Women Drivers

Cezanne · 08-16-2007, 11:14 PM

Please remember that this RACE is a marathon. Just how many women drivers make it to the finish line (full retirement).

toonertoo · 08-17-2007, 07:20 PM

There are many good thoughts brought up on this thread.
Dont we all wonder what others think of us from time to time?
Lobofan I love that line...........
Cezanne it would be really interesting to know that answer.
Cachsux, thats exactly how we should feel.
It seems tho, that some people think that the women have to be shown to be better, to be counted as good.
I think thats a myth, at least where I have been. In this job, you cant be that much better than another, and if you are you will burn out, or fall down sooner. Which is where diesel96, is totally right. Steady pace, will maybe get you through to the end.
I thank God I was lucky enough to get a chance to make money better than the average woman. But it does come with a price as it does to the males, also.

Ill never have nice nails. I cant wear makeup to work, thankfully I dont need it

I dont get to wear fine jewels to work, which isnt a problem I dont have any

And one advantage is I never have to wonder what I will wear to work the next day........
I do wonder how Im viewed. There will always be a part of me that wishes I were a fly on the wall at times, but basically I think I do Ok or I would be gone.
Everyonceinawhile, I view the reports, and there is someone worse, usually, and always someone better.

I came to work here for the money and the best quote I ever heard was from the manager I had when I went to the new center. You are here to make money, not friends, Screw them if they dont like you. And after that it all seemed to piece together nicely. It was good advice.

upslady20 · 08-17-2007, 08:28 PM

This might seem strange but I have found people were surprised a lot of times when I refer to my husband.. It's like yes I do have short hair (its very hot and humid in florida) and I do what some seem to think is a man's job but no I am not lesbian. I don't know if others have experienced this. But it has happened to me more than once. Anyone else ever have that problem. And no I have no problem with gay people I just find it odd what people assume.

toonertoo · 08-17-2007, 09:04 PM

Yes I think its a common misconception.
Although my hair is long, because I refuse to change it, but have been leaning that way.............
Its just the women in a mens job thing, they think you want to be masculine, they may think you are a dyke, no offense.
It didnt help that I had been single 22 yrs, and not a boyfriend in sight.......
Its just a common thought. And looking back, Ive seen more than a few who were, mgmt, and hourly. They fit the profile... and IMHO, and thats all, I think UPS likes that, especially in mgmt, not to say the fine people on here who are mgmt, are, but, by and large you would have no offspring, or significant other to demand your time, you belong to UPS. You would have no Strings to keep you from moving, no family to consider, no kids to uproot, tell you to move from Omaha to Atlanta, in a heartbeat you are gone. But now that they are supposedly paying for benefits for civil unions, maybe a pronounced celibate would be best?

helenofcalifornia · 08-17-2007, 09:22 PM

I kinda thought the ratio of straight women to gay women was about 1:2. At least in the centers I have worked in. I have no issue with this, it is a tough job and I don't see many "girly girls" as drivers. At least not many that last longer than 10 years. Sometimes I wish I had more testerone and muscles like you guys. LOL, Tooner, about the comment about nails. The only time I have any nails of any kind is on vacation. And the first day back at work, they are gone.

over9five · 08-18-2007, 05:12 AM

"I cant wear makeup to work, thankfully I dont need it "

No you don't! You look great. (I've seen the video!)

kasaroo · 08-18-2007, 06:32 AM

Been driving in Texas for 25+ years. Am 51 years old. Have done shopping malls to extended country routes. Have never been treated with anything but respect because I do the job, do it well, do it all. As long as you don't ask for special treatment---ie. "I can't deliver that 150 pounder!"...."I can't handle that pick up, it's too many heavy boxes"---everyone treats me like any other driver. We have about 20 women out of 275. I have NEVER felt discriminated against. Many come to me for help if they feel they are being shafted by mgt or having trouble with customers. I know the contract and will get in mgt's face for how they are being treated. Respect is earned, not given. As far as the "marathon" to retirement: NO MATTER WHAT, I WILL MAKE IT TO FULL RETIREMENT! I AM STUBBORN---EVEN IF IT KILLS ME!!

upslady20 · 08-18-2007, 01:29 PM

Are you still in package cars??? If so what kind of route?? I am 48 with 21 years in and wonder at times if I will make it... Or at least make it without being harrassed by management over my times.. I do my best every day and that is never good enough anymore.

08-18-2007, 04:01 PM

I know what you mean upslady. I was a driver for 6 years and I had the same problem. I too, have short hair and people would assume I was gay. I am not really the girly girl type and I am married with several kids and it would blow my mind when people would get a confused look when I mentioned it. It seemed as though it was mostly the snotty receptionists behind their desks that would act as if I was beneath them because I did hard labor. Overall, I feel I was well respected by everyone I worked around and never had any issues that I am aware of from any of the guy drivers. I've since moved into management and I have been well respected, outside of one ignorant ex-co-worker who claimed I would get promoted quickly only because I was a woman and not due to my hard work or ability to perform the job. You will always have people trying to put you down in one way, shape or form but gotta learn to overlook the stupidity and move on.

kasaroo · 08-18-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upslady20

Are you still in package cars??? If so what kind of route?? I am 48 with 21 years in and wonder at times if I will make it... Or at least make it without being harrassed by management over my times.. I do my best every day and that is never good enough anymore.

Still in package cars! Have been in the same neighborhood for 20 years----mostly resi in an upcsale area. Have a bricked P-7----they love to order! Average 1 1/2 hours over after EDD came to town. Used to run an hour under pre-EDD. I tell them I do my best---that's all they need to hear. They ride with me-no problem. I am safe, uninjured and accident free. They leave me alone. Look---I cannot COUNT the # of Sups I have gone thru----they come and go, you will still be there!

upslady20 · 08-18-2007, 08:10 PM

I am glad to hear that they leave you alone.. My CM just loves to stick pins in you and see you squirm.. He makes life miserable.. I give it my all everyday and need to quit looking at the report since that just makes me feel inferior. Oh well one can only keep doing everything the right way and not take short cuts and hope you make it to the end.

toonertoo · 08-19-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upslady20

I am glad to hear that they leave you alone.. My CM just loves to stick pins in you and see you squirm.. He makes life miserable.. I give it my all everyday and need to quit looking at the report since that just makes me feel inferior. Oh well one can only keep doing everything the right way and not take short cuts and hope you make it to the end.

Is that your horse in the avatar? I had an Arabian mare, which it reminds me of. Is it an Arabian?
Some wise person, or a bunch of them on here told me to quit looking at the reports. I have. If cm looks crotchety in the am, I steer clear. Ive had a ride, and they cant tell me how to go faster. The guys who run it run a buck over also. Time study not possible at this time. I cant deal with the stres of getting yelled at anymore. So I just do my best, and reply, ride with me.

Or I get out my bag of salt, and tell my sups, your car looks like crap/runs like crap, do you want me to take it home for you over the weekend, and wash it/change your spark plugs, etc. One has a sweet corvette, and it sounds and starts like a 4 cyl Pinto, such a shame. That usually also shuts them up......as now they are on the defense about something they dont have a clue how to fix either.

upslady20 · 08-19-2007, 08:53 AM

Yes that is a picture of my Arabian AJ he is a 7 year old gelding just full of himself. And that is another thing that makes my CM mad he told me it is irresponsible of me to ride horses since I could get hurt.. I told him I could get hurt doing anything and it might as well be doing something I enjoyed.. Of course I did break my shoulder a few months after that and have hit the ground many times since. I am dong endurance riding with him and green rider and green horse means black and blue at times. Since you are familar with arabians you know they are very cat like.. Very agile unlike quarter horses or other breeds. I also have a mare Abby but she is more of a lawn ornament since it is very hard to find time to ride two horses.

Ms Spoken · 08-19-2007, 09:28 AM

Why is it that my CM feels the need to watch my every move when I hook up to a TP60? The only time I pull one is when UPS cuts my route. Every time he wants to know if I need help. (NO) and then watches every step I make. After I'm done he then comes up and says good job and every time I tell him that this is nothing compared to our 32ft camper that I pull and set up. Light bulb moment !!! this trailer will follow you no matter where you pull it. Just let me do my JOB!

Sorry had to vent

Lobofan5 · 08-19-2007, 07:37 PM

I have to say the "dyke" assumption gets a little old.. I've been married for 16 years and have two great kids..but since I don't wear my ring to work ( ive lost several diamonds by banging it on things) I get the "oh so you aren't a dyke look" whenever I mention my husband or family...

I learned a while back though that "its none of my business what other people think about me"

RockyRogue · 08-20-2007, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kasaroo

I tell them I do my best---that's all they need to hear. They ride with me-no problem. I am safe, uninjured and accident free. They leave me alone. Look---I cannot COUNT the # of Sups I have gone thru----they come and go, you will still be there!

GO SLOW!!!!!! I was on on-road in Denver during our first AND second blizzards at Christmas '06. The day after Christmas, I told my driver, "I have to pay you a compliment on your driving." He looked at me sideways. I told him, "I just wanted you to know I've never felt safer in a moving vehicle in the snow than I did the other day." Already a very humble man, he was at a loss for words. We talked a little about his "normal" pace even before that and he told me he'd never had an at-fault accident. His boss would get him on him for not moving a little faster and all he said was, "Hey, I get the job done with no accidents OR injuries." He's been a f/t driver for 12 or 13 years, I think. He'll make Circle of Honor if he lasts that long!!! I might do the helper thing again this year and if I do, it'll be with that driver OR the guy right next to him. I was thoroughly impressed with both men's professionalism. UPS drivers are INCREDIBLE people!!! -Rocky

diesel96 · 08-20-2007, 10:21 AM

[quote=upslady]
And that is another thing that makes my CM mad he told me it is irresponsible of me to ride horses since I could get hurt.. I told him I could get hurt doing anything and it might as well be doing something I enjoyed.

Don't even let your CM go there. Whats next, UPS tells it's proud military reserve personal and Olyimpic or Amatuered sponsored personal that your extra cirricular activities are too dangeruos and irresponsible? We once had a driver turned on-road supervisor that moonlighted as a local pro werstler. I did have a CM tell me I was irresponsible on my motorcycle,but I guessed I deserved it buy defacing HIS parking lot with a lenghty burnout strip.You should ride that horse to work one day in protest.Maybe offer to run a few airs with AJ like the ole pony express.

ulcards · 08-20-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upslady20

Being a female UPS driver I am interested in finding out how many other women are on this forum.
Curious to how long you have been driving what type of route. How are you treated by your coworkers. How many women drivers in your building.
Just curious what it is like for other women drivers across the U.S.

I've been a driver for 20 years (12years pkg car/8years feeders). I love feeders. I would never want to do pkg cars again. I have a city route (5to6 stops) daily. I'm treated well by my coworkers. The only problem I see at my hub is insiders keeping their senority when they switch jobs. The outsiders hate that. Oh well!!!!

browned_out · 08-20-2007, 11:12 AM

In my 18 yrs with the company, I have had the pleasure of working with alot of really great women drivers. Keep up the good work ladies!!!! Hopefully will all retire with healthy minds & bodies.

Joopster · 08-20-2007, 11:51 AM

no offense to any women here, but most that i have seen at my center are manly women.

helenofcalifornia · 08-20-2007, 01:34 PM

ALL drivers should never look at the WOR for the previous day. I just look at the first column for hours paid to confirm that. Otherwise, if I look at SPH and my over/under, I am always comparing myself to other drivers and end up feeling bad because I am 30 years older than some of the other drivers and the spring in my step is long gone.