I feel like i dont fit in at work, what should i do?

Question

Just started this new job and have been there for a month, i am in the sales department with men mostly and i am the only young girl there.

But it seems like, because i look young they treat me like i am a school leaver or something when i am actually 26!

In my job, i take orders for models, remote cars and such like and the guys love their job, boys toys etc.

They r ok when u talk to them but they never take any interest in me or what i do socially, you have to talk to them otherwise they will never talk.

I find them rather difficult to chat to and for this reason dont really enjoy the job.

I mean this is why most ppl stay at their job, because they get on with the ppl but most at my place are alot older and not overly friendly.

They just seem to mingle with each other, man to man etc.

would this change if i started taking more interest in them? doesnt seem like it will somehow.

what should i do as i am only there for 1-2 more months as it is a temp job?

Answer 1

If you are only there for 1-2 more months, then just go with it.  Be friendly to them...but don't worry about it.  Before long it will be time to move on.

Answer 2

I think the reason you are having so much trouble fitting in is because it is a temp job, not because of the gender difference.

It's up to you how you play it out,stay or go, but for 1-2 months I wouldn't bother about fitting in anyway.

Answer 3

The men at your job act that way because they are most likely married. They also don't want to chance a sexual harassment suit. For them the easiest way to avoid problems on the home front and a lawsuit is to ignore you unless you speak to them first. All of the above and them being quite bit older are why they take no interest in you or your social life.

If you want these men to warm up to you a little try taking a genuine interest in the "boy's toys" that you are selling. You might find these "toys" to be alot of fun.

btw...I'm a female who flies model planes and drives r/c cars. It is alot of fun. ...so don't let anyone tell you that you can't do these things because you're a girl.

Answer 4

You state that the other employees are older men. There is a good chance that these are married men who don't want to give the wrong appearance. They also may be worried that they may say something that can be taken the wrong way and be misconstrued as sexual harassment. Be kind and friendly, but remember you are only there for a short time. Things will probably be different when you get a permanent job.  

Answer 5

Well there doesn't sound like a way for you to "fit" in anyways since you are the opposite in almost everything with them except for working there. Men and women are different and they don't interact the same way.  Age also creates barriers with communication sometimes since you assume the other person might have no idea of what you are talking about. As long as they are nice and you do your job as your supposed to I am sure you'll be able to hang in for another 2 months.  

Answer 6

I've worked in mostly male places before.  Its best to remember that you are there to work not socialize.  Its not worth the effort to twist yourself out of shape for these guys.  They probably can't socialze outside of work.  Stick it out and don't take jobs like that again.

Answer 7

Just relax and don't try so hard to fit in.  Sometimes trying to fit in has the opposite effect.  If you just be a quiet observer, sometimes the opportunity presents itself to include yourself in on a conversation or two.  Make intelligent comments, but don't over do it.  If you are not going to be there for longer than 2 months, then I wouldn't even really worry about it.