Why More Women Should Work in Construction
Women only represent 1.5% of the construction workforce. Some say there's ingrained prejudice against women in the industry. But, there's almost no gender pay gap. Many women working in construction enjoy the comradery and sense of pride that comes from building cool stuff with other people.
Construction can be intimidating for anyone. If you can't coordinate your work with others, can't take and give rough jokes, and can't insinuate yourself into the culture, then your experience will be more difficult than it needs to be.
Workers trying to engage with you in smack talk is a good thing. It's an offer of friendship. If someone infers you're working slowly, just reply "hey, I'm paid by the hour!" This banter is a type of handshake. If you play along, you're in the club.
Construction culture is shifting a bit. But, the rules still apply: stay safe, be friendly, do a good job, and you'll be okay.
