Being a mother as a blue collar employee
Choices
As I reflect on my career as a scientist in the blue-collar industry in the United States—specifically the Midwest—I think about the choices I’ve had to make in order to build a successful career as a woman.
When I was young, I was taught a kind of chain of command, if you will. The order went: God, your spouse, your children, your close family, your close friends, your animals—and the list goes on.
Fast forward to today, looking back at my career alongside my family dynamic. This part will probably make you cringe, so hold on tight. Let’s explore the story I don’t often like to talk about: the choices I’ve had to make.
In 2017, I re-interviewed for a position with a man named Trevor Tallent. Trevor has been my lighthouse—my Thor—until we found a secondary Thor: our husky. I digress.
When I met Trevor, I was on the verge of my first divorce and in need of a new job. My first husband at the time—who was talking to his now wife while I was in Florida working and he was a stay-at-home dad—decided he wanted to move back to his hometown. So I quit my job, packed up in the middle of the night, and went back to my parents’ house, where they welcomed us with open arms.
Fast forward: that marriage didn’t end well. To put it bluntly, my oldest daughter now lives with her father and her stepmother. I send them all my best.
Trevor Tallent, in 2017, interviewed Bridget Lawrence, who was mistakenly assumed by HR to be someone they had already interviewed—Bridget Fay. Fast forward through that act of God, and Mr. Tallent and I became a powerhouse. Trevor Tallent was married to his first wife at the time, to whom I also send my best.
Double-speed through a couple of years of hard work, tears, grit, and opportunity: Trevor Tallent proposed to me on top of Cincinnati, Ohio, and I joyfully said yes. Even though he’s really bad at surprises and I could see the ring box poking out of his shorts—but who’s splitting hairs? I digress. It was perfect. He tried so hard and had scoured for the perfect rock. It was everything and more than I had ever dreamed of.
Fast forward through some hard times and some very difficult decisions. Trevor and I decided to sell our suburban home and live out of a school bus that we renovated using upcycled materials, with the purpose of teaching our kids good stewardship. And off we went. Just like the Magic School Bus I watched on PBS as a kid—I was Miss Frizzle. I was unstoppable.
Trevor and I purchased land in Elko, Nevada, where we were looking for work. Times got harder. Trevor and I fought. We butted heads. We’re both alphas—and you know what they say about alphas. It’s genuinely a software issue in its infancy. I digress.
I tell you all of this because while all of these storms were happening, there were two souls along for the ride: our perfect Julia Louise—Little Miss Lulu—and the most handsome, kind little boy you’ve ever put your fingers on, Theodore David. Julia, just like her dad. Teddy, just like his mom. They conquered the world alongside Trevor and I.
We started in the school bus and headed west. Go west, young man—haven’t you been told California is full of whiskey, women, and gold, sneaking out all night beneath the dead stars…
And that’s exactly what we did. Like a cheesy country song, we traveled until we figured out where home was.
I tell you all of this because, as a woman in industry—specifically as a scientist in the blue-collar mining industry in the United States—you need to understand a few things. You’re going to be faced with choices. And remember this: nobody has any idea what you’re choosing between. Sometimes the choices are between what’s worse and what won’t kill you—and I mean that literally.
So chin up. Elbows out. Nevertheless, she persisted.
Be good, or be good at it.!!
Godspeed.!!
