When I began my job, I was unprepared for the attitudes of these men. Coming from an educated, suburban family, I thought that judgment on the basis of gender was largely a thing of the past and in many industries it may be. But in construction and other typically male industries, the old prejudices are still held to be self-evident. Obviously, not all men are still stuck in the 19th century, but many of the men I've worked with are always watching, waiting for the slightest slip-up, the littlest bit of evidence that I can't handle my responsibilities, and I refuse to give them the satisfaction. Entering the job market, young men and women alike shoulder the difficult responsibility of establishing a reputation in the face of obvious inexperience.
Young women face an even greater challenge because of their chromosomes.
The only way I've discovered to battle imbedded stereotypes is to be unusually brilliant. I've discovered nothing shuts up a condescending salesman faster than the sudden realization that he's talking not only to a young woman, but to a knowledgeable, competent one as well. My knowledge and my pride are my tools. After a while, even the crankiest old salesman will come around. Call her morbid or absurd, but just don't call her honey.