I’ve been in automotive since I graduated high school. I love cars and I always have since I was a little kid. I love taking things apart and putting them together and I’ve met some really, really great people through cars. I didn’t know at the time that I was going to make a career out of it, and a good one at that.
I’ve learned how to not only work on vehicles, but also to sell parts, manage shops, market giant manufacturers via YouTube and to write technical articles intended to help others learn. But, it has not come at a cheap price when it comes to the lessons I’ve learned along the way. These are some life skills I’ve earned as a female in a predominately male role.
Thick Skin
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that you must have thick skin. Thick skin is everything. You’re going to hear things that you may not agree with or things that may sound harsh, but that’s the path you’ve chosen to walk. After 12+ years, it takes a LOT to offend me or hurt my feelings. My skin is thick and I can be just as abrasive as my peers, when needed. Luckily, it’s not necessary too terribly often.
Confidence
Confidence. You need to be confident, even if you’re not. 9/10 times, I know what I’m talking about, but there are times that I’m unsure of something. This is almost always resolved by asking tons of questions, if needed. I’ve made it this far by realizing that most things operate fairly similar, which makes it less daunting to find more difficult things. Thick skin + knowledge + confidence go a long way when it comes to earning respect amongst your peers.
Knowledge is Key.
Never, ever stop learning. Technology is always advancing and we are always inching closer and closer to a whole new world with unknown boundaries. I’m always trying to keep up to date on modern automotive technology and programming, as well as making myself as versatile and available as I possibly can within my industry. Always invest in yourself because the payback is almost always worth it.
Always Cover Your Own Ass
I learned very early on that I am and always will be the one that stands out. I’m normally the only female out of 10-15+ people in the shop, which makes me easily identifiable, even if I wasn’t involved with an issue (yes, it happens). I always, always, ALWAYS take a ton of notes, by noting everything about conversations I have with suppliers, co-workers (if needed) and customers. I write down everything to cover my ass. And it has saved me numerous times from write ups and getting in trouble. Always cover your own ass and let others worry about themselves.
Make Them Uncomfortable
Kill them with kindness and bury them with a smile. Oh, this is my absolute favorite. I love when someone is being an asshole to me for some unnecessary reason and I get to be a gigantic bitch by being nice and smiling. It makes my day. It’s important to always be genuine with your kindness and smiles, but it’s just as important to know when to flex that almighty petty muscle and kill them with it.
Stand Down
Not everyone is out to get you. People usually aren’t very smart (seriously, this is almost always the case) and can become confrontational with someone they don’t think should know more than them. It’s usually not their fault, just a little engrained insecurity. It happens a lot and you generally can’t hold it against them – some people honestly just don’t know how things work.
Never Be Afraid to Stand Up for Yourself
If you ever feel like you don’t deserve to be treated or talked to a certain way, you’re probably right. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you need to be less sensitive, more strong and more confident because chances are, you are all of those things. Sometimes, a line needs to be drawn between where enough is enough when it comes to people being ignorant to you. What you do when you get to that line is entirely up to you, but you must know that you should NEVER, EVER, EVER feel bad for doing what’s right for yourself. Don’t ever sell yourself short when you’re capable of the world.
I felt like today was a great day to share this lesson because it’s International Women’s Day! You gals are a bunch of bad bitches that have earned the right to work towards and make whatever you want! The possibilities are endless and the world is entirely yours, baby!
