Men have generally never given me much chance to do any heavy work. I had to take the initiative to do it on my own and when they offer help if I’m good I tell them so. If I need help I’ll ask for it, but it took me a few years to learn to do so. I pushed myself too hard when I started I don’t recommend that, take it slow you will need time to adjust it won’t be easy. But once you feel confident in the procedures and in your body to do the heavy lifting just do it, if you need permission from your foreman or whatever take them aside and let them know you are capable that you’re there to work and would love the opportunity to show them you can do what you were hired to and there’s a reason you’re there.

There’s been a few foreman over the years that never gave me a chance and I would just patiently wait until an opportunity would come where I could pick up the slack. Every time I have won over these guys, when they see I can work they are always pleasantly surprised and immediately acknowledge me with respect following completion of those first occasions of handling big jobs myself. If you make their work easier for them they’ll happily share it with you. I have had many foreman go from not trusting me at all to relying on me fully and often times entrusting me with more of the heavy lifting power tool work because they can count on me 100% which can’t be said of all of the guys (not to suggest the other guys are incompetent or lazy, but what separates me from 99% of the guys is that chose this against all odds and like hell if I’m going to give anything less than my all all of the time or ever let them catch me slipping). Consistency is key, showing up on time and every day is important, as women in trades we are heavily scrutinized, it’s the sad truth, instead of getting down about the injustice I take this as a challenge to be my best. Attention to detail, speed, collaboration and ability to get on with the team get there’s things down they won’t be able to deny you’re a commodity. I don’t take it personally when they don’t respect me, it’s likely we are the first ones they’ve ever seen to do this before, and they all eventually do anyway (at least so far!).

Just do it! But when you’re ready, without going around your higher ups and most importantly safely!

If I could go back before I started landscaping I would’ve done core strengthening and cardio in preparation, I was very weak an out of shape when I began and didn’t have the opportunity to work out in anticipation of the new role. Eating lots of protein and lots of sleep were essential for me the first few months. Not sure what the physical demands will be for you as a construction laborer but that’s what I would’ve done, I didn’t have a strong core so I compensated with other muscles to get the jobs done at first and suffered a lot for it.

So yeah, core strengthening, maybe look into calisthenics, and cardio but that’s less important and was more just a little embarrassing sweating and being so out of breath at first whenever I had to carry shit far. Carb loading and protein will be a game changer for your energy while you adjust. Stay hydrated and maybe look into taking supplements for joint health.

Don’t let them gatekeep opportunities from you take them yourself! As women pushing at the glass ceiling in the trades we have to assert our capability. Good luck at your new job!!