Monday, December 10, 2012

The Good Ole Boys Club

In the agricultural community there is a big age gap. Which shouldn't be that big of a surprise given just how old the industry is. Since, there is this age gap there also tends to be a gender gap as well. This also should not come as a surprise to anyone. I have been involved with this industry my entire life and I have seen it all time and time again. Over time I have also realized that the only way it will change is as the older generation moves on and more and more young ones come in, especially women.

So what all that rambling is about is that basically because I am not a member of the good ole boys club I didn't get the promotion that I wanted. I looked right at my boss and told him that it sucked. Basically they want me to take over Dawn's (the boss who is leaving) responsibilities but give the title to C (another grain buyer who also happens to be the General Manager's pet). So needless to say I was beyond ticked on Friday and had a meltdown when I got home. Matt being Matt though just looked me square in the eye and said it will be fine. You have the support of a lot of the customers, Dawn will push her customers towards you and basically show them that you don't give a damn about a title. These are reasons why I love him! Office politics suck basically!

So I had all weekend to think about it and he was right. My #1 priority is the customer and retaining customers and that is what I will do. I will also keep repeating to myself that everyone retires eventually and things will change. They did say that I will be getting a company cell phone and a laptop so that I can be available and any time I work will just mean more time off with her.

Most importantly though, I have a little girl arriving in a few weeks and my life will change forever and for that I am eternally grateful.

9 comments:

  1. I am sorry Megan. Myself being in the Oil & Gas Industry, I completely understand the ole boys club. Listen to your husband though, he sounds like a smart man. Oh and it is there loss!

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  2. Oh, Megan I'm sorry about the disappointment at work! I think your reaction was totally warranted (I would have lost it too!) but I'm so glad Matt could open a window for you! What a guy. Amazing that you can say A FEW WEEKS! XO

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  3. Good Ole' boys. Dumb. Sounds like reporting directly to that man would make your life miserable! Once you look that little lady in the face you won't even give it a second thought. Your customers will stay with you and you will gain the trust of more. And if your boss wants to keep with that backwards way of thinking he's going to be left behind while the rest of us realize that gender doesn't define what we are capable of. Your daughter will know that having such a strong momma like you! She's a lucky little girl!

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  4. Hate to tell you but the cell phone and the laptop are just ways to keep you more engaged and working more hours...checking my email is the first and last thing I do every single day :) But there are trade-offs and I love the flexibility I have by not having to be in a office everyday. Good luck adjusting to the new boss! I work for amazing women and am so grateful!

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  7. (Ok...this should finally post under the right Google account.) :) I am sorry about you not getting the promotion. That stinks! :( On the bright side, you will forget all about that in a few weeks and just concentrate on your new baby girl! I am so excited for you! :)

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  8. Stupid Good Ole Boys Club! When I was growing up football was everything to this town, being a female basketball player, I grew sick of it very quickly...will there ever be a Good Ole Girls Club?? We should start one haha :)

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