Originally Published on 3-4-16 -A Picture Is Indeed Worth A Thousand Words

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Hello everyone!

Part I: Published on 3-4-16

This photo represents my entire apprenticeship. Soak it in and I will try to get back to talking about it more in depth this weekend.

Part II: Published on 1-24-21

I had previously posted this photo and had forgotten to return and explain its representation of my apprenticeship. After 20 years of successfully getting out of my apprenticeship to become a journeywoman electrician, this photo still resonates as a theme during that time as well as my entire career. Few people work in occupations where they must wake up and prove their worth daily quite like working as a female in construction. I never felt relaxed and that I was just able to just merely show up on a jobsite. I felt like I had to perform and there was always a spotlight on my head. I say that as a fact of life and not as a complaint. In my mind, it was all a part of the job.

In the beginning of my career, I was eager to prove my worth each day. I even felt like I needed to go above the requirements just so I would not be on the jobsite’s first layoff. Over time, it becomes exhausting to maintain that high level of energy. I was even afraid to become friends with any females that were not equally hard working. I didn’t want the stains of their “laziness” to rub off on me. The guys knew that lazy, untalented women were a thorn in my side. I was often teased by my crew about putting the female on the job under my wing. In hindsight, I should have been a better trade sister for the woman that was struggling to find her way. I admit that I had caved into the pressure of putting in some distance. For many years, I felt like I was fighting to survive in longevity on the jobsite and fighting to maintain my reputation. It was hard enough to swim solo. Never mind having to help another woman swim to shore. I had no problem, however, helping a male on the job who needed help with various things on the job.

My reputation on the jobsite preceded me. Typically, the crew knew of you and any following rumors, no matter who you are, prior to you coming onto the jobsite. I had strongly desired to keep my work reputation as clean as possible. It was not possible to be totally free of any vicious rumors or gossip. I never wanted to give a perception that I was associating with multiple men in a personal manner. I did not want to get a stain on my reputation as being a woman who sleeps with her coworkers. I was a widow and I didn’t have much free time to hang out. That fact helped my reputation tremendously. I did think about, during my early years, how a good reputation was important also for my son’s sake if they chose to follow me into the business. My son Tom did indeed follow me into the business over three years ago.

I took great satisfaction in a project considered well done. I took any of the “not bad for a girl” comments with great pride. It was an honor to have a male coworker convert from having a negative perception of women to making the exception for me. I willingly became “one of the guys” on a jobsite amongst my crew. I never desired to stick out of force the men to walk on eggshells around me. I was always in favor of jokes being told on the jobsite and not holding back. I learned to have thick skin and some quite sharp retorts when I was on the receiving end of some chop breaking. I am so accustomed to the filthy exchange of jokes, I would feel weird working in a “clean” environment. I like coworkers who are direct with their issues, communicate, then move on and close the subject. A level of comfort evolved over time amongst my crew. I often became the gangbox psychologist telling my coworkers how to better approach their spouses. I have saved some marriages along the way.

When I was pushing through my apprenticeship, I was not doing for the overall good of all women. It didn’t even occur to me that I was attempting to do something few women even tried. I was accustomed to exchanging with men as a far back as boys in the school yard. I was close with my father and grew up sweeping and sorting material and hardware in a truck shop where my dad worked. I reached a level of comfort along with motivational coaching from my dad. He used to tell me that I was strong and smart; capable of doing anything I put my mind to doing. It really didn’t cross my mind that I was smashing barriers. I was just doing what I wanted to do and chasing that dream with fierce determination. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized I was on a path that was unique. I see the value of it today as a woman and work to encourage other women to go on my same path. I no longer concern myself with a fellow trade sister’s reputation having an impact on my reputation. The mindset indeed evolves with age. What doesn’t change is my mindset that I can do anything I set out to do. It is helpful to have the long work experience behind me as proof that it can be done.

What words or phrases come to mind when I see the photo? Strength. Deep determination. Perseverance. Hard work. Strong work ethic. Never giving up. Proving people wrong. Motivation.

What do you think of when you see the picture below? Let me know your thoughts on that as well as the theme of my writing. As always, thank you for taking the time to read my work. The internet is loaded with amazing content. You took the time to read my content. You are appreciated. I thank you and have a great upcoming work week!

Cheers!
Leslie M Jasper

#ConstructionTales #books #funny #podcast #VerballyDisastrous #Spotify #new #NextChapter #NYC #WomanInTheTrades #motivation #determination #YouCanDoIt #Amazon #BarnesandNoble #Audible #iTunes

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Originally Published on 8-19-16 Writings On The Temp Bathroom Walls!!-

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Hello everyone!

I stumbled upon some photos women had posted. The photos were taken of the writings from disgruntled construction workers on the walls of temporary bathrooms on construction sites. There is a saying in construction, “you know you made it when your name ends up on the shithouse walls!” Some of the most foul things you can read is on the walls of the bathroom. The woman being referenced in the photos just laughed it off. She knows that you can’t allow that to bother you or show any type of emotion. She said her buddies laugh and call her “thickness”. It is just something you deal with in that business! I think I may have seen subtle things written in the bathroom. I have never been called out personally that I know of.. Those things do not make me miss the field at all! Here are the photos to share. Enjoy your Friday!!

Cheers!
Leslie M Jasper

Originally Published on 8-13-16 An Article Celebrating The History Of Women In The Trades-

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hello everyone!

Here is an article on celebrating the history of women in the trades. I never think about it in this manner. However, women in construction are a part of history. Not alot of women dive into this line of work. I see ALOT of women do it nowadays. However, it still is not enough! Enjoy the article and feel free to share.

http://thewire.org.au/story/celebrating-women-trades/

My book is on iTunes as well.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/construction-tales-vol-1/id725235089?mt=11

Cheers!
Leslie M Jasper

Originally Published on 7-18-16 Last Week Trending- University of North Texas Dirty Coffee Mug! I Love It!!

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Hello everyone Everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I had a buddy of mine tell me my work coffee mug was trending on the Internet last week. I am a huge fan of subtle humor. When I saw an article about the cup,I had to check out the cup on the University of North Texas campus website. It really existed!! I found cheaper and different styles on Amazon. I like to walk around the office with my C yoU Next Tuesday mug. The mug handle completes the humor for me. I will always be a dirty minded construction worker no matter where I go in life! Happy Monday to All!!

Cheers!
Leslie M Jasper

Originally Published on 8-16-16 -A Pep Talk Given to A Fellow Tradeswoman Receiving Jobsite Harassment

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Hello everyone!

I am sharing a pep talk given to a fellow tradeswoman who was experiencing a difficult time with coworkers on the construction site. I was moved by what she wrote and wanted to share. I wish I had someone to convey these thoughts when I was dealing with the worst parts of my career working in the field. As one guy used to say to me, “Sexual harassment starts for Leslie at 7:01am”. I endured plenty in my 21 year career as a journeywoman electrician. I combatted alot of the nonsense with tons of humor. You must learn how to manage plenty of poor behavior working as a woman in construction. Enjoy this pep talk I am sharing:

Sometimes when you are harassed at work, you text your girl on break, and she gives you a pep talk. This was a particularly good one, so I’ll leave it here, and anyone who needs a pep talk can refer to it:

“You make some of the men you work with angry.
They don’t like you because you’re capable.
They don’t like you because you’re smart.
They don’t like you because knowing that you can do their job makes them feel worthless.
They don’t like you because they know you go home every night to a wife who loves you — they don’t like you because you have everything they thought only men should have.
That’s just true.
But that makes you STRONGER than they are, not weaker.
They are hobbled by their short-sightedness and their entitlement.
You are free.
He wanted to see you uncomfortable.
And that’s ALL HE GETS.
Because otherwise, he’s fucking pathetic.
He needs you to feel okay about himself.
You don’t need SHIT from him.
So you are going to look him in the eye and you are going to remember that, every single time he lashes out:
He needs you to feel bad so that he can feel okay.
But if he was blown into outer space tomorrow, you wouldn’t know the goddamn difference. YOU are the one with the power.
Because he has been taught to compare himself to other people as a man. Being a man is all about comparing yourself to others and trying to be on top or as close to the top as you can be, and sometimes, if you have bad self esteem, you have to really kick the people you think are at the bottom of the ladder, just so you make sure you’re not coming in last.
But you don’t give a shit about him or his feelings.
None of that matters.
That’s what makes you MORE powerful.
So you gotta clean yourself up, take some deep breaths, and remember to let him wash right over you. His bullshit means nothing because YOU DON’T NEED HIM TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF.
You already ARE good.
Just remember how much messing with you matters to him.
You don’t want him to get what he wants, right?
Keep your cool and carry on.
I love you and you’re doing a good job.”

Cheers!

Leslie M Jasper

Originally Published on 8-25-16 -Birthday Reflection August of 2016

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hello everyone!

Today is my birthday and I am into my 40’s. I am reflecting on the events that have occured during the journey of my life. I started out in a poor family out in Oregon. I grew up with a sister, named Kim, and we endured a divorce when I was 7 years old. We moved from our dad to a new step dad in the same day. As an adult, I understand why my mom did it-we were poor but her actions kept us off welfare. I moved in with my dad and step mom hoping for a different life- ended up being a big mistake since my step mom was evil! I earned a 2nd sister, named Lisa, when my dad married her mother. The strict home environment motivated me to join the military a few weeks after high school. I met and married a Marine while stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. We relocated and came to New York. I was pregnant and gave birth to my son, Tom. About 2 years into our marriage, Jimmy died in a motorcycle accident. By this time, I was a first year apprentice electrician and had just bought a house. I finished my associates degree in business and my apprenticeship years later. Meet someone who I felt could be a family guy. I have my 2nd son with him while gaining more experience in the trade. Survived a huge recession and went back to school and earned my bachelors and then my masters in business. Parted ways with someone I was with for over a decade. Watched my first born graduate high school and go on to start college. Now he is working for an electrical contractor and going to be an apprentice electrician like his mom. I interviewed and got an engineering gig. Learning autocad and then project manager tasks. Going in the project manager direction since I like that better. Hitting my 5 year milestone as a teacher and writing coach for Empire College. I plan to retire teaching since I enjoy it. I can’t forget that when I was unemployed for a long time, I wrote and published my first book, Construction Tales. I started writing Volume 2 and another book, Transcend Against All Odds. I am watching my son Johnny become a young man as well. Trying to sell my house and move to the city to be closer to my job. I have a fiance, Curt, that I love to death. We have a long distant relationship. He may take up a job in the NYC area so we can be around each other more. We will retire in Southern Florida together in the future in our beach front condo. There are opportunities for advancement within my company in the meantime. I look back on my beginnings as a poor girl in Oregon to now and I did pretty amazing! My life has taken alot of hard work to get there but I am there. I need to do more mentoring and charity work. I am grateful for my achievments so far. I look forward to to future chapters of my life to take place. Thanks for reading my reflection! Have a great day! Count your blessings!!

Cheers!
Leslie M Jasper

Originally Published 6-10-16 -My New Job As An Assistant Project Manager in NYC!!

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hello everyone,

It has been awhile since I spoke about my current work. I am coming up on my 21st work anniversary in the trades on 12/10/16. I used to work with the tools up in Westchester and Fairfield territories of Local #3 IBEW. We endured MASSIVE amounts of unemployment after the latest recession. I went back to school and earned my master’s degree in business. This degree and my OSHA 500 training helped me tremendously on my interview for the job I have now.

My last day working with the tools was March 7, 2014. I was fearful of being out of work for a HUGE block of time again. Already out of work for (2) 1 year stints out of work! It was crippling me economically!! I was so happy to get hired on for the largest electrical contractor in NYC 6 weeks after my layoff!

I started out working as a junior engineer and a CAD Operator who was making the blueprints. I learned on the job. Over time, the project manager needed help working on his tasks. I started doing more and more project manager tasks. I enjoyed doing that work much more than engineering! After some time on those tasks, I finally get my job as an assistant project manager! I am continuing to work on the project I started on in Brooklyn. Now I just inherited a new job in Queens to work on. I got a company handbook on project manager procedures. I am very happy to be in my position full time now. My goal is to run a project solo in the future!!

My goal is to inspire others who want this career path. It is possible if you put in the extra time and effort to learn as much as you can! Thanks for reading what I have shared this evening! Have a great day/evening wherever you are in the world!!

Cheers!

Leslie M Jasper
http://www.constructiontales.com

#ConstructionTales #podcast #Spotify #VerballyDisasrous #new #books #funny #NYC #NotAllGirlsPlayWithDolls #NextChapter #Amazon #Audible #BarnesandNoble #iTunes

“Just Remember, You Can’t Climb The Ladder of Success With Your Hands In Your Pockets” -Arnold Schwarzenegger

“Just remember, you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets”. -Arnold Schwarzenegger

You can now click on the above “LISTEN ON SPOTIFY” (WHEN AVAILABLE) to hear this in audio!

hello everyone!

I had previously written about transitioning from a young woman to an older strong woman. A woman, or a man for that matter, doesn’t just wake up as a strong person. They are climbing a ladder of success and figuring out the climbing pattern and the process of navigating the ladder’s obstacles along the way. It is a fair statement that the life ladder is not a straight A to B climb as one imagines in their mind. Some runs are greasy and slippery. Some have disgusting cobwebs to pass through. Some rungs are missing and you must be creative on how to bypass the bad rungs. Many of these steps require great focus and sacrifice. Sometimes the person climbing runs out of energy and slips a few rungs. Instead of retreating to the bottom, they must regroup and figure out how to climb better and higher. That process can take strength, perseverance, and sacrifice. They have to go through some phases and experiences to evolve into a strong person.

For some reason, many people are not interested in learning about the path between point A and B of the process that is required to follow. When I was younger, I did feel inadequate seeing the fruits of someone else’s labor. Initially, it felt like I was not working hard enough to achieve their level of success. Then again, they had much more time invested in their ladder climbing journey. It is unhealthy and nonproductive to be angry or frustrated with the fruit’s of another person’s ladder climb. Instead, use it as fuel to propel your own climb. There were sacrifices you are not aware of that were made by the other person. Those sacrifices are at depths that you do not have the capacity to understand. It is much more fruitful to focus on your own climb.

Do you learn more lessons during good times or hard times? Do you earn deeper scars from peace or trauma? A wonderfully finished product takes time along with consistent hard work and sacrifice. Few people stick around to watch a successful person’s entire evolution. They are more concerned with the finished product. They then use the same progress as a metric of their own life progress. It is not fair to do to yourself. This is especially true if both journeys were not faced with the same obstacles. I have always wondered why relatively young people are marketing themselves as life coaches? The only life coach worth paying money for their input is those elderly life coaches who have consistently worked hard and have yielded a surplus of favorable results. The humorous part is that there are a variety of elders who will offer their life advice if you just listen to them for free. They may very well be your own relatives that you had previously overlooked.

When you admire a person’s success, you should really probe into their process. This requires for you to sit patiently and study the person’s habits until you see a pattern. Once you find the pattern, you mimic it and adjust your process along the way. It is just fruitless and there is no benefit to sitting in the jealous energy of another person’s successful product. The best person to follow is someone who has an absolute obsession with getting what they want in life. With almost anything in life, you have to live and breathe and truly want what you are seeking. If your energy is not totally devoted to the process, you might as well cut your losses and regroup. Unless you are naturally talented at something, perfecting a craft requires a tremendous amount of repetitiveness. There are many people who are spinning their wheels and feeling like their work is invisible. You have to shake away those negative thoughts and wake up each day with renewed purpose. My dad used to say to me, “if it was easy, anyone could do it”.

I wish you luck in your endeavors and loads of energy to stay the course. Have a great day and speak with you soon!

Cheers!

Leslie M. Jasper

#ConstructionTales #funny #books #new #podcast #VerballyDisastrous #Amazon #BarnesandNoble #iTunes #Audible #NYC #WomanInTheTrades #NextChapter

How Does A Young Woman Become A Strong Woman? 🤔

“A woman is like a tea bag. You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

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hello everyone,

I found this motivational photo rather intriguing to think about. I also find it very relatable. It makes me reflect on my life and progression to the woman that I am today. I didn’t start out on a mission to become independent. I initially opted to go the traditional route via getting married and starting a family at the age of 18 years old. Becoming independent came as a result of my life experiences as a young widow. Now that I have found my own way, I will never be comfortable with a man at the wheel of my destiny. Then again, I have not crossed paths with a man up for the task. I do listen to different points of view on strong women via a variety of media outlets. My goal is to gain an understanding of different views. I do not necessarily think my viewpoint is absolute and the metric for all to live by. However, some viewpoints are negative in nature and hard to tolerate. Many are speaking about how modern women are hard headed, loud, bitchy, stuck in their own way, have no hope, and are destined for cathood. There are some generalized statements about modern, independent women that sounds overly dramatic from my perspective. Perhaps the intent on that viewpoint is to gain viewers and listeners to the broadcaster? Although I respect a hustle, it is sad to see a group of women lumped into a box collectively in that manner. To each his own on that choice of perspective.

Are modern independent women capable of being in a relationship today? I think they are indeed capable if presented with a man who brings in the same peace and understanding he seeks. It would only make sense if each party brings added value to a situation and not just added stress and drama. Yes, added value is subjective and for each person to determine. I believe the combative nature how each side presents ends up proving the narrative that each bring to the table. It is possible to find a couple to peacefully cohabitate if they allow each other to think differently and come together in a compromising manner. There must be mutual love and continued respect to persevere. People need to be single between relationships in order to rediscover themselves and heal from the traumas experienced in the past relationships. One has to be at peace with past transgressions from the ex before moving forward into a new relationship. Enough water needs to be thrown on the heart stains in order for the new person to not see them upon entry.

I will admit that as I get older, I am getting more and more set in my ways of conducting my personal business. I am currently in a peaceful zone for almost the past two years. I find it blissful that I am not having to concern myself with a man and how he conducts himself. I am not actively trying to find a partner; I am merely dabbling with dating apps. I am not in a hurry to find a partner either. I was previously engaged for five years from December 2014 in a long distance relationship. I had given many chances to my fiancé to manage and iron out his infidelity and other personal affairs. In hindsight, In retrospective, I also dragged my feet since I saw the relationship cracks and I didn’t want to own them full time. On the other hand, he had amazing qualities that I really liked in a partner that I never had before. For one, I have not encountered many men who like to cook. I find that to be a great quality that I didn’t want to give up. He was not threatened by my income. He thought it made his life easier and was proud of me. Eventually, I started the emotional disconnection process and broke free from the relationship. Based upon my experiences, I am convinced that a man doesn’t have the discipline to be faithful or manage my affairs for me. I remain optimistic and I am hoping to cross paths with someone who will prove me wrong. If not, I am truly content with being in my own company.

I watch male presenters speak about how independent women are “bossy” in nature. I do not believe that I am bossy in nature in any of my relationships. Thankfully, I have never had a person I was in a relationship say that to me. It is comforting to have a few men that are regretful of parting ways and wanting another opportunity at the relationship. However, it is wise to not stare into the rear view mirror when you are trying to move forward with your life. I think a person is bossy when they are not satisfied with their life and not truly in their own power. Perhaps there are plenty of women who like the title of being “strong & independent” yet still have behaviors of mooching off of men. They are not being a fair representative of modern independent women. It is a challenge to “stand on your own two feet” (as my father used to preach to me) and truly be independent woman. I have learned what I like and do not like and what I will not tolerate in a relationship. I speak up if I am being taken advantage of in a relationship. As I have stated previously, I am not afraid to be alone. I find getting a man to properly communicate is a challenge. Men I have encountered try to brush things under the rug or become angry when asked to discuss an issue. I believe a male who is a calm communicator would be a national treasure.

There is a comfort with being able to provide with your own hands. Life is also easier when you join forces with a man and split the bills down the middle. For many years, I did not know what it was like to depend on a man. After years of grinding solo, I took the dive and was in a 11 year relationship. Once he moved in, there were many adjustments and benefits to manage and enjoy. I didn’t have to stare at my bank account and worry as hard yet I had to be willing to compromise on different avenues. Over time, it is amazing how the pesky things became big issues of contention later on. How the willingness to give up your freedoms later becomes an anchor around your neck in the bottom of the ocean. I have learned that if you are an ambitious person, meshing with a lazy person will not calm you down and find the middle ground you seek. You only end up resenting them years later and they become even lazier in your mind and unbearable to be around. I believe that the opposites attract theory only lasts for a short period of time. Eventually, you resent those opposite qualities and they become a thorn in your side.

When I think about the evolution of an independent woman, that gradual formation happened as a result of years of external and internal impacting factors. There are some factors of independence that are very alluring. The preservation of personal freedoms, a side effect of independence, are very enticing and hard to give up or trade in. The ability to make money with your own hands is extremely intoxicating like an addictive drug. Once you have that capacity to sustain yourself, it is very hard to give up that ability to become dependent on someone else for your way of life. I believe that there are many benefits to being dependent on a man. On the surface, it appears that being dependent doesn’t require as much effort. It certainly doesn’t appear as stressful. Perhaps the independent energy is diverted elsewhere to satisfying the needs of the partner? Perhaps the same energy is used in just another manner within the relationship? I am just happy that there are many different choices and options for men and women in today’s world. What are your thoughts on the subject?

Cheers!

Leslie M. Jasper

#ConstructionTales #Spotify #new #podcast #VerballyDisastrous #books #funny #NextChapter #Amazon #iTunes #Audible #NotAllGirlsPlayWithDolls

Reviewing the “Why are you so ANTI-WOMEN”? YouTube video -Aba & Preach

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hello everyone!

I listen to Aba & Preach on YouTube from time to time. Every once in awhile, I laugh heartily at their content. Here is the episode that I am referring to in this post:

“You can’t lay with the maggots and fly like a butterfly. Pick one. Choose one”. -Aba, aka poetic savagery

I find a lot of Aba & Preach’s content to be funny yet logical at the same time. I laugh at their playful and sarcastic rants often. I also appreciate their logical breakdowns of various forms of media. I understand and recognize the double standards that they are speaking about within the realm of man vs woman. Yes, the man vs woman dynamics does not often follow logic. Yes, not every woman follows the “feminism handbook” properly. Wait! Does the “feminism handbook” really exist?? LOL!! Perhaps it needs to exist so that women can use it as a source of guideline standards? For goodness sakes, I think I cracked the code!!! (cue cheesy grin) As a society, we are trying to proceed within a society with a mixed bag of notions. This mixed bag of notions on how to behave like a woman is based upon your upbringing and life experiences. Yes, many women are fighting the modern rules and want to pick al la carte off of the feminism and traditional menus. Not all women want to follow the modern female empowerment movement. Many women are being dragged by their hair into the modern era who love the benefits of the traditional roles. Perhaps if we had a standardized rule book to follow, would that change the dynamics within modern society? You are always going to have people who want to play the game by their own rules. That is never going to stop ever.

Now let’s follow the basic logical steps for a moment. If one wants equal rights for opportunities, they should be also willing to shake off the dust and open up the purse to pay half on the first date. Dare I say it- it would be mind blowing for a woman to pay for the entire first date! {<THAT IS A JOKE} Over the course of my dating history, I have always offered to pull from my purse. Well, I technically have a backpack as opposed to a purse. The concept of not offering to pay half is inconceivable to me. I have never wanted to take advantage of a man in my life- some may call me a fool for that. I shall take that in stride. However, I have stood by the principle of always going half on a relationship. I have offered so much that I have been taken advantage over the years. In my last serious relationship, he started to get too comfy and I had to lay down some boundaries. He was not used to a woman being generous with her cash. For a brief moment, it had gotten to the point that I was the one paying almost every time we went out. I had to set up some boundaries so that I would not be totally taken advantage of during outings. Once it got to the point where he was putting items in the cart that were intended for his consumption during the week and not the evening meal we were shopping for, I had to pump the brakes. However, it appears that my generosity is of the minority compared to the general population of women.

The women that are in my social circle are also generous with their purse and pay their own way. They get up each day and go work and create a life that is self-sufficient in nature. They don’t feel the need to bash men in the pursuit of their way of life. I know of some women, who are career women, who try desperately keep the cobwebs in tact over their wallets. I know women, who choose to be baby mommas, who are trying to use the state to subsidize their traditional agendas. The beauty of society is that not all women walk the same path in life. That leads to unique stories and life experiences. Life is not a one size fits all journey. Not all men and women are attracted to the same things in life either. I am not convinced that following a standardized rulebook will lead to greater satisfaction between the sexes either. Perhaps more willingness to listen, see other opposing viewpoints, some level of cooperation, and attempting to understand each gender could lead to more satisfaction??

As Aba & Preach have so eloquently stated in their own unique delivery, you can’t please everyone. No matter if you create a blueprint in both 2D and 3D BIM, some people are not willing to rise to a level to achieve at least a basic understanding of others. I think it is often fruitless and exhausting to try to understand some folks who are not meant to be understood. It is fair that the most of us are doing this adulting adventure while flying by the seat of our pants. Some things work out and some things are not meant to be. I know I started out as a young adult choosing to get married and have children young. Once my husband died, I stepped up to the plate and chose a career path that I wanted so that I could survive. I didn’t have it in mind, back in the 1990’s, that I was a part of women’s history of women breaking into male dominated construction. I just wanted a job with a pension and medical and to earn a very good wage to take care of my family without relying on someone else for my survival. I came into the business with a hunger to learn and a desire to succeed no matter how difficult. The people I worked with saw those key ingredients and were willing to make the exception and work with me to mold me into a journeywoman electrician. I am who I am based upon the guidance of the men who I worked with during my career. I have always felt like I am “one of the guys” on the jobsite. Not all of us who walked a non-traditional path subscribe to the modern movement of bashing men in an effort to appear superior. You might find that some of us are pretty cool chicks.

Now the questions remain unanswered- how much time do you waste trying to get out of a dead end road? Is it worth losing your sanity? Sometimes miserable people are meant to be miserable. Are you required to all follow the same pattern in life to gain mutual satisfaction? Will all parties carry 50/50 of the weight if those lacking rise to the challenge? These are some of many questions my co-host Melissa and I will dive into during our #VerballyDisastrous podcast on #Spotify. Now that you are dizzy from all of the rapid fire questions, please go lie down for a spell. We shall discuss further in detail later…

Cheers!

Leslie M. Jasper

#ConstructionTales #books #funny #podcast #Spotify #VerballyDisastrous #new #NYC #WomanintheTrades #NotAllGirlsPlayWithDolls #NextChapter