Life Has Changed For Me
Category: Scattershooting,Ramblings & Life
Via: debra-sams-aka-life-traveler • 11 years ago • 23 comments
Some people here at NewsTalkers already know me, and some don't. For those that already know me, this post is about how my life has changed since you've seen me last. 
Once upon a time, I used to drive a parts truck for a living. I traveled across south Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama delivering helicopter parts to field bases that serve the oil and gas industry. Needless to say, I could probably write a book on all the crazy things that happened to me while I was on the road at night. I had many uneventful nights that were boring as hell. I had other nights where I was wishing it was uneventful. Maybe I'll write about those one day. 
I kept that job for pretty close to five years. For many reasons, which I won't get into here, there came a time when I knew I had to get out of that business, or it was going to kill me. Now, what is a woman in her mid fifties going to do career wise when she has no college education, but plenty of practical experience in a variety of areas?
Ah HA! A material handling position came open at the very company where I delivered parts. Now, keep in mind that when I was driving, I was not actually employed by the helicopter company. I was part of another company that did this contract work for them.
One of the parts persons who worked at a field base told me about the position and told me to go for it. She even put in a good word for me. To make a long story short, I was hired!
My official title is "Field Base Maintenance Coordinator". It's just another fancy title for "parts" person. Still, I started at a salary that was more than what I was making when I was driving. I even received benefits at this job like health insurance, sick days, 401K, and paid uniforms. (If you knew me, you'd know why that made me happy) Eureka!! I struck pay dirt! I was off the road and no longer killing myself to make a living.
At the end of this month, it will make one year that I have been there. I LOVE my job! I work seven 12 hour nights on and then I have seven days off. The nights are not a big deal since I was driving at night anyway. I do have to drive 3 hours to my base location, BUT, they put me up in a two bedroom apartment for the seven days that I am working. I get Per Diem for meals, and I have already gotten a raise. I've learned how to operate a fork lift, and it was nothing for me to learn their computer system. Oh, did I mention our base is on an island? What more can a woman ask for?
This has been a significant change in my life at this age, BUT, it's been extremely good for me. I'm the only woman on the base at night, but that's not a big deal. I'm treated with respect. (They'd better or they won't get their supplies) I get along well with the crew. My duties are varied and I'm not tied down at my desk. Yep, in the work aspect of my life, I'm extremely happy.
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That's great. I hope I can find a job I at least don't mind.
It will never cease to amaze me how folks who wish to work, are willing to work their tails off, succeed in this Country.
I can't count the different jobs I had while I traveled around the Country. From a commercial linen washer to working drilling seismic wells in ND.
That really is a great switch. Lo those many years ago I used to work third shift and I found it to be a killer, have always been an early morning person, ever since I worked construction when I was VERY young (and afterwards). Tough on your circadian clock!
Sounds like a great job, a really great job.
Deb! First of all, it's wonderful to see you again! You were always one of my favorite people at NV!
Second how is your shoulder? I know that the events that followed must have been from that.
Third, I am so happy for you! What an amazing upgrade, and at our age, just even more amazing!
You must fill me in on what has been going on either here on the article or shoot me off an email. We have a whole email system here.
Yea for you!
It's only tough on my circadian clock when I'm at home. When I'm at work, I have more structure. When I'm home for 7 days, I usually do whatever my body tells me to do. (Wait, that sounds strange) LOL
Thank you SO much, Perrie! I have to thank Jerry Verlinger for getting me here. I didn't have a clue, or I couldn't find it before.
I've had a chat with my doctor about the shoulder. We're probably going to have to start from scratch with a new MRI. I have 4 bulging disks in my neck. That is what gets the shoulder going. At least with this job I'm not killing myself. I'll fill you in later. Right now I'm having too much fun exploring here.
Nice to meet ya Debra, and great to hear about your good fortune!
:~)
A wonderful story! I'm so glad that you found a job that pays benefits, as well as keeps you off the road at night! That's got to be less stressful!
Your story reminds me of one of my dear friends on NV, that I loved so much-- Life Travelor. She was just like you-- very dear and special!
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us!
Why, thank YOU! It was my pleasure!
Thank you ever so kindly! I'm VERY happy to be here!
Why thank you! Pleased to meet you too!
Um, dear, sweet, Dowser, you do realize that I AM Life Traveler, don't you?
NO! I did NOT realize that!!!
((((((((((((((((((((LIFE TRAVELER))))))))))))))))))))
Thank heavens! I thought I'd lost you for good!
Oh joy, oh joy, oh joy!!!
XOXOXO!!!
This is the best news that I've heard all day!
Don't mind me, I'm just in tears...
Sounds pretty awesome! It's nice to see some positive stuff around here as well. Breaks up the monotony of liberal this, conservative that, lol.
{{{{{{{{{{Dowser}}}}}}}}}}
I'm sorry, Dear, I thought you knew! LOL I am so happy to be here amongst friends.
Thank you so much. It IS awesome! It is truly wonderful at this stage of life to have a job I truly enjoy.....even on a bad day!!
It's nice to hear positive things rather than the doomers and gloomers oh woe is me tales. I must have done it right in my life retired, SS (not an entitlement I earned it with 40 plus years of working and putting into the system), two small pensions, living in the warm country (Flora-Duh), roof over my head and food on the table. Truth is I'm a happy guy. Glad your happy too..some folks need to lighten up and be thankful for what they got...don't ya think???
Thanks for the comment! The world is so full of doom and gloom lately. I feel so blessed. Part of me wishes I could retire, and the other part of me knows that it is really best for me to keep working right now. I'm just glad I'm out there with a job I truly love! Yep, life is pretty good!
As a (retired) advocate and representative of working folk, it always pleases me to hear when someone feels his/her working conditions are fair.
I could tell you some nightmares experienced by people who were just trying to do their jobs; in summary I'll say, "Attitude Reflects Management."
Well, I think I have worked in some of those environments, which is why I am appreciating what I have right now. It's a really large company, but they do look out for their employees.
LT OH MY LT I can't believe it is YOU. It is! Wow am I glad to see you and I'm so glad to see that you joined us here on NT with our Perrie. It sounds like your life is going in a wonderful direction for you. I'm so happy for you!!
As you can see everything has changed online here. NV will never be the old NV but NT will always be the same friends. I'm just so happy to see you.
Congrats! Soundslike a great gig with a pay increase-not bad. I'd love to see your stories on the bizarro night driving stuff you got to see!