If you read Part 1, you learned that discrimination is something women face when working in the trades. But it isn’t the only thing we face. Creepy men is number two on the list. Read on to learn about the one week I spent at my second fab shop job.

The day after I walked out of my first fab shop job, I went to another local place that made moving trailers. They were looking for a fitter/welder and I was up for the challenge. I applied, took the test, and was hired me on the spot. It was mostly downhill mig welding so it was simple enough.

The first few days were a little rough but I was learning. The guy I was working with didn’t need a print to build the trailers. He had memorized all the models so I followed along with him welding where he said to weld. One day, he casually asked what I was going to do on my hour lunch break. I told him I was going to the park to run then coming back to eat. I thought nothing of it as I got into my car and headed to the park. I quickly changed and went to the track. I made it around exactly one time when I look up and there he was. He was sitting in his truck watching me. (Luckily I was running with one of my guy friends that spent years in the military. He had my back) I told the guy what was going on. He said we’ll call it a coincidence today and encouraged me to keep running.

When I went back to the shop, I didn’t say a word. I went back to work like nothing happened but was honestly scared to death.

The next day I did the same routine. I met my friend to run and there he was. He was eating his lunch and staring right at me. I ran another lap and went straight to my car. I floored it to the shop and grabbed my tool box. I was shaking as I told the office manager what happened and made her promise she wouldn’t say a word.

I never went back. Luckily I had another job lined up. The job I originally wanted. But it isn’t like they treated me any better. Stay tuned for Part 3!