Sideways Society

I felt discrimination at a work place being a male in a woman run company.  I worked for a company that the CEO and all upper management were woman.  I felt the glass ceiling metaphor because I felt that I could see the top and that it was possible to get there, only the women were advancing.  I soon felt discouraged and no matter what I could do , I would always be unable to advance.

When the current manager was let go and they were looking for a new manager, I considered myself a viable candidate for the job and the best qualified within my peers I noticed the only people considered for the position were females.  I also saw an opening for a sales position in the company and tried to direct myself in that direction and also that job was given to a female.  At this point I knew that there was no spot for me in the company and I knew I had to leave the company.  It is difficult seeing the discrimination and thinking there is nothing you can do about.  Thankfully organizations like the EEOC are available for people like myself who are forced into and subjected to these difficult situations.

This is an excerpt from a women who worked at a job and rec’d remarks towards her that she did not like.  Her name is kept private to protect her identity.

I worked at a job no too long ago where I felt that there was unfair treatment strictly based on gender. I worked in a somewhat smaller office building where there was supposedly no dress code. When I started this job, I noticed that all the women were pretty much dressing up Monday through Thursday and wore jeans on Friday. This is typical of most offices, so I went with it. But I also noticed that the man’s attire was much more casual. Here I am in a skirt and heels standing next to a male co-worker in baggy shorts and Converse sneakers.

So, one day I just didn’t feel like wearing heels, so I wore jeans and Ugg boots. First thing that morning, my boss commented on my being under-dressed on a Thursday-in the hallway in front of multiple people. When another woman pointed out that the men’s attire during the week is always like that, his response was, “Yes, but not for my ladies. We’ve got to keep you looking sharp.”