3.03 Nontraditional Careers

What's on a Career Profile? Personal Information Values Interest Personality traits Data, People, Things preference Skills and aptitudes Education/training goals Career Information Career values Career duties and responsibilities Personality type needed Data, People, Things characteristics Skills and aptitudes required Education/training required

Non Traditional Careers Non-traditional careers : Any occupation in which either men or women make up 25% or less of total employment in a specific career. http://www.iseek.org/careers/menandwomen.html to access a list of non-traditional careers for the 16 clusters. Visit the Department of Labor to access a list of non-traditional careers for women. http://www.dol.gov/wb/factsheets/nontra2008.htm

Non-traditional Careers MALES Nurse Bank Teller Flight attendant Makeup artist Day care worker FEMALES Truck driver Auto Mechanic Plumber President Janitor

The Facts Both men and women will spend at least 30-40 years in the workforce. Women who pursue male-dominated careers earn 20-30 percent more than those who hold jobs traditionally held by men. Most women are not able to be full-time homemakers. There is increased jb satisfaction when an individual does what they like rather than what is traditional.

Myths/Stereotypes of men in non-traditional careers Men who work in non-traditional careers are not masculine. Men who work in nontraditional careers aren’t skilled or strong enough to be employed in traditional careers. Men are not nurturing enough to work with small children or as caregivers Men in nontraditional careers earn less money then men employed in traditional careers The Facts Men working in nontraditional careers come in all sizes, shapes and types. They are just as manly as any other man. Men choose nontraditional careers because of their interest, skills, abilities. Men are caring fathers, grandfather, brothers, teachers, nurses and other professional caregivers. They also provide excellent role models for young children and help erase many of the negative stereotypes about men. Men in nontraditional careers, especially those who own their own business or work as a supervisor, can earn more money than men employed in traditional careers.

Myths/Stereotypes of women in non-traditional careers Working in trade jobs can be dirty and women don’t like to get messy Women who work in non-traditional careers are not feminine. Women in clerical jobs dress so well that surely they make more money than trade workers. Women are not strong enough to perform in trade or construction jobs. The Facts Women traditionally do “dirty” jobs such as changing diapers and housecleaning. Just because a woman dresses rugged and gets dirty does not mean they are not feminine. On an average a receptionist makes about $128 less than an electrician on entry-level weekly salaries. The average woman is strong enough to work as a skilled worker because technology and tools have made jobs easier for both men and women Secondly women can build strength while on these jobs.

Advantages of Nontraditional Careers Intrinsic motivation of following dreams Empowerment/autonomy Receive more attention on the job Makes an impact on society; opens the door to others Higher wages Job satisfaction Opportunities to learn while you earn (Apprenticeships) Acquire transferable skills Better benefits Job security Better work environment Advancement potential Broader Job opportunities

Disadvantages of Nontraditional Careers Hazardous workplaces Discrimination/Harassment Sense of isolation Physical requirements Lack of mentors Non-supportive friends and family Shift work vs. traditional schedule Seasonal lay-offs Potential for physical and mental challenges

Barriers to Pursuing non traditional jobs Social or cultural expectations Unsupportive attitudes of family, friends, teachers, classmates or coworkers (harassment or isolation) Lack of equity in education (Traditional courses are typically selected.) Limited prior experience Workplace/school discrimination Lack of acceptance Not getting proper training Isolation on the work-site Limited access to support services Women assigned menial tasks in work/lab environment Sexual harassment

What does this mean? Males or females entering the workforce should be able to choose an occupation without fear of harrassment Having a spouse who can support the family alone if circumstances require it Encourage males and females to take nontraditional classes in school Encourage female enrollment in math and science Accept classmates and coworkers because of their ability and not judge them by their gender

Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment - Any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature Types of sexual harassment Quid pro quo harassment Hostile environment harassment Recognizing sexual harassment Is the behavior sexual in nature? Do other individuals view the behavior as sexual in nature? Is the behavior unwelcome? Is the behavior offensive? Does the behavior interfere with work? Does the harasser understand that the behavior is unwelcome?

Discouraging sexual harassment KNOW THE LAW and your company’s policy on sexual harassment! Be businesslike in dress, language and behavior at all times. Make the harasser know that you want the behavior stopped!

Taking action against sexual harassment Tell the harasser to STOP! Keep detailed written records of any unwelcome behavior. Report the offense to your supervisor unless your supervisor is the harasser. If your supervisor is the harasser, report the incident to his/her supervisor!

Overcoming Barriers = Too Much Stress Some may say overcoming these barriers maybe too stressful and we should just give up and work traditional jobs. What do you think???

Terms Sexual Harassment- Any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature Working conditions- refers to the working environment and to the non-pay aspects of an employee’s terms and conditions of employment Salary- fixed compensation paid regularly for services