Tammi's World

My Two Cents Worth

Bou has a very interesting post up in response to something over at Frizzen Sparks. Of course I do have something to add. And, like Bou, it's not bashing, it's not femisist - it's just what I've experienced in my career.

I've always worked in a "mans" world. The industries that I've worked in and the jobs I've chosen are those usually done by men. It was never intentional, it was just what I wanted to do.

I've always had to work harder, longer and with little support. Part of that was because I am a woman. Part of that is because I was never able to finish college. Nope - I'm about 6 months shy of my BA. And believe me when I tell you I pay for that every time I turn around.

To me.....that is unfair. Now let me be specific. If I'm in my 20's and starting a new career I expect to start at lower pay, hell I expect to have to work my way up in order to prove that my lack of a sheepskin does not mean I'm not bright. And I have, with almost every position I've ever had. I take what ever I can get, and bust my ass to get ahead. I knew that was how it was going to be and accepted it.

But....let's fast forward to now. 20 years experience. Awards aplenty. Technical training documented. Proven track record. Going for a job in my field, and someone comes in with a degree in forestry (yes, it really happened) and not only get's a job, gets the job as my boss. Not because they know a damn thing about the industry but because they are 1) A Man and 2) have a degree. No, that doesn't really work for me. And just so you know, I ate his lunch. He didn't last more than 6 months. I didn't start out to take him down, I did it because he was an ass. Nothing personal, just happened that way. He actually did it himself by alienating himself from the team and acting like I couldn't possibly know anything - you know, since I didn't finish college.

And many times I've had problems because I was a woman. Especially when I was married, as they worried that my duties as wife and step mom would intrude on my work. So, I had to work 2x as hard to show them that wasn't the case. They worried that I'd leave to have a family of my own. I actually had to tell a perspective employer that I couldn't have children before they would consider me for the job. (I turned it down later, because I had a bad feeling about it.) But seriously that should NEVER have been a factor. Look at my history, look at my accomplishments, look at my track record - then make your decision.

I've seen plenty of women that milk the system. It makes me crazy. But on the flip side, I've seen just as many men do the same damn thing. What it boils down to is character, work ethic and drive. Some people believe in always doing their best and always trying harder. Many don't.

So......what I'm trying to say is that in my perfect world it's all about performance. Once you reach a certain point in your career - what should matter is what you know, how well you perform, and if you have the skills to do the job. That's it. Simple as that.

Posted by Tammi at September 29, 2004 07:16 AM | TrackBack