Success comes with its challenges
“The biggest challenge though has been being the first and only female most companies had employed in a field position and dealing with the old-school attitudes, bullying and harassment that sometimes comes with it,” Pip confesses.
While the super girl still has to deal with this from time to time, Pip feels that there is now plenty of support for women getting into field services, with various support groups and people in general willing to help and guide females through their tough moments!
“The more of us there are, the more we are becoming accepted into the Trades community.”
Pip's proudest moment
“Both were huge goals I’d set myself several years before,” says Pip. Not long after, Pip became a board member of Women in Trades NZ and also the chair of the Tradeswomen sub-committee, which was a dream come true.
“This allowed me to become a source of information and support for other women that I wished I’d had when starting out.”
A job you fall in love with every day!
“The thing I love about being a Tradie is the variety,” says Pip. “Different jobs in different parts of the country, doing something a little different every time and having the challenge of constantly adapting and evolving what we do.”
“Getting to drive different trucks and transporters, learning to operate different machinery and drilling methods. Doing something practical that I can drive past years down the track and say “I drilled under there” or “my anchors are holding that rock face/bridge/road etc. up” gives me a sense of pride in what I do.”
Other passions
Besides working and her various industry involvements, Pip enjoys reading, collecting and wearing colorful makeup, growing cacti and succulents, and training for powerlifting competitions which she competes in several times a year.
Disclaimer: Please note that this story is about Pip’s journey as a Female Field Service Supplier and her comments are only experiences and opinions and do not reflect the standing or opinions of any companies or federations she is or have been affiliated with.
About Tradie Life
Tradie Life is a growing community group run by i4Tradies. It’s a place for you to talk about whatever’s important to you as a tradie. Be it your personal life challenges, questions on how to improve your business, your journey so far, volunteer work, being a female tradie, work-life balance, what you like to do when you are not working. Pretty much anything that matters to you and you want an answer to it from veteran tradies who have walked in your shoes.
Hot off the press!
With our cutting-edge technology and in-depth knowledge of how the Field Service Management sector operates, the i4TGlobal Team loves to share industry insights to help streamline your business processes and generate new leads. We are driven by innovation and are passionate about delivering solutions that are transparent, compliant, efficient and safe for all stakeholders and across all touch points.
