Women who work in traditionally male roles?

Phoenix_Rising

I love this damn thread. Strong women in male dominated fields.
I work in finance... I called it The Boys Club.
I don't do sports, I don't play golf, I don't keep up with the Wall Street Journal.
If I wear slacks and a nice blouse with minimal jewelry, I blend.
If I wear a skirt or dress or my "full face" makeup, I get 'noticed'... and in a way I don't appreciate. I'm not here to be looked at in a physical manner. I'm here to do my job and be recognized for that!

That being said, I try to be girly when not at work (or I did before I gained back so much weight).
I'm trying to get back there.
Someone mentioned buying girly panties to wear under your work clothes -- ROCK ON!
I use to wear a red bra and matching panties under mundane outfits. Knowing I had them on made me feel fabulous and powerful.
I like that idea... try buying a blouse that is 'in fashion' for weekend wear. I deplore "fashionable" clothes but Lord knows when I buy something and wear it, I get compliments!
Someone mentioned wearing a dress, if even just to the grocery store. Another great idea!!
Slowly work your way into doing things you think are "girly" in appearance for yourself outside work. If you can incorporate them a little into your work attire and feel comfortable and are still treated respectfully, go for it!

Again, I LOVE THIS THREAD. Feeling like I work in a boy's club is disheartening, but to know other strong women do the same, other smart and intelligent women, breaking through that glass ceiling we encounter.... heart warming! Encouraging! Hoping the pathways will be easier for my scientific and mathematically minded 7 year old as she grows up.

aerochic42

Enginerd currently working at metal plant. I often am tromping in around in press shirt, hard hat, steel tow with metatarsal coverage. I've never been girlie but picking up belly dance has helpd that some with finding my feminine side some (big skirts, shiny costumes and jewelery, show face, etc.) I'm still wrapping my brain about adding makeup, but the thought is defintely present - I just have no idea how to start.

ValerieMartini2Olives

I'm a merchandiser for a frozen foods company. There is a lot of physically demanding work and in-outs in freezers all. There are very few women who do my job. I love being one of the few women. Actually, I have worked several jobs where I was the ONLY woman!

HealthyBodySickMind

If you don't want to be girly and feminine in your free time, you don't have to be. If it's a "struggle" just be yourself and do what comes naturally.

Yep, this!

and another vote for this one.

I work in an industrial R&D chemistry lab. The other chemists I work with are older. Old enough they didn't even have computers when they were getting their degrees, and they didn't have women in their science classes either. The dress code is business casual, but lab appropriate, which means dress slacks, usually. I make it as girly as I can, and throw a dress on when I get home, but that's me. I've made it a policy to not feel like I have to un-girl things to succeed in predominately male activities. Even my motorcycle is girly. But like I said, that's me. You just need to do you. Experiment and figure out what's more comfortable for you.

kmartinixx

I'm an IT girl, and while there are many of those nowadays, I work in the Facilities department at my company as a Program Analyst and I'm the only woman in the office. Not to mention, I JUST graduated college and I'm only 22. All of the guys in here are like 40 and up!

Buddhasmiracle

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Girly girl. Rairoad Construction and state of good repair, 70 million dollar budget, 200 stout hearted unionized men representing all trades report to me.

Maribel_1986

I work in Law Enforcement... so I wear my uniform, boots, badge, vest, etc. I love it... we have about 10 women and about 60 men... It's nice to work in this field because even the women aren't drama when we go to calls, we just handle what comes like partners.. the way it should be

I am usually in jeans, wear girly shirts and definitely wear make up when I'm EOW

Mjandjt

I'm a freight railroad conductor. Physical job sometimes but not as much as I expected. I've gained about 40lbs in the last couple years doing it though. Living out of hotels and engines makes it hard to figure out your eating and water intake (bathrooms on engines are NASTY...and I don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere 5000 feet back on a train and have to go!) I get it...I want to stay feminine and I try to but it doesn't always work out!

ladytinkerbell99

Bump. Glad I am not alone.