A couple of years ago, I gave up my illustrious bartending career to go back to school and go into audio. I got a job almost immediately after school with a company that installs home theatre. Much of involved heavy labor, being on construction sites, or doing retrofits in older homes. Alas, the job was not for me, as my supervisor did not see the potential brimming inside me (read: cause I was a girl) and suggested that maybe I didn't have the strength for this particular job. Actually, I am pretty strong, for a 'girl'. I hauled beer kegs around before, what was so hard about this?
As it happened, my boyfriend had just offered me a spot as his apprentice in his company. He is in heating and cooling, but specializes in sheet metal. So I cheerfully said goodbye to the other company, tagged along with him and it turned out that not only did I enjoy this work, but we were also able to work together without wanting to rip eachother's heads off. (You don't find that very often with the 'husband and wife teams') Two years later, I am still working with him (and still love him).
I like to joke that I am 'glamourizing' the trade, because while I wear a hard hat and boots instead of a sexy top and heels, I still make an effort to look nice and retain my femininity. After all, I'm competing in a field that's mostly populated by men and I'm proud of myself to be able to work among them, gain respect for what I do.
One day last week, we're on site, and one of the carpenters working there is having a spat on the roof with one of his mates. I heard them going back and forth for a little while, when suddenly one of them yells, "Well, then tell me that then. You don't have to nag me like a fuckin' broad." The other guy realizes I'm below them and looks at me with a sheepish grin on his face, while I smile sweetly back.
I love days like that.
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