Why do people who find out what type of job I am going into or what I am doing currently, they disapprove and tell me it's a man's job?

SSG Angela Valtierra — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:15:12 -0500

Response by SSG Angela Valtierra made Nov 14 at 2014 1:17 PM

SSG Angela Valtierra — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:17:19 -0500

I am in school still currently perusing my degree. I have an organization I'm trying to get accredited as non profit to simply help change the system. All I hear Is negative.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Nov 14 at 2014 1:21 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:21:52 -0500

What job are you talking about?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 1:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:32:27 -0500

Not sure why you are hearing that. I've been around law enforcement all my life and I rarely heard/hear that, especially in current times.

Response by SPC Jack Hunt, JR made Nov 14 at 2014 1:30 PM

SPC Jack Hunt, JR — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:30:22 -0500

Don't go through life worrying about what other people think about what your doing. As long as your not wearing your underwater on the outside of your clothes they should mind their own business lol.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 2:00 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 14:00:17 -0500

I'm not surprised to hear that there are still some dumba$$3$$ out there that just don't get it. Same goes for the dumba$$3$$ that think only men can shoot and loot. Only thing I would do is learn your job well - not half-a$$ed. Become a total professional. Be better than the person next to you. Sooner or later you will find that folks accept you for what you are - a professional.

Ignore the negative scumsuckers - avoid them if possible.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 14 at 2014 3:03 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 15:03:39 -0500

SSG Angela Valtierra Their backward thinking reveals their weakness, not yours. Prove them wrong by your deeds, not your words.

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 14 at 2014 3:14 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 15:14:50 -0500

Ignore the naysayers. My nephew's wife is a parole officer in Chicago. Sounds like something Archie Bunker would say.

http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0021603/quotes

Archie Bunker (Character)

Archie Bunker (Character) on IMDb: Movies, TV, Celebs, and more...

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 8:39 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 20:39:23 -0500

Probably because they're jealous, SSG Angela Valtierra, and they wish they could get that job!

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Nov 14 at 2014 10:50 PM

CPL Rick Stasny — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 22:50:51 -0500

I have worked in corrections for 20 years, and I know a lot of female officers and parole parole officers. Some are great, some are not. Same with the men I work with. I believe that most females are better at calming an irate offender. Many of our divisions negotiators are female, and if I were ever taken hostage, I know several that I would pray that they are the one doing the job to get me out of a bad situation.

Response by SPC Vinnie Trujillo made Nov 15 at 2014 12:36 PM

SPC Vinnie Trujillo — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 12:36:17 -0500

Because they think in archaic parameters of genders having their "place". Its your life....your choice. Do not be deterred, in post Miltary life...you are on your own and must manage your life/career choices accordingly. Good Luck!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 15 at 2014 10:25 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 22:25:31 -0500

SSG Valtierra, Soldier up! Do not bother disputing their theory, just prove them wrong.

The elected Sheriff of Orange County, California, Sandra Hutchens oversees 1460 sworn deputies and a similar number of non-sworn personnel. She came to Orange County after a successful career with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Dept.

There is a career awaiting dedicated women who enter America's law enforcement community. STUDY, WORK HARD and STRIVE!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2014 1:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 01:50:39 -0500

Tell them to go suck an egg.

Response by AN Wade Noble made Nov 18 at 2014 10:50 AM

AN Wade Noble — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 10:50:56 -0500

Because stupidity knows no bounds. There are still jack@$$es out there who think you should still be barefoot, pregnant, & in the kitchen. Only you can help change their minds by providing them wrong. Thumb your nose at them and carry on being strong.

Or you could tell them you have more balls than they ever had or will ever have in their entire life. ;^)

Response by SGT Richard H. made Nov 21 at 2014 1:05 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:05:20 -0500

Not long after we got married my wife was going through the application process to be a cop...she blew through the written & physical testing and was awaiting the interview process. I was all for it, but her Mother & sisters flipped when they found out....basically the same "man's job" attitude. I pushed her to ignore it, but in the end, she dropped it because of them. She still has regrets. Don't have regrets. Go for it.

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Nov 22 at 2014 2:18 PM

1SG Mike Case — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 14:18:14 -0500

Haters are going to hate, no matter what. Whether it is the archaic mentality of women are meant to stay at home or he is just a f%^&%#$ idiot, who thinks he is cool. His opinion and .50 cents won't buy a coke. Don't pay them any mind. What they want is to see you get frustrated and all upset about it. Don't give 2/5 of a shit about what negative things that are said.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2014 2:32 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 14:32:05 -0500

They are afraid you will do it better than they could if they were so lucky to get it.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 22 at 2014 3:09 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 15:09:26 -0500

That is unfortunate. Remember the saying, "You can't fix stupid" and cal it a day! Keep kicking a$$!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 7:44 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 07:44:14 -0500

Just remember this image and truck on sister!

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Feb 23 at 2015 7:46 AM

SPC James Mcneil — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 07:46:14 -0500

Just remember that they hate you because they ain't you.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 23 at 2015 8:26 AM

SFC Collin McMillion — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 08:26:31 -0500

I think there are 2 reasons. First, they are jealous because they can't do your job, and second, they are jealous because you CAN do their job. You know........damned if you do, dammed if you don't. If you like your job and can do it well, to hell with others.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 9:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 09:19:10 -0500

Just shin kick them and move out lol - the more people disapprove of a job/action that is honorable in nature would just make me want to do it more.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Feb 23 at 2015 12:25 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 12:25:48 -0500

SSG Angela Valtierra.....If you're doing good somebody will be negative, and if you're doing bad somebody have a negative comment. So, dismiss any negative comments and questions, you continue to keep moving forward in order to make progress. Take a look at history where women was in the past, versus how far women gotten into the 21st Century.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Feb 23 at 2015 1:02 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:02:01 -0500

Because you're a threat to male egos everywhere. They are really fragile, but don't tell them I told you. ;)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 1:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:53:40 -0500

I really haven't see this too much. I would have to admit that in this day and age it is something that we shouldn't really deal with. But it works both ways. I was a stay at home dad for about 18 months between a career transition. You could imagine how it was when my wife would get a invite to a little girls birthday party and a guy shows up with a little girl. I was often the only guy there at times. It was funny at times. I was asked a few times to join some for a play date for the kids. I didn't take them up on it. I was asked a few times if I minded being a stay at home dad while my wife worked. I loved it. I would do it again if I could. I never had another guy question my choice when they found out my background. But you know they hate us cuz they ain't us.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made Feb 23 at 2015 3:08 PM

SFC Douglas Duckett — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 15:08:51 -0500

SSG Angela Valtierra, your question does not provide enough information to accurately pin-point a response. However, I will try to generalize this in order to make my point.

Our society has seen tremendous change in how occupations and gender are mixed. No longer are nurses almost always female, policeperson and fireperson abound, and there are even female gynecologist. However, there are some roles that still remain gender specific, particularly in the military (Infantry, artillery, special forces, etc). There are reasons for this that I will not get into (not enough time), but let it be said that in society (military or civilian) not every job is gender neutral.

If you are pursuing a career that is dominated by males and you meet the physical, mental, and emotional requirements (and it does not affect readiness in other ways), then step forth and lead the way. Put the nay-sayers in their place. As women become more prevalent in this career field you have chosen, things will change and attitudes and stereotypes will adjust.

Man-Up!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 4:00 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:00:49 -0500

Just tell them you understand their concern and you see what they are saying. But apparently the people who know more then them say you are better than most candidates.

Response by MAJ Monique Salinas made Feb 23 at 2015 4:28 PM

MAJ Monique Salinas — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:28:18 -0500

Unfortunately, you'll always get people wishing for you to fail and upset that you have the potential to shine over them. Those are people that want something given, not earned, to them. They feel that they are entitled to it simply because they did the time in school or the business but never applied themselves to their fullest potential. No one will see an employee as an asset if they only do the minimum to safekeep their job and collect a paycheck. Thus, they will never look beyond themselves to want to make a positive difference in the world.

It's as if you are walking along a path of most resistance (narrow and uneven)...throughout the way, you hear all kinds of distractions to deter you from moving forward. It's never easy to have ambition and focus.

Stay strong. Surround yourself with people who are most like you (not necessarily the same path), but the ones that have their own path and objectives to accomplish and do it with the same determination as you.

I know exactly what you are going through. I'm proud to say you are in Texas and starting to make the difference here. Thank you!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 9:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 21:24:43 -0500

SSG Angela Valtierra Care to describe the scenario, such as what type of job you are going into, what you are doing currently, description of the people, etc?

Response by SSG Angela Valtierra made Feb 23 at 2015 9:24 PM

SSG Angela Valtierra — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 21:24:54 -0500

Ok yall I started a group to help inmates n families with parole in texas. Everything done pro bono. It's up to 80 members now I also have been on a radio show helping inmates wrongfully convicted the show is put of Houston. I have people asking me daily to help them I'm in school full time and I'm only one person. I wish I could find people who wanted to help others like myself. I've lost my family n friends all because of my career choice and goals.

Response by MSG Charles Perkins made Feb 23 at 2015 9:33 PM

MSG Charles Perkins — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 21:33:50 -0500

I would tell you that when I started as a 35 (was a 96B in my time) that it was 50% female-male. That major difference initially was no 35F at combat arms brigades and below. That changed in the 90's where females could get assigned to combat brigades. I still think females are not allowed at combat arms battalions but that could be changing.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 11:10 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 23:10:34 -0500

They are peanut butter and jealous!!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 12:21 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 00:21:03 -0500

Because they are afraid of you or stupid; possibly both.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 12:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 00:53:19 -0500

I would say that they are out of touch and uninformed.

If they do not pay your bills then why do you need approval. Honestly, why would you need anyone's approval. It is your life and you do what brings you the most satisfaction.

Enjoy Life Your Way and make your own choices. ALWAYS!

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Feb 24 at 2015 1:07 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 01:07:03 -0500

To answer your question, SSG Angela Valtierra, you pick one that fits the person:

Because they are...
a. Jealous because you thought of doing it before they did
b. Jealous because you have the courage to do it, and they don't
c. Jealous because you're doing better/more than they are
d. Afraid that you'll succeed where they can't/won't.
e. QUITTERS!

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Feb 24 at 2015 10:59 AM

Sgt Jay Jones — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 10:59:19 -0500

SSG Angela Valtierra, I noticed that you said "people" and not just men. The reason is because you are doing something they do not have the intestinal fortitude to attempt to do.

Just do you!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 11:14 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 11:14:19 -0500

It does seem to be a bit of a double edged sword, Some people are just raised that women should only do certain jobs and some people just don't like the fact that you can do a job that WAS always held by men. But the answer should be that I can do that job just as well as any man can! You do what you believe you can do.

Know, as for the people that are raised to think that way, you really can't hold too much against them as they have to learn new things, and it could very well have been their mothers that raised them that way. My mother always taught e to hold doors for women, don't let them woman pay the bill, treat her like a princess, take-up the hard work for her. So it does make it hard for me at times to accept a woman on the front lines in the line of fire just like the boys, but that is my thing to overcome.
The others are just hating that you are taking a job they think they should have gotten.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 12:43 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:43:53 -0500

It won't be like that forever, times are changing.

Response by MSgt Joanna Clute made Feb 24 at 2015 1:28 PM

MSgt Joanna Clute — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:28:50 -0500

Awww! They're scared of you! March on, lady. Ignore the haters!

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Feb 24 at 2015 4:32 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:32:55 -0500

I think that it is great that you are going to be a Parole Officer and that you also want to be an attorney. It shows that you have drive, commitment and a desire and goals to make a difference in life. In today's world, it does not matter if you are a man or a woman. All that matters is that you want to make a difference and work within the system. I can tell you that I had one of the first NH female State Troopers assigned to me and she was a damn good cop. She did the job just as well, if not better, as her male counterparts. I know a lot of females that work in Law Enforcement and who are attorneys and they all deserve and earned a great deal of respect from their profession. All I can say is go for it! If this is what you want to do in civilian life, don't let anything or anyone get in your way. Life is too short to second guess yourself and we only have one shot at doing what we really want to do. I can tell you that it is a great and respectable occupation. Good luck in all your endeavors. SF!

Response by Sgt James Morse made Feb 25 at 2015 11:03 AM

Sgt James Morse — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:03:51 -0500

One of my best friends is a woman who started out as a parole officer in San Diego, and is now in a management position overseeing other PO's. My second wife went from being a corrections officer, to being a firefighter...

When I was working as a firefighter, there were still quite a few men-- mostly old-school types that started in the 70's, or thereabouts-- who thought that it was a bad idea to allow women into the firehouse. To their credit, I think that the actual concern was that admitting women into the department would lower the standard that needed to be met in order to get hired. That was-- and is-- a legitimate concern, and I believe that it is the prime motivator of people inside the service (I rarely saw anyone, male or female, discriminate against a woman who had proven herself in the field).

The fact is, that if you can do the work as well as, or better than, anyone else, there's no reason that you shouldn't be able to do the job. This goes primarily to civilian work; combat-arms occupations in the military are a completely different debate, because it crosses over into considerations not applicable to civilian jobs. But I fully support anyone filling a civilian position so long as they are able to meet the standards, and that the standards were not dropped to accommodate an applicant or specific demographic.

But the short answer to your direct question, is: some people are assholes.

Response by SSgt June Worden made Mar 21 at 2015 8:25 AM

SSgt June Worden — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 08:25:04 -0400

Having heard the same thing for years, I believe some of the naysayers may have applied for the same job, yet for whatever reason, didn't get hired.

Follow your heart and pursue your dreams!!! You got this girl!