[cercis]

I don't believe this study. Call me a bitter woman if you want. Whatever.

I know from personal experience that I am offered less than a man with similary experience. I am offered a lower starting salary than he is. If I negotiate for a higher salary, I may or may not even get what he was offered as a starting point.

I also could not be a "timber cutter" as I was not hired when I applied. I had the qualifications, but I was not hired. I was more qualified than the man they hired. Makes you wonder.

So, I figured, screw money. Do what makes you happy. There again, I was passed over for a less qualified man. My experience (in 3 different fields with 6 different employers) was that I am viewed as less because I am a woman. I am offered less money to start, if I am offered the job at all. When it comes to promotions, it doesn't matter that my job output has significantly been consistently impressive, I am passed over for the man who does jack.

Maybe it's a personality thing? I don't know. It's danged hard not to think it's a gender thing. Right now I'm at a job I enjoy with employers I love. It's enough. For now. I've spoken with my employer at different times about different experiences I've had and they are flabbergasted (I don't bring it up, it'll be a "share experiences" type conversation). So, I lean towards thinking it isn't a personality thing.

Currently, my Dh works for the state. He makes more than a woman who does his job in another area. She has more experience overall and more seniority with the state. This is the state, so supposedly there are guidelies in place for pay, yet, she makes quite a bit less (several thousand/year). He was offered more to start that she makes. Tell me that's not a gender thing.