Member Blogs

Only Gal in a sea of Boys

I am the only woman in a bullpen of senior editors. Sometimes that makes for a tough day. They tend to gaggle among themselves and not let me in on the jokes. I know they go out drinking together and I hate being the odd gal out. I am looking for suggestions to become more than just one of the boys.

4 comments so far...

i agree with Kathy - i am the same way! They arent sure if they can let you in on the jokes because they are afraid of offending you. Most guys want to show women respect and not subject them to what they consider funny (usually gross juvinile sexual or potty humor!). So with that warning, if you want to be subjected :) just ask 'ok so what does that mean, i promise not to be offended!" and then once they tell you you can of course tell them they are gross boys! but it opens the doors! There have been time i have come home and said to my hubby 'do you know what is?" and soemtimes he would roll over with laughter and others he would ask me to explain! good luck!!!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Kate on 2nd November 2007
I work in a male dominated environment and I have great fun in what I call "The Locker Room". I think it takes a little time to get into the boys club because they have to determine what their boundaries are with you. Be completely yourself with them and try inviting THEM out to a happy hour. That is my advice.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by KathyHowe on 2nd November 2007
I feel your pain. I'm not in a 'higher' position in my company, but our company is broken into departments of about 50 and sub departments of around 10 or so. Out of the entire department I am 1 of 2 girls and I never see the other one anyways. I think I fit in better with guys than females for the most part anyways, always teasing about their sports teams and such and we have parenting in common as well. I also have an age gap to deal with, I'm 22 and 95% of the guys are 40+. I show respect to them and they show it right back.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Marcia on 2nd November 2007
I really know how you feel - I spent years in an all-male office and it was really tough.

What I tried to do is start conversations and involve them instead - this is NOT easy, but it worked sometimes. I wouldn't try to talk about stuff like golf or things I didn't know about - but instead about something in the business or something funny about a competitor or something political - topics I knew they were interested in.

I can't say that this solved all issues, but it did make me more part of that group.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nataly on 2nd November 2007