[ad_1]<\/p>\n
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.<\/strong> \u2013 When Holly Hill native Janis Bailey first started driving for UPS 32 years ago, people were not accustomed to see a woman delivering their packages.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the early days when I was hired, our customers expected a male representative. I was a 24-year-old girl with a pony tail, and I think that surprised them,\u201d said Bailey. \u201cThere was a small pool of us, and we had to prove ourselves. Women weren\u2019t the face of UPS when I first started, but I am so proud that we have more females than ever before working in operations and as drivers.\u201d<\/p>\n Enough women, she said, she\u2019s no longer met with much surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cNot surprised at all. When I started it was disbelief, but not at all now. With a 32-year career I am proof that you should not judge a book by its cover,\u201d said Bailey.<\/p>\n The mother of six became Daytona Beach\u2019s first female UPS driver decades ago, starting in an industry that was male-dominated and not an obvious choice for a woman. But Bailey said it offered her everything she needed.<\/p>\n Ad<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI was an only child and raised with strong values, integrity and good work ethic. I\u2019m naturally strong, determined, and independent\u2014all skills needed to be a successful UPS driver,\u201d said Bailey. \u201cThe position offered great benefits and pay and the ability to support my family over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n Not only did it allow her the flexibility to earn a Master\u2019s degree in criminal justice research while raising a family and working full-time, it taught her a lot about driving safely on the roads.<\/p>\n \u201cAvoid the rat pack and find your own space,\u201d said Bailey. \u201cI avoid the middle and left lanes, avoid clusters and semi-trucks on the highway, and choose the right lane where I have more control.\u201d<\/p>\n So much, in fact– Bailey has achieved an honor within UPS. She\u2019s the first female out of her center to join the Circle of Honor, an elite group of professional UPS drivers who have delivered packages for 25 years or more without an accident. She received her 25 year patch three years ago, and will get her 30-year patch in two years if she continues and reaches her 30-year safe driving milestone. She\u2019ll continue to get one every five years after that, as long as her driving record stays clean.<\/p>\n Ad<\/span><\/p>\n But even more rewarding than the honor, Bailey said she loves making her customers happy.<\/p>\n \u201c<\/b>As essential workers during the pandemic, I really saw the impact of how our company serves the community\u2014from bringing medication, food, water and all of the essential needs,\u201d said Bailey, \u201cPeople would sit in the cul-de-sac and wave and show such positivity about the importance of our jobs. Then, when you get that face-to-face interaction, you truly know they appreciate all you do.\u201d<\/p>\n Her words of advice to any woman considering a career in a male-dominated field are to never let anyone tell you that you can\u2019t do something.<\/p>\n \u201cI tell the ladies, if you want it, do it. Don\u2019t let anyone tell you, no. Don\u2019t get intimidated by others,\u201d said Bailey. \u201cWhen you get in your truck, we\u2019re treated just like anyone else. Nobody gives you a pass. I tell them to take it one stop at a time. You are here for a reason. It\u2019s a good job with good pay, and a great company. All you need to remember is to be safe. Think about you, the people on the road, and your family. The last stop of the day is the most important stop\u2014making it home safely to your family.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.<\/p>\n