"Ah, there's no shame in that"

artemis527 · Jan 16, 2009

I just wanted to salute you, not because I have any answers but because I totally understand. I've worked as a woman in a man's world (a camera assistant in the film industry) for the last decade, and while it was ok when I was in my 20s, it has certainly changed now that I'm a grown-up woman. So much so that here I am, changing careers, becoming a nurse, and (in theory at least) leaving it all behind..

From my experience, it has never gotten easier. But I have grown so much. For me, the back-handed comments about 'Giving up' and leaving that business behind are yet to come, but I know they will. As far as I'm concerned, each moment I worked as a woman, who looks like a woman, in a very technical, stressful, intense, cut-throat competitive, and super horny (can I say that here?) field, was worth it. I've contributed ten very solid years "representing" minorities in my field.. and honestly, I am excited to be moving toward a field where it's more acceptable for me to be a woman, with breasts. (I'm working toward my Lactation Consultant's Credential, which is ironic, right?)

Just had to let you know I've been there. I'm *still* there. I hear ya chirpin' Big Bird, as they say down here in New Orleans...

Keep your chin up!

AragornSkywalker · Jan 17, 2009

Ill be upper-middle class straight out of my relatively cheap college with only a bachelors.

If I put in a few more years and become a CRNA, Ill make over 6 figs.

My career offers plenty of room to advance and great diversity in where and when I want to work.

Ill have job security throughout this recession and likely throughout my life.

Ill have a well-paying stable job at the ripe young age of 22.

The world is my oyster, and I brought the Big spoon.

Ill have knowledge and skills that are useful in work and in life.

If I were religious, Ill probably go to heaven.

Girls will think I'm sensitive even if I'm a jerk.

Girls outnumber me 10 to 1, so I can screw up 9 times and still be in the game!

I crushed hundreds of little girls to get into my program. Hundreds...

leemacaz · Jan 17, 2009

Guess people are so anxious to say something...or get to a new topic of discussion that they really don't think how their response really sounds. Unfortunately other males have a tendency to think that you might have had to "settle" for becoming a nurse rather than you having chosen to be one. Although there are a great many more male nurses now than only a few years ago.. it still has the perception that it is the ladies domain.

As to the film industry..from the people I have talked to over the years...anyone who can survive in any capacity at any job there only does so with a great deal of effort...You must be a resourceful person ,Artemis527, if you managed to last ten years there. I am sure that resourcefullness will find greater appreciation..and reward in your new profession..without nearly as much hassle.

I would not get too confident Mr Skywalker... There is an old saying "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." There might just be someone who will not think you are "sensitive" or who may think your screwup used up all of your ten lives. That someone might even have a big say as to your future in nursing..

leemacaz · Jan 17, 2009

OK...I missed your sarcasm Mr Sky walker...my appolgies... I had to read other posts bof yours before I realized you were not being a jerk. again sorry. guess I made a quick assumption too.

AragornSkywalker · Jan 17, 2009

Its ok. Most people have a hard time figuring out when Im serious and when Im joking, myself included.

callmekipling · Jan 20, 2009

artless, but a compliment. maybe Yogi Bera is still floating around whispering in people's ears.

Uncondensed, it would read, "I think it's a respectable profession though I bet you get laughed at by other people."

Just grin, and don't make excuses.

Roy Fokker, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2009

The more I work, the more I'm convinced that people are just idiots.

Chin up mate.

cheers,

Agrippa · Jan 21, 2009

Ill be upper-middle class straight out of my relatively cheap college with only a bachelors.
If I put in a few more years and become a CRNA, Ill make over 6 figs.
My career offers plenty of room to advance and great diversity in where and when I want to work.
Ill have job security throughout this recession and likely throughout my life.
Ill have a well-paying stable job at the ripe young age of 22.
The world is my oyster, and I brought the Big spoon.
Ill have knowledge and skills that are useful in work and in life.
If I were religious, Ill probably go to heaven.
Girls will think I'm sensitive even if I'm a jerk.
Girls outnumber me 10 to 1, so I can screw up 9 times and still be in the game!
I crushed hundreds of little girls to get into my program. Hundreds...

:banghead: