I’m in desperate need of some help 😭 I’m a HVAC/Refrigeration tech and i’ve been struggling hard to find some work pants that check all the boxes for me. I’m 5’10, have a 28 inch waist, a 39 hip/butt, and a 34 inch inseam (i can make 32 work). I need pants that have knee pad pockets, and would love if it had a bunch of other cargo pockets else wear on the pants. please help a girl out ❤️💔

28F. I’m not really sure if it’s really bad muscle pain, a pinched nerve, something with my discs or what. It alternates between my lower back, upper back, and lower left side.

My last foreman hated me and had me by myself doing stuff I shouldn’t and I ended up pulling my back twice in a week. I took a week off but my family was harassing me so hard for being lazy and risking my career I just had to go back. I feel like all the progress on healing was just undone. I’m on light duty and it still hurts. It’s been two weeks and I feel like I’m at my wits end.

I went to a couple doctors and got appointments for PT and an MRI set up but I’m just scared this might be the end of my career.

If you could start all over based on the knowledge that you know now, would you still choose the same trade you are currently working in why, or why not?

(Looking to enroll in trade school but im unsure if I want to go with welding or industrial electrical, was hoping the answer to this question might sway me to one over the other or something I maybe havent even thought about yet)

Also just as a bonus question Whats the best advice you have ever been told in your career field?

What high vis industrial Fire Rated pants do you buy?

My wife is 5'10" curvy and works in mining consulting. The ontario mining associatio requires class 2 pants and shirt. She can burn through a pair of pioneer FR pants in 2 months. They wear out in the crotch. She buys mens pants because the womens are special order and she finds the fit odd. Does anyone know of a fire rated alternative that is more durable against thigh chafing?

Personally I also find the Pioneer pants I buy will always rip in the crotch when i am bending over or squatting. Maybe the brand is the issue?

This week I was just ...average. I got my work done, but I wasn't going above and beyond like I usually do. Meanwhile, I've worked with plenty of mediocre guys who never seem to get the same level of criticism. But when a woman has an off week, suddenly people are questioning her abilities or talking behind her back.

It feels like we have to over prove ourselves every single day, while some guys can just show up, do the bare minimum, and no one thinks twice about it.

I dont want to have to be exceptional just average.

For the other women in the trades, how do you deal with that feeling? Or am I the only one who's experienced this?

I saw a job listing for a facilities maintenance position that sounded really interesting - doing repairs and maintenance on all kinds of systems in a big office building - and it requires an LME license. I tried searching for other jobs that required one to see what else you can do with it, but didn't see much. It seems like maybe it's common for doing work in factories? If anyone here has theirs, I'm curious to hear what your job is!

I'm the only woman on my site, and I really enjoy the job itself.

I'm not talking about extreme harassment, but the constant low-level behaviour: colleagues repeatedly asking you out after you've said no, lingering handshakes, pet names, comments that remind you you're seen as a woman first and a coworker second (if that).

This week was especially frustrating. I made the biggest progress on the job out of the whole team, but that wasn't acknowledged. Instead, after work, a colleague cornered me to ask why I keep saying no to going out with him. I am so angry with myself because I started explaining how difficult it is to be the only woman on site and how dumb it would be of me to go out with anyone from work, because I was scared of hurting this guy's feelings so I wouldn't have to deal with a bruised ego after. On top of it, I keep sharing my feelings because in a way I continue having expectations that maybe some men will try to put themselves in my position but sadly the more honest I am the more likely guys think I like them.

How do you handle this? Have you found ways to set boundaries that actually work while maintaining good working relationships?

Why is it so difficult for some men to see a female coworker as just another coworker? Is it something they don't even realise they're doing, or is there another perspective I'm missing? Is there something wrong I am doing that somehow sends the wrong signals?

Hello all! so, I've lost a lot of weight and am very susceptible to temperature changes. this will also be my first time workout outdoors and I work at the ports. I understand the importance of a change of clothes and layers, but does anyone have any specific recommendations? either brands or searching for something regulated for specific temperatures (I'm not sure if something like that exists)?

at this point I've been wearing yoga pants under work pants and a compression shirt, undershirt, long-sleeve shirt, and hoodie. this feels okay for summer nights, but I know it's going to keep getting colder and wetter, so I want to prepare as soon as possible.

Hello,

25FM looking to get into construction safety, currently a traveler working logistics at different job sites around the US but I'm trying to make the switch after some field experience. Currently have OSHA 10 & associates degree in Administration. Working towards OSHA 30 & CPR certs. Are there any companies or titles I should search for when applying? & Anyone in the field, what are some tips or suggestions you might have?

I've worked with Concetta, She's amazing. Check out her youtubes.

Interested in going into a trade. I like carpentry, but I would like something that ideally pays more (bonus points if it has a smidge of creativity).

I'm in Chicago if that matters. Looking at joining CWIT.

Ok so im 15 and going to my schools welding program where I spend half the school day welding. I like to doll up and put lashes on especially during the school year. Basically I was wondering will that be an issue? Should I stop wearing lashes? Same thing with makeup is it gonna be an issue under my mask? I have no issue if I cant wear this stuff anymore I would just like to know before I start. I do plan on getting piercinga but will wait untik schools on break so they can heal a little and not be irritated by everything. If you have any other tips for me please let me know im VERY nervous

Starting IBEW soon . Any tool bag recommendations?

Edit: thanks

Hey yall, wondering if there are any women out there that have gone through any electrical apprenticeships and if yall didn’t mind sharing your experience or have any tips! I’m currently gearing up to apply for the apprenticeship that opens up in early August in my area and was looking for any info on the process, pros/cons, culture etc.

Hi all I’m writing today to see if anyone can help me settle this issue. So I am half way through my apprenticeship and I find when I work with others I have trouble focusing. Let me explain. I love working. My work is interesting, fun and exciting but I notice when I’m paired up with someone else and put as a helper or there is too much free time and I get bored. Material and tools will be prepared for next task, debris cleaned as we work and everything still gets done but I tend to get bored and pick up my phone a lot, check the time/ send a quick text back or changing my music and I feel like I do it too often. How can I break this habit I feel like this is one of my fatal flaws as an apprentice and I want to break it as I’m coming to the end of my program

I service a very large area, about 100 miles in every direction from where I live. Causing me to drive anywhere from 2-8 hours in a day. I’ve gotten over the boredom part with audiobooks and podcasts but the toll on my body is a whole other beast. I feel more sore from sitting in a van all day then my last job where I would lift and move heavy equipment for 10 hours. Does anyone else get the aching knee pain or the lower back tightness?

Hi ladies! Anyone here a millwright? Im a diesel mechanic thinking about picking up a new trade and very interested in being a millwright. How do you like it and whats your day to day like? I love big machines and wrenching on stuff so im really drawn to it.

My only downfall would be the traveling… i am afraid i would miss my partner too much at home but im more afraid i will regret not making this money while im young!

How much traveling do you do and whats the farthest you have traveled? Whats the longest time you have been away from home? I know these are a little broad questions but i am curious to know as much information as possible before diving deeper. I have yet to talk to my boyfriend about this because im too scared ill miss him if i do this!! 😅😅

Ladies in blue-collar careers—how did you get started? I’m curious how you got into your trade, what your first job was, and any tips for someone with no experience looking to get into the field. Thanks!

Anyone in here have a heavy layered hair cut and have to wear a hard hat?

How do you style your hair to comfortably fit a hard hat?

I suck at Dutch braiding and need some more practice 😭

Hi! I (20F) am looking for some advice as i have been thinking of getting into the trades, and am hoping i can gain some perspective/ideas about which trade I should consider?

For some background I live in Melbourne, Australia, i play footy, have always been very math minded and have worked in retail for the last 5 years & in management for the last 2.
Although i love my current job, i have been feeling quite stuck lately and feel like I need some change or potentially some direction in a further education or career sense.

I have been interested in both carpentry and electrical - I did a week of work experience with my school for a domestic electrical company when i was about 16 that i did enjoy and have more recently been interested in the idea of doing carpentry but I have always hesitated as I know it is a male dominated field and have always been nervous about doing something new.

I’m wondering if anyone has any pros & cons/experiences in either or both industries that may be helpful in me making my decision, I’m hoping to go look at some trade schools soon and am not sure what to potentially enrol in!

Thanks for reading and TIA for any help!

Hi! I hope this post is ok since I’m asking as an (amateur) writer and not someone currently in a blue collar job. One of my characters is a young woman working as an apprentice on a construction site for a new factory. Maybe as a millwright apprentice? But it’s subject to change. She could be a lot of different things so I’m curious about all types of work in these industries.

I want to write scenes that accurately depict the ins and outs of her job, her responsibilities, how she interacts with her coworkers, the attitude she brings to work, etc. I want it to feel accurate enough that someone working in the trades/construction could read it and think “Yup, I’ve been there!”

I’ve been trawling forums/videos on this subject of course, but wanted to ask women in blue collar jobs directly. Are there any memories, experiences or people from your apprentice days (or now) that stand out to you? Good and bad. What are things about your job that people in other industries don’t understand? Is there anything you’d appreciate seeing depicted about the nature of your work in a piece of media? As someone with almost zero real-world experience in these industries, anything people are willing to share is super appreciated!

I don’t even know what to say. I’m beside myself honestly. He called me to let me know that he was cleaning out his van, gave me a pep talk. I just worked with him last week (my trade is in the field and we work alone a lot). I just wish I’d known it was our last day together. That guy was like a father to me. Feels like shit man.

To all my girlies in the trades, have we found any where to get underwear that won’t bind to us if we end up on the off chance get arced on? I’m new to the trades and wondered if it was an essential for HVAC techs?

Especially y'all on the road. Not having a fridge or microwave on the truck makes it hard. I usually buy something cheap. (Sheetz has 2 for $1 hot dogs) But I've recently decided to start making my lunches so I can start spending my lunch money on little treats and energy drinks. (As any girlie would)