What is it like working in a primarily female field as a man?

Question

I'm an activities director in a nursing home. I love what I do. Being one of the few men that works on campus isn't a complaint. It can be hardship. In our management team of 15 people the only men are our Maintenance supervisor and myself. Out of the 125 line staff employees the only man is one of my assistants. He is part time.

I had our maintenance guy and my assistant join us for an outing with some of the male residents. We have 72 females and 7 males. We took 5 of them, the others didn't want to go. We took then bowling. My administrator called me in. Saying I shouldn't do that, it's not fair to the women. Even though EVERY Wednesday we have manicures for the women. I told them that I would be having other outings for the guys and it would be monthly. I was warned that if I do something like taking them to Hooters I would be wrote up. I would never do that. My boss knows that. But yet the AD before me had a male dancer come to the building once to strip a lady who was 100. She got told she was fun and doing a great job.

I love working with most of the women I work with. I have been there for 3 years. Most of my team are women. I feel like sometimes there is a target on my back being one of the few men.

I don't believe that there are men job or women jobs, I think that is crazy. But some fields are mostly one or the other. I'm not in any way comparing my workplace issues with people who deal with sexism in the office or sexual harassment or things of that nature.

Another thing that bothers me is when male residents have sexual comments towards female employees they are told they shouldn't talk like that, they should be respectful, which I agree. But there are female residents who openly say dirty things about us guys. When these things occur management and other staff encourage them to say things because they think it's funny. They laugh about it. Double standards in the workplace bother me.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I don't have any experience working in a primarily female field, but my first job out of university was in an all-female (except me) department. It was the billing department which consisted of five females, and me. The two "matriarchs" entertained themselves by teasing and sexually harassing me. I lasted a year in that position before moving on.

exitseven · Accepted Answer

I worked as a network administrator at the Visiting Nurse Association. I was one of only two guys out of over a hundred employees. The other guy was the facilities director. Actually it was a vert nice work environment. My boss was good and my wife worked for the same place. When I left for a better job they had a party for me.

Nikki1989 · Accepted Answer

It is just like working in a primarily male field as a woman. Discrimination works both ways.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

Working in a primarily female field as a man can present unique challenges and dynamics, often shaped by stereotypes and expectations. It's essential to maintain professionalism and communicate openly with your team. Highlight the importance of inclusivity and equality, emphasizing that activities and outings should benefit all residents. Addressing double standards respectfully with management could foster a more equitable environment. Developing strong relationships with colleagues and focusing on shared goals can help navigate any discomfort or bias. Ultimately, your dedication to your work and the well-being of residents speaks volumes and sets a positive example.

In_Trance · Answer

Fuck around and find out

What is it like working in a primarily female field as a man?

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