Why did I become an Industrial Mechanic?

“So, really, why did you get into this kind of work?” 

This is a question I have been asked countless times.  I admit I have yet to find a satisfactory response.  I have tried to answer it as truthfully as I could.  I have tried to give the answer I think the person asking is looking for. I have also just answered it by making a joke.  Somehow none of these responses seem to satisfy the other person.  The joke especially drew puzzled looks.  When asked how I got into my profession, my reply once was “I lost a bet.”  I haven’t used that line again.

The truth is, there is no one reason why I chose this road.  I am not totally clear myself why I chose this instead of, for instance, nursing.  Nursing is one of the professions that men seem to think would have been a good choice for me, and they have asked me why I didn’t pursue that career.  I can say that I always found the way the world works quite fascinating, and I actually do like mechanical things.  I am not put off by the oils and greases, the heat and the noise.  I like looking at something and trying to understand why it does what it does, or doesn’t do what it is supposed to.  However, this does not explain why I chose a career that does not really welcome women.  Did I look at it as a challenge?  I don’t think so, but maybe in a way.  Was I trying to prove something?  Well, no.  Was I trying to be more like a man than a woman?  I actually like being a woman, so I must say no.  It has been difficult at times, and rewarding at times.  For sure, it has never been boring.  I do hate being bored.

Actually, when I decided to pursue this path, I didn’t really think my choice was that strange.  A bit out of the ordinary for a woman perhaps, but so what?  I was just doing what I found interesting.  I remember thinking “why not give this a go, it’s got to be better than working in an office”.  Then, I found out that quite a few people thought what I was doing was strange.  Including my classmates and teachers!  I think sheer stubbornness and determination are what kept me there.

The reason any woman makes a choice like this must be complicated.  I like to ask other trades women I meet why they made their choice.  Unfortunately, I don’t meet a lot of women in non-traditional fields, though there are more now than there used to be when I first started. 

I would like to hear from other women in non-traditional fields and find out how they got where they are today.