a-different-mindsett

[a-different-mindsett]

Angry

I am a person with so much anger A raging storm that never subsides A constant fire that burns within A tempest of fury that never hides

I try to contain this wrath inside To keep it from causing harm But it builds up and bursts like a dam Leaving destruction in its alarm

I want to be calm and collected To not lash out in fits of rage But the smallest things can set me off And I feel trapped in this emotional cage

I hate the way my anger controls me How it makes me say things I regret How it can turn me into someone That I never wanted to beget

I wish I could let go of this fury To be at peace with the world around But the more I try to suppress it The stronger it seems to resound

It's frustrating to be a person With so much anger deep inside To feel like a ticking time bomb Just waiting for a reason to collide

I know that I need to find a way To channel this energy in a positive way To turn this destructive force Into something that can make me sway

Maybe it's through art or music Or physical activity that makes me sweat Maybe it's through helping others To forget about my own regrets

Whatever it is, I need to find it soon Before my anger consumes me whole Before I become the very thing That I have always tried to control

But for now, I am a person with so much anger A prisoner of my own emotions A constant battle between my mind and heart A struggle to find the right notions

I hope one day I can break free From this cycle of rage and pain And finally find the peace That I have been searching for in vain.

[a-different-mindsett]

The Diary Entry Of A Former Garbage Woman

        As a female in a male-dominated industry, the challenges and pressures can be overwhelming. From being underestimated and undervalued to constantly feeling the need to prove oneself, the experiences of women working in such industries can vary greatly. Let's take a closer look at what it's like to be a female working in a male industry, using my personal experience as an example of when I was a garbage collector and driver.

      One of the most significant challenges for women in male-dominated industries is the pressure to prove themselves. Women often feel the need to work harder, faster, and better than their male counterparts to gain recognition and respect. This pressure to perform at an exceptional level can be overwhelming and exhausting, but it's necessary to establish oneself as an equal in the eyes of others.

      Working as a female driver and loader it was evident that I had to face challenges my male co-workers wouldn't understand. I had to demonstrate that I was just as capable as any man on the job. My performance as a garbage collector and driver was as good, if not better than some of my male colleagues, but that wasn't enough to earn the respect, and It made me feel like I didn't deserve it.

       Despite my skills, hard work and determination to improve, I still had to deal with the preconceived notions of the people I worked with as well as under, as well as those I interacted with on the job. For instance, some people would assume that the job was too hard for me, making me feel disheartened and demotivated. It's hard to be constantly told that you can't do something because of your gender, especially when you're out there proving the opposite every day.

      During the training of a new employee, I encountered a frustrating situation. The construction workers had blocked off most of a one-way road, and one of them assumed that I wouldn't be able to navigate through the area. Despite my attempts to communicate with him and position myself in front of him, he refused to acknowledge me and continued to direct his attention towards my male trainee.

     To resolve the issue, I took the initiative and moved the truck while they were busy discussing how to handle the situation. If he had simply listened to me, we could have saved 5-10 minutes of futile conversation since my trainee was inexperienced in that particular area. It was frustrating to be ignored and undermined, especially since I was the one with more experience and knowledge in the field. Nonetheless, I refused to let his bias and lack of respect hold me back and continued with my duties as usual. But shortly after the more i thought about it, the more it made me sick to my stomach.

     People who were used to seeing men in such roles would assume that the male trainee was in charge, even though I was the one giving orders and doing most of the talking. This lack of recognition and acknowledgment made me feel invisible and undermined my authority, especially when I had been in charge of that collecting area for nearly 3 years.

      The problem with these assumptions is that they're based on gender stereotypes and not on the actual skills or performance of the individual. Unfortunately, this kind of bias is still prevalent in many male-dominated industries, and it can be demotivating for women who are just trying to do their job to the best of their ability.

       Another issue that women face in male-dominated industries is harassment and discrimination. Sadly, women are more likely to be subjected to unwanted advances, sexist comments, and inappropriate behavior. This type of behavior can create a hostile work environment and make it difficult for women to feel safe and valued in their workplace.

      Unfortunately, the garbage industry isn't immune to such problems. In fact, the example of a female driver and loader experienced harassment and discrimination on the job. She was subjected to lewd comments, stares, and even unwanted touching. This type of behavior can be incredibly traumatic, and it's essential to have support systems in place to help women cope with such experiences.        I have been blessed to not have been in a situation where I felt like I needed to report such an experience, if things were ever uncomfortable I would communicate directly to the person, and luckily would never have to take it further to HR or management.

       The challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety. Women are more likely to suffer from mental health problems than men, and this is partly due to the stress and pressure that comes with trying to succeed in such an environment. It's important to acknowledge the toll that such experiences can have on a woman's mental health and to provide resources to help them cope with stress and anxiety.

       In conclusion, being a female in a male-dominated industry is an experience that requires resilience, strength, and determination. Women in such roles must overcome numerous obstacles, from biased attitudes to discrimination and harassment, to earn respect and recognition. However, with support, encouragement, and recognition of their abilities, women can succeed and thrive in any industry they choose. The example of a female garbage collector and driver is just one illustration of the challenges women face in male-dominated industries. It's crucial to continue the dialogue on gender inequality.