While the money is good for a lineman, the work is hard, they miss out on family functions and holidays, and their families sacrifice right along with them. We at J.L. Matthews want to honor the entire home-based crew behind the lineman - wives, girlfriends, parents, children... anyone who loves a lineman.
Tell us your story and we may contact you to feature it on our website and social media channels!
Line Woman's Name:
Kaylin Lloyd
A Little About Kaylin~
We met Kaylin while visiting some schools we partner with in Mississippi. When asked to do this excerpt, she was ecstatic to be able to represent the women in the industry- especially since she is only the 2nd female to go through the class in MDCC.
A Word From Kaylin~
"My name is Kaylin Lloyd and I am 23 years old. I currently attend Mississippi Delta Community College Lineman School in Moorhead, Ms. I am currently not married with any children but I am in a relationship with all the love and support I could ever ask for. I also have a huge family that has supported me with the decision of becoming a linewoman. I feel that having an extensive amount of support is very helpful in this profession because it can be very hard and challenging for a female. I love to work and I look forward to this journey once I graduate school.
I was originally applying for Air Force Officer Training School before I decided to attend lineman school. My cousin that is 3 years younger than I am is a lineman for a Co-Op in Belzoni, Ms where I grew up. He is very close to me and is more of my brother than my cousin. He really inspired me to join the line industry and helped me learn the basics, gave me advice, and insured me that I would be the absolute best. I put it upon myself to work really hard to make sure that I succeed in this industry to make him proud of my future accomplishments. I also wanted to work in this industry to reassure women that if there is a job you want to be a part of don't let anyone tell you "no, you're a female" or "this is a man's job". I want any and every female, young or older, that wants to pursue this type of profession that you 100% absolutely can.
I have 3 or 4 cousins that I know of that serve as lineman. I went to Mississippi Delta and played softball after high school. I met a bunch of my very close friends from the MDCC Lineman Program. I know a good many people that work in this line of work and everyone of them loves what they do.
I believe the biggest challenge I've overcome so far being a lady lineman is having to listen to people say that I will never make it in this profession or that it is a male dominant job. Hearing those things can make it hard mentally before stepping into the line industry. Negativity was hard on me at first but I know how hard I work and how successful I will be in the many years to come. I believe wholeheartedly many people don't know what women are actually capable of and how hard/sufficient that we can work. My most recent boss is a huge role model for me in that aspect. She is a landscaper and works harder than anyone I have ever met. The people that have supported me from the beginning of my decision have helped me an enormous amount to help me succeed and remain positive.
My favorite part about the industry is getting to be outside and being hands on all day when you are working. We just began school in January, so the climbing aspect is coming along and I enjoy learning about climbing the poles every day. I'm really looking forward to finding a job with a contractor company and traveling. I have always wanted to travel and see new places. This will allow me to check that off of my bucket list and enjoy my career.
The only thing I hope to change is for more females to take on this career all over the world. My education process, so far, has been very helpful and our instructors are very educated and well experienced. Mississippi Delta is very lucky to have them help us and the future linemen/linewomen that come through their program. I am the second female that has come through the program. They have welcomed both of us with open arms and treated us no differently than the linemen.
My life is changing for the better each day I learn more about this industry. It is teaching me to push myself past comfortable limits that I have settled for in the past. I know once I begin my first job, it will be a hard transition from the work lifestyle I am used to. I know it will challenge me once I start a family one day but I know this career will support my future family and that is all I could ever hope for the future.
The most important advice I could give not only women but men as well, is to follow your dreams. If you want to pursue this career by all means, do it. The only thing that is stopping you, is your own self. I listened to a very wise man tell my classmates and I that without our line of work, the world would not function properly. We are essential and very important to society. I want every man and woman to know that if you consider this type of career, I highly recommend it. Never let anyone tell you, you can't do something because of who you are. You can and you will.
Lastly, I would like to say thank you J.L. Matthews for giving me this opportunity to give people some advice and hope I encouraged men and women to join this work force. I look forward to doing future business with ya'll for all my equipment needs. I want to say thank you to MDCC and the instructors that make this opportunity even possible for me to achieve and succeed in it. Thank you to all of my family, friends, classmates, co-workers, Tri and Fallon for believing in me and pushing me to be the best linewoman/person I can be. I wouldn't be here without any of you. I look forward to being a role model for other women/men and keeping your lights on. "
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Thank you again for participating in our Life on the Line feature. For all those reading, if you or someone you know is a lineman/ woman and you want to tell us a little bit about what your life is like working in the industry- click the link below!
Tell us your story and we may contact you to feature it on our website and social media channels!