Motherhood is a wonderful journey, bringing a new precious life into this world. But let’s be honest, being a mom is a tough gig. We grow a human for 9 months, wake up at inhumane hours to calm down the seemingly unstopping crying, and continue to care for them as tasks transition from changing diapers and fixing bottles to packing lunch, getting to school on time, and making sure that dance class, piano lessons, and soccer practice never overlap–ALL while maintaining our sanity (or at least, you know, trying). Being a mom is incredibly difficult, but totally worth it to watch your child grow. What’s even better? Having a solid job with steady pay and opportunity for growth that allows you to provide for and support your little superstar in everything they do. Finding that great job is no easy task, but a great step in the right direction is going back to school and getting your degree. There are countless opportunities and directions to choose from when going back to school, so you might be wondering what am I even going to get a degree in? Well, ask and you shall receive!
Reasons why you (yes you, moms!) should look into HVAC
HVAC generally refers to the mechanical systems used in the heating, cooling and ventilation of indoor environments, and HVAC technicians service these systems. This trade involves installing, maintaining and repairing climate-control devices such as air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators and freezer units.
Now I know what you’re thinking… am I, a female, even qualified to work in this kind of field? Well moms, I’m here to tell you why it might be a perfect fit.
The top skills most HVAC employers are looking for are:
- Problem solving and time management
- Natural customer service + sales skills
- Thorough knowledge of systems, methods, & safety
- Willingness to keep learning
This may seem like a lot, but you probably don’t realize how familiar you are with these skills…
Problem solving and time management?
Being a mom is about making your child’s life as great as possible. This includes some serious problem solving as it is no easy task staying financially stable, physically and mentally healthy, so that you can support your family for the future. These things don’t always come easy, but we moms are dedicated and passionate and will make it work! Between juggling work, cooking, cleaning, a human, and maybe even a social life, moms are problem solving, multitasking QUEENS. Not only that, but we’ve got it all under control! Whether or not it is maintaining a busy, conflict free schedule, keeping a home clean, safe and efficient, and most importantly- taking care of a tiny human, we moms have to be organized and manage our time efficiently if we want to be stress free.
Natural Customer Service and Sales skills?
Moms have to work with a LOT of people, and do our best to be polite and clear whether or not it’s communicating with coworkers, family members, in-laws, neighbors, doctors, teachers, coaches, and that one super arrogant mom from the PTA group (you know the one)… Long story short, our people skills are ON POINT and exactly what employers in HVAC are looking for! Though you may not have experience as a saleswoman, you probably have a more solid foundation than you think. Studies show the best salespeople are empathetic, good listeners, and great communicators. As a mom, we have tons of experience in these areas!
Knowledge of systems, methods, safety and protocol, and a willingness to keep learning?
Taking care of a whole other human is hard… there’s learning to decode baby cries, investigating the different colors of poop, resolving an unexplainable cough, covering outlets or sharp corners, and this is just the beginning of the next 18 years. You have to research as a mom to learn about caring for your child and will likely learn new things every day to figure out what’s best for you both to live happy and healthy!
Still not convinced? They want you! Below 2% HVAC technicians are female, and employers are eager to improve this statistic. It’s 2019, so let’s get some diversity! There’s plenty of scholarships for not only mothers, but also specifically for women looking to go into underrepresented fields like this! Find out more about HVAC programs in your area: https://bit.ly/2kAjvnb
Sources:
https://www.achrnews.com/articles/139677-women-are-actively-changing-the-face-of-the-hvacr-industry