My Story - Part 2 of 3
When I graduated high school in 1970, the term ‘workplace age discrimination’ was not part of anyone’s vocabulary. It is worth noting that later that year, the Women’s Strike for Equality took place. It marked the 50th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a historic milestone that granted women the right to vote. This monumental event birthed the Women’s Liberation movement. But let’s not get sidetracked. Soon, we’ll dive into an intriguing discussion on the history of women’s liberation movements and their profound impact. Stay tuned!
In 1970 I entered the workplace, but women’s vocational aspirations were limited. Choices seemed to be either beauty, secretarial, or clerical roles. Despite that, I found a unique opportunity with Ma Bell as a telephone operator. Connecting that first call led to a career spanning nearly four decades.
Being a Long Distance Operator afforded me a nontraditional skill set and I enjoyed the work. Customers were interesting, and I was able to work nights and attend college during the day. All of this was ideal for a young person just starting out.
Ever wondered what life was like for a a telephone operator back in the day? This YouTube video is pretty on point. Enjoy!
Non-traditional Jobs for Women in the 1970s
1972 found me in California, a progressive state that embraced the women’s movement. Companies offered women more nontraditional jobs. I switched to a motorized messenger position, driving a 150-mile circuit every day, delivering and collecting company mail. I loved the freedom and interaction with my peers, while gaining insights into the company.
The following year, Pacific Bell began recruiting women for traditionally male-only jobs. Management asked me and other female messengers to participate in a job shadow at our transportation center. Curious about driving big rigs, I found it intriguing. Sixteen wheels. But that day opened my eyes to how some men viewed the capabilities of women.
Upon meeting the all-male crew, it was evident that the manager and others didn’t want women on board. The condescending attitude was brutal. The manager lacked confidence in my ability to operate a 16-wheeler. Challenge accepted.
Deciding to take the job, I knew I could return to the mailroom within six months if needed. Off to truck driving school I went. Being told I couldn’t do something based on my gender would fuel most of my career decisions in the following decade.
I won’t delve into the details of my challenging treatment during the first two months. Suffice it to say, it was unforgiving and designed to make me quit. Around ten weeks in, I considered returning to the mailroom. However, the team manager came to value my determination and work ethic. I was offered any other job I wanted, if I would stay. I spent the summer unloading railcars with a forklift. Fun work, but it clearly wasn’t the best career move for me. So, I returned to the mailroom.
Let Your Fingers Do The Walking
Once back in the mailroom, I applied for promotions, but seemed stuck. I asked my manager why less experienced men kept getting promoted. Turns out, my previous jobs lacked face-to-face customer contact. They suggested finding a job in that area to excel.
I stopped at the very first job description in the big jobs binder: Advertising Premise Sales Representative – Yellow Pages. To my surprise, they called me for an all-day assessment, no interview. We all role-played, even the decision-makers. Weird, right?
It was 1975, and I was quite the hippy. My office experience was limited to dropping off mail, and I didn’t even own a dress. Oh, and I had never sold anything, not even Girl Scout cookies!
So here’s what I did: I dived completely into character. I read books on sales techniques and bought props like a wig, heels, and a dress. At the end of the day, I thought, “hey, it’s not really me embarrassing myself.”
Well, my strategy worked. I got a job offer the next week. But guess what? The Advertising Sales Rep position was only open to men back then. I should’ve gone further down the alphabet and applied as a Directory Sales Rep, a telemarketing gig.
A few years later, women broke through the glass ceiling to outside Premise Sales Reps and Sales Managers, thanks to class action lawsuits. I was among the few who helped shatter long-standing barriers. We stepped into a man’s world and embraced everything that came with it.
Ever seen Mad Men? If you have, you’d recognize some of the stuff young women like me went through, working with male sales executives. One example is a guy I remember who had a desk drawer full of men’s magazines. He’d casually flip through them during the workday.
Nevertheless, my Yellow Pages family gave me unforgettable friends, unique work experiences, and treasured memories.
Conclusion
This is the second of three articles, providing an overview of my thirty-seven year career with AT&T. In speaking with my peers over the last few months, it seemed a good place to start. Workplace age discrimination did not enter my life until the last year of employment. I had trouble finding the right resources and professionals to discuss options with. That is why this blog was born.
Workplace age discrimination can come for you when you least expect it. When you think you have had a great career. When you think you are valued and respected for what you consistently bring to the table.
While my experience may not mirror yours, I know for certain it mirrors that of many people I have talked with recently. Not just in my industry, but across the board. So let’s keep discussing, and working together to disrupt ageism and age discrimination.
In the meantime, if you have any feedback or questions, please contact us here.
"People will show you who they are, but we ignore it because we want them to be who we want them to be"