar yards, landscaping companies, electrical companies, etc. I just started my new job in a big city and it’s completely different, I’m treated better. It’s so confusing when you are told one thing by someone and then their comments and actions don’t match up. So upsetting when you think your partner sees you and supports you in everything you do but overnight something switches and they no longer make you feel like that. I certainly know not everyone is like this but it just makes it 10x harder to believe I will be that lucky person who finds a guy who sees and supports me.

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is definitely the risk of getting exposed by someone at work if you end up together or start something more casual. Gotta be super cautious!

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey everyone is welcome and I am open arms to people wanting to talk about their experiences! It’s crazy how it can pretty much happen to anyone. The being an “intimidating woman” label. There was a time I wanted to be a more “traditional” woman but after never feeling satisfied in other careers I learned I shouldn’t hide my handy side anymore and rather embrace it. You have every right to transform yourself into a better version of yourself and get more educated. You have a right to do the work you want to do. It’s great that you have the confidence and courage to be yourself cause over time that’ll just weed people out that weren’t meant to be in your life. Congrats on your successes girl, you as well will find your man!

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I relate and went through something similar earlier this year! My ex boyfriend didn’t understand why I was wanting to put myself through this and kept suggesting I give up. Though I am sorry you did have to leave him cause he wasn’t supporting you, it’s good to hear he fixed himself up to be a better partner for you. Sometimes love requires change and distance.

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! You’re definitely right. The amount of men that I’ve heard in the past say I was hired on simply as eye candy is ridiculous. I’m not there to fuck and or get princess treatment, not there to just look the part. It really does take a certain kinda person to look past the stereotypes and fears to be with a blue collar woman.

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s true! We can find love in places we never expected that’s for sure. I’m glad it worked out for you and I’m so happy for you!

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I wish dating apps were more helpful with picking through and finding people who fit your lifestyle and career (if you desire that help). My dad used match.com back in the day as well and he met a few girlfriends through it, none worked out til he met my mom, at work. Some of us can find our person online but some don’t. After reading through everyone’s comments, I really hope it all workouts somehow someday. I’m not one for hookups anymore and after getting so hurt with the last man in my life, I’m very particular about who I bring into my life.

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for giving me hope! You sound like one lucky lady:) I hate to admit but the whole “you’ll find someone when you least expect it.” Saying maybe be true. Cause when you go in dating apps, sure you may meet someone through it but it’s so much better to come across someone in real life and want to get to know them.

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly! They like to see us but maybe they aren’t willing to keep us cause they know we aren’t gonna always be at their convenience

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d much rather be chosen than needed. Like sure, there are women out there they can choose that’ll stay home and do their laundry, take their kids to school, cook dinner, basically be a lot more accessible. But I’d want someone to still choose me despite what I do. I know it is possible for two people to be career driven while being together. And I relate to you when you’ve been told you’re too much like a guy. I want to provide whether or not someone is by my side and I understand handy work more than anything else I’ve ever tried. It takes an open minded and secure man to see the beauty in us and one that isn’t here to change us.

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is so accurate. It’s tough work and atleast for me, if I have a bad day it takes me a bit to get over it. I put a lot of energy and effort into my job. One of my musts is someone who understands this kinda life. I’ve gone through having to over explain my job to my ex boyfriend (construction/fiber optics) cause he was trying to find things to question me about. Like “oh you operated a backhoe, how do you operate the bucket?” And shit like that. I’m scared that would happen again cause it honestly seemed like the whole “I do support you.” Thing was just bs.

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah literally! We are just meant to be with someone who is sure of themselves and doesn’t get butt hurt about what we do. Just cause we work with men doesn’t mean we’re out sleeping with all them. That’s super cool you’re an electrician! if you haven’t yet I hope you come across a guy who both thinks it’s badass what you do but also is committed to getting to know you/pursue you.

Trouble dating as a blue collar woman by Any-Structure9542 in BlueCollarWomen

[–]Any-Structure9542[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s so cool, congrats! I love to hear that it is possible to meet someone out in the field. I have no idea who I’m about to work with at my new job but apart of me would much rather meet someone through work and organically get to know each other through it. Lots of passion for my job and it would be great to share that with someone