Male working in woman dominated office?

SlavOz on 22/02/2020 - 17:00

Has anyone got experience similar to mine? I've been in this job for 2 years now, am quite happy, but the entire department (about 45 people) is mostly female. I'm one of only 5 males in the department, and in the short time I've been here there has been an ongoing trend of men leaving. Most of them never leave quietly either…theres always a notable conflict involved.

Lo and Behold the same thing has crept up on me. The culture of the place is dominated by bitchiness, gossip, and clans. Most of the women are constantly taking time off which makes it impossible to get any work done if you rely on internal stakeholders. The women get threatened and complain any time sometime tries to take initiative or suggest a better way of doing something. Worse yet, I've been trying everything possible to move up and increase my pay, but the department receives limited budget because all the managers (women) are too afraid to ask for more money.

At this stage I can only consider moving on and leaving, but sadly the company is a great place to work…good pay, great benefits, convenient for me, etc.

Education & Work

closed Comments

  • spackbace on 22/02/2020 - 17:06
    +283

    I've been in this job for 2 years now, am quite happy

    You had an issue with your male manager and bitched about calls/emails on your days off all within the last 12 months.

    Either you lack the ability to deal with issues, or this job/workplace isn't for you.

    You were offered your dream job back in December, what happened?

    • tomleonhart on 22/02/2020 - 17:12
      +99

      lmao #detective

      • capslock janitor on 24/02/2020 - 17:09

        Unresolved Reports

        1 for Targeted Offer
1 for Other
2 for Spam

        Last reported 3 hour 37 min ago

    • Okayy on 22/02/2020 - 17:12
      +14

      he forgot to Backspace his previous posts LOL

      • kahn on 22/02/2020 - 17:24
        +8

        There's no spackpeddling on ozbargain.

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 22/02/2020 - 18:10
      +2

      Spackbace has discovered OzBargain's timelord.

    • arkie0 on 22/02/2020 - 18:39
      +3

      Is there anyone you haven't stalked yet?

      • spackbace on 22/02/2020 - 18:40
        +47

        clicks arkie0's name

      • pegaxs on 22/02/2020 - 23:22
        +43

        Oh, yeah, absolutely his stalking, and positively nothing to do with your inane posts and comments…

        Worked out how roundabouts work in your low rpm Mustang?

      • spackbace on 22/02/2020 - 23:26
        +76

        Aww did I catch the troll out on their trolling?

        No comment on the male manager? Was he a made up story too?

        And hours? No. My comment was posted 6mins after you posted

        But cheers! Maybe if you didn't have to consult a bargain forum on every petty part of your life, it all wouldn't be there in black and white 😉

        We need a fiction novel collection - "SlavOz's Troll Posts - How To Look Like You're Writing Serious Posts"

        • kahn on 23/02/2020 - 00:30
          +28

          I've got good news for you! The sequel to The Life of jv has just been released. It's called The Trivial Trials of SlavOz.

          • MarsTitan on 23/02/2020 - 03:21

            @kahn: haha epic

            • spackbace on 23/02/2020 - 13:04
              +18

              @SlavOz: Again, hours?! 😂 That's a reflection on your abilities, not mine!

          • Adz81 on 23/02/2020 - 10:48
            +1

            @SlavOz: Snrk

            Spackbase is meant that me the one sans dignity here?

            Snrk

          • spackbace on 23/02/2020 - 13:16
            +1

            @SlavOz: So, the manager who you had issues with got replaced, and you can't see the benefits in that?

            Maybe you should be working for yourself, as if seems you're just not cut out for working as part of a team.

            Maybe 1 day you'll be mature enough to do so. Today is not that day

              • spackbace on 23/02/2020 - 20:18
                +8

                @SlavOz: Back in July, your only issue was a bad manager. Are you saying none of these women were around then? Because you made zero comment on it.

                Or did you just decide to make up the story now?

                If you're gonna troll, at least keep with a continuous timeline. You really need to work on that.

                • SlavOz on 24/02/2020 - 13:05
                  -4

                  @spackbace: Or yknow…it could just be that I wasn't facing this problem back in July, given that things tend to change over time. This must be really hard for you to grasp but I assure you it happens. Things change.

        • trev likes bargains on 23/02/2020 - 18:12
          -2

          Boom. Drops the mic. Like a BOSS!

        • Nebargains on 24/02/2020 - 05:20
          +4

          I don't see how those previous posts you linked make them a troll. They had a male manager at least 7 months ago, perhaps they left and now have a female manager? The other posts don't indicate that this post isn't true either.

          • SlavOz on 24/02/2020 - 13:08
            -1

            @Nebargains: Spackbace doesn't seem to grasp the concept of mutual exclusivity. Saying "I have a hammer" and "I have a screwdriver" can be simeltaneously correct. He's assuming that all statements even remotely related to each other cancel each other out.

            • Krankite on 24/02/2020 - 14:13
              +1

              @SlavOz: How much did you pay for the hammer?

              • ss207k on 24/02/2020 - 19:14
                +1

                @Krankite: More importantly, Why would you carry a hammer and a screwdriver? Shouldn't it be nail and hammer or a screwdriver and screws?

      • spackbace on 23/02/2020 - 13:10
        +12

        Oh yeah I forgot this piece of advice:

        SlavOz on 30/01/2020 - 15:47
        Or we could just…yow know…teach people how to stick up for themselves, which would mean they're not only able to handle abuse at work but in other parts of their life, too.

        How's that working out for ya? 😂

          • SydStrand on 23/02/2020 - 18:12
            +10

            @SlavOz: You got triggered by ads condemning mistreatment of retail workers, and went on a whole diatribe of how they should grow thicker skins. Now you're complaining about workplace politics. The cognitive dissonance is breathtaking.

            • spackbace on 23/02/2020 - 20:03
              +3

              @SydStrand: It's amusing, that's for sure.

              That's why I love to call out the OP. Either he's a troll who needs better material, or one of the biggest hypocrites around.

              Either way, everyone needs to know

              • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2020 - 20:20
                +8

                @spackbace: There is also this recent comment:

                SlavOz on 07/02/2020 - 21:00
                I used to travel an hour to work and couldn't stand it. Like I'm talking about the level of developing severe depression, anger and overall feelings of frustration everyday.

                I eventually left that job and found a new one which takes about 45 minutes commute. I don't mind a single second of it. I think the main factor is that I like my job now, whereas my last job I absolutely loathed.

                Travelling knowing that I'm going somewhere enjoyable that's going to give me a sense of purpose and empowerment with great people around = no problems.

                Also, new commute is mostly on motorways. Only 3 traffic lights to my home, so no needless stopping or anxiety to beat the red.

                ++ On a nice day I'll take my hobby car to work, give it a nice rev (but never over 4k) and have a nice cruise on the way to work. That way I actually get enjoyment out of travelling.

                What happened to the great people around at OP's work from a mere couple of weeks ago ?

                • SBOB on 24/02/2020 - 07:08
                  +3

                  @[Deactivated]:

                  but never over 4k

                  My favourite part ;)

                  • [Deactivated] on 24/02/2020 - 10:16

                    @SBOB: Ahhh - perhaps an over-rev-and-not-so-cruisey-commute hence the crappy day at work?

            • SlavOz on 24/02/2020 - 13:10
              -2

              @SydStrand: Again, complaining about something does not indicate an inability to deal with it. Make some logic.

          • spackbace on 23/02/2020 - 20:17
            +1

            @SlavOz:

            so one would assume I have no problem sticking up for myself.

            Well, you must have issues with it, since it's become enough of an issue that you have to whinge to this forum.

            If you'd learnt to stand up for yourself, then you wouldn't need advice, you'd have it sorted ;)

      • Windows98 on 23/02/2020 - 16:15
        +2

        Does this "dream job" consist of mostly male co-workers? Where you seem to think you'll be much happier dealing with hostility, anger, aggressiveness and lots of other blanket terms that can be used to generalise sexes 🙄

        • SlavOz on 23/02/2020 - 17:28
          -7

          Generalises sexes.

          Accuses another person of being sexist.

          Keep it classy.

      • [Deactivated] on 24/02/2020 - 07:29
        +1

        You got owned mate

      • danbal on 24/02/2020 - 07:48
        +1

        I am looking forward to july where you will be in your dream job. What topics will you be posting thereon.

      • bmerigan on 24/02/2020 - 22:55

        The number of unnecessary negs on the above comment is impressive.
        Voting guidelines suggest the mods should be removing a lot of them. Not that it really matters much I guess.

    • Lets Make Sandwiches on 23/02/2020 - 20:41
      +2

      My general thoughts are that the OP lacks resilience and is not suited to the modern workplace. That being said, what struck me most is how fast the first reply came up. It was written like a pro too. Hats off to your skill dude in following this bloke - he seems to have a lot to whinge about and a lot of inconsistencies in his story.

    • Autonomic on 24/02/2020 - 10:47
      +1

      Nice sleuthing. I was immediately suspicious when he apparently knew the details of every interaction in the office, including the exact reason his managers are NOT asking for more money for their department.

    • striker5950 on 24/02/2020 - 12:24

      damn, he got rekt, bruh why u do him like this, wondering how long this dude spent to read all that up holly Sh!t..

    • Alligate on 24/02/2020 - 18:58
      +1

      Ohh snap, spackbace came with receipts.

      I love it.

      But sure, go on about how the problem is how biiiiitchy women are.

  • bobbified on 22/02/2020 - 17:09
    +6

    I work in the office too and, while the ratios in the areas I've been in are nowhere near yours, I have to agree that I see the same issues you've described in the other areas that do have that kind of ratio.

    Now.. I'll just sit here and wait for the first person to yell.. "SEXIST!!!" haha

  • GangGang on 22/02/2020 - 17:09
    +32

    I work in a predominantly male environment. I can tell you. It's exactly the same.

    • Luckyalways on 23/02/2020 - 15:44
      +3

      I have the same experience in a predominantly male environment. Maybe its just the way of some workplaces?

      • Jackson on 24/02/2020 - 10:09
        +2

        Apparently some long gone by research says that a mixed environment is more effective than a heavily weighted one, either way.

      • GangGang on 24/02/2020 - 12:34
        +2

        I'd say most. I rarely hear people that have no issues at work. It's human nature, not everyone gets along.

        The only positive thing I hear is people who run their own business. Sole traders etc.

    • Munki on 23/02/2020 - 22:30
      +4

      Are you suggesting men can be…bitches?! HOW DARE YOU!

      • GangGang on 24/02/2020 - 12:35
        +1

        It's true. I reckon men can be worse lol.

    • meong on 24/02/2020 - 09:31
      +1

      Yeah, the issue is not limited to female-dominated environment.

      I experienced the same in a team of mostly male. I move out of that team within the same company and got a much better work culture and ethics that I'm generally a happier person now. Sometimes its just the team or the boss of that team that created such culture so may not be the company itself.

      • GangGang on 24/02/2020 - 12:39

        Yeah it's a hierarchy. You have levels/groups of people who mingle & gossip with each other. Starts of with a manager & team leaders then the workers.

        From my original comment, it's everywhere. You can't really stop this unless you have a tiny team. Even then if they're close colleagues/friends. It will still happen.

        • frewer on 24/02/2020 - 19:13

          It so demoralize thou. It is likes cutting your right hand with your left hand, then expect the work get done faster. It is abhorring practice that I find out the hard way. In your face they like ' oh what/how can we help ' as soon as you turn your back its bleed ….

    • frewer on 24/02/2020 - 12:42

      I prefers this way to short thing out, if words has fail. No bitching is needed

      • GangGang on 24/02/2020 - 12:46
        +1

        "On guard" , then slap his face with your glove.

  • Hardlyworkin on 22/02/2020 - 17:14
    +4

    Do you have a mirror at your desk?

  • jugsy on 22/02/2020 - 17:18
    +14

    Stop imagining up reasons why things are happening and address your concerns in an objective, adult way. Or just move on to a place more suited to your fragility

  • crashloaded on 22/02/2020 - 17:43
    +31

    Just identify as a woman and start your own rumours.

    • Gehirn on 24/02/2020 - 19:38

      The rumour could be that they are a woman.

  • Findo on 22/02/2020 - 18:12
    +29

    Working in an industry predominantly staffed by women has been more than excellent.

    In one particular directorate I worked in, there were approximately 7 men out of 80 odd staff members. It’s honestly fine with me, especially when we go out for team lunches – the women tend to eat a lot less and I get to eat more when we share food. Unsurprisingly, I’ve gotten better at picking out gifts for women close to me too – the advice provided by my colleagues have proven to be invaluable.

    As for the women taking time off, I’ve been fortunate enough to be granted time off to care for the kids of a close friend. We support each other at work and in our personal lives, and we still get our work done on time.

    • whatgift on 24/02/2020 - 21:16
      +1

      This is how you respond to trolling :)

  • djones145 on 22/02/2020 - 19:09
    +8

    If yah can’t beat them

    Join them

    Maybe not a sex change but just join in on the bitchness, complaining and taking time off

  • ihbh on 22/02/2020 - 19:20
    -2

    Ahem, … what happens outside of work?

    Many guys would give their left … to be in your shoes.

  • tomleonhart on 22/02/2020 - 20:05
    +20

    Does OP troll for a living or something :-/

    • Hybroid on 22/02/2020 - 23:25

      Yes and people fall for it everytime… OP literally posts to create controversy.

  • Donaldhump on 22/02/2020 - 20:08
    +8

    You work in an office full of women, you poor bastard.

    • SlavOz on 22/02/2020 - 22:10

      The type that are married and old and get off on bitching.

      • spackbace on 22/02/2020 - 23:30
        +18

        Older and married female engineers?

        Which part is the lie, that you're an engineer or that there's a majority female staff in your engineering company?

        Or both?

        • SlavOz on 23/02/2020 - 09:17
          +5

          I'm not an engineer. You're mixing me up with someone else you're stalking man.

      • macdaddyjordan on 24/02/2020 - 10:27
        -1

        Your employer must save alot of money having a majority female workforce, you know coz women get paid less than men(jokes obviously)

  • chumlee on 22/02/2020 - 20:11
    +2

    I have to pay $$$$ to be surrounded by women for hours. You're getting paid to do it and you wanna complain about it.

    No pleasing some people

  • funnysht on 22/02/2020 - 20:40
    +5

    If anyone who has done engineering at Uni…the more girls the better.

    • cynicalmike on 22/02/2020 - 22:23
      +2

      do gender studies. plenty of girls there.

    • pegaxs on 22/02/2020 - 23:19
      +5

      I’ve done engineering courses… and all I can sum it up with is: “sausage festival”

      • funnysht on 23/02/2020 - 20:22

        If i wanted a sasuage id go to my local bunnings..yum!

    • MessyG on 23/02/2020 - 22:08
      +1

      I wanted to do engineering when I finished high school, I went and met the guy who ran the course and he invited me to a lecture - there was not a single girl in there and when I walked in every one looked at me, no one smiled. I was terrified and ran out of there. Wish I could go back knowing what I know now, although I'm older and tired and not sure I could put up with all that nonsense these days!

      • macdaddyjordan on 24/02/2020 - 10:29
        -1

        looks like nothing has changed, jeez and the media is constantly promoting the fact that they are oppressed and forced to do nursing because of gender stereotypes

      • Jackson on 24/02/2020 - 11:26

        I knew I should have smiled more…

    • macdaddyjordan on 24/02/2020 - 10:28

      back when i did engineering nearly 20 years ago, only 1 female in the entire lecture. and was not a looker

      • Jackson on 24/02/2020 - 11:27
        +1

        The one that was in my class had come straight off the tractor at her dad's farm, and the other token female in my other class was a refrigeration mechanic

  • Gratt on 22/02/2020 - 20:41
    +10

    Don't blame a poor work environment on gender. If it's a bad place leave. Bad work environments are not gender specific. I have worked in many female dominated work environments some good, some bad, some very bad. Male dominated environments can be just as bad. Leave at the earliest opportunity.

    • MessyG on 23/02/2020 - 22:10
      +3

      100% this - toxic workplace cultures are independent of gender. The sexes might do it a little differently but the effect is the same, you dread going to work. I've worked in male dominated depts, female dominated ones, when they're toxic they're toxic, just get out and go elsewhere. The attrition ultimately speaks for itself.

  • Cluster on 22/02/2020 - 20:47
    +5

    Keep your head down, do your work, and hold on to the job as long as possible if the pay and conditions are good.

    Whatever you do, don't engage in the power games or start a relationship with anyone in the office. You'll have a large number of instant enemies and most relationship attempts can backfire in savage ways.

    • MuddyClear on 24/02/2020 - 01:44

      The trick is to bang the boss.

      • Jackson on 24/02/2020 - 11:29

        Even that doesn't work, just ask the girl who worked at channel 7

  • OzHunterNSW on 23/02/2020 - 10:34
    -2

    Yes… and for heaven's sake - do not use anyone's coffee cup!

    They go on about male crap, yet women are just as bad, if not worse.

    I pity you at "that time of month"!

    DON'T get overly friendly, with anyone. Maybe don't even go to office Xmas parties. I say this bc if you have a relationship and it does not last (which they don't) you would be stigmatised forever as the "BAD GUY".

    Some will feel insecure of themselves, and to compensate, they will come on to you (it is only a game) to show the other girls that they must be prettier then them bc you take an interest in her, etc.

    If you want to play the "hero"… look sporty. Arrive Monday's with a muddy 4x4. Have all fun sporty toys strapped to it - surf board, tent, kayak, snow skis, etc.
    What this does is convey to them that you are a "go getter" and adventurous off the lounge sort of guy - where it emphasises their pitiful mundane life to the max, highlighting you are the one and only means to escape their drudgery.

    Good luck

    • Alligate on 24/02/2020 - 19:05
      +1

      Are you an invalid, you sound like you have never left your home..?

  • Blue Cat on 23/02/2020 - 10:40
    +1

    Rev up those rape accusations!

  • HeWhoKnows on 23/02/2020 - 13:51
    -2

    So what dear OP?

    Im sure you can work it out for yourself.
    You are making a mountain out of a molehill.

    Many males here would love to work in such an environment

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