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how to keep coworkers from being condescending
I just started a construction type job and I am the youngest, the smallest, the least experienced, and one of only two women on the crew. I do not have the size or strength to do the heavier stuff so the other female and I do small jobs to make it easier for the men to do large jobs. I pull my weight and the boss is satisfied with me. But the guys are being awfully condescending, perhaps unintentionally, but still annoying. They do things like pat me on the head, arm or back and tell me what a "good little worker" I am. I really resent it, but I don't know how to tell them so without making them angry with me. Should I ignore them (the job only lasts for another few days) or tell them to quit somehow, and if I tell them to quit, how do I do that and still maintain good work relationships with them?
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Want to answer more questions in the Relationships category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Work/School Relationships?
Right now they are judging you by your age and appearance and treating you accordingly (from their point of view). Don't take offense. I was going to advise you to continue to work hard and work smart, and that soon enough these guys will see you differently and treat you with the respect you deserve. However, since the job only lasts a few more days, I don't think you're going to have enough time to see any change in them.
Just remember for the future that first impressions are unavoidable and are usually revised after you spend some time together.
Dr. Chad
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i know how you feel. your situation really seems like my life. out of all of my friends i am the smallest and weakest by far and i get "teased" alot about it. i just try to ignore it and laugh it off because i know they mean no harm and you should too. because if you flip on them they may take it to personal makeing you even more uncomfortable
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I think the best way to survive the next few days is with a sense of humor.
If they aren't saying or doing anything really inappropriate just joke along with them. It could be they aren't real sure how to treat you.
If you show signs of it bothering you they will just do it more, if you joke along you will become just one of the "guys". :)
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if they make you mad then make them mad back. embarrase them somehow someway. they are being way immature about this and it will blow over and laugh about it.
XO KALIE
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If the job only lasts for a few more days, I suggest that you just ignore it and continue doing the best job you can.
However, if you just cannot stomach another minute of the condescending behavior you might try giving the offending person(s) a taste of their own medicine. Without being rude or mean spirited, you could find ways to treat them the way they treat you and when they don't appreciate it (just like you don't) you can smile and light heartedly remind them that you are only giving back to them what they are dishing out to you.
Keep in mind that the construction world is male dominated and most of these guys are used to only working with men. Trust me, you may prefer how they are treating you now to how they would treat you "like one of the guys".
Most likely if you keep doing a good job, you will earn and keep their respect and in time you will probably develop the instincts about how to win them over and even wrap them around your finger. Best of luck to you,
Kind wishes,
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