Taking a Chance to Create Your Own Future

A funny little man, who looked like Gepeto, drove his blue truck into our driveway one day looking for my dad. He got out of his truck, introduced himself, and asked if either of Dad’s two daughters would like to join the trades. I looked at my dad, conflicted. Staying meant holding on to the woodshop and the business we had built together, but I longed for a life of my own. I couldn’t keep living at my parents’ home with my two little boys. Deep down, I knew I needed to pursue something that truly mattered to me.

The time was now, and I was ready. I raised my hand and shook his. This book is about taking chances. It is about climbing onto the ship of dreams and sailing into the wide open waters. I am telling you, you can do it. Your life matters. You can have a future if you want it. Will it be easy? I don’t know. How badly do you want it? Grab a chance. Take that chance that always belonged to you. Take it. I did. 

A Career Built with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is a union of men and women who train through the NJATC to become Journeyman Inside Wireman electricians. Their common goal is to strive to become the best and unified in all that they do. The work is highly revered around the country. Most importantly, members are paid a living wage. I am Patsi Hansen, and I am a retired Journeyman Inside Wireman electrician. My life and work in the IBEW spans 34 years. My LinkedIn page gives an overview.

Embracing Change and Sailing Into New Horizons

Looking back on those years now and can hardly believe that they passed so quickly. I had nothing to lose when I signed up, but I gained more than I ever could have imagined. I would like to share my experiences with those who find themselves at a crossroads want something more and are willing to take a leap of faith. Are you a pirate like me; are you ready to sail the open seas?

Finding Belonging and Purpose Through Brotherhood

During those 34 years working as an electrician, I had never forgotten my roots but built on them to become a better person, a fulfilled parent, a conscious community member, and a dependable partner, with a life I could be proud of. My coworkers became my brothers, my soulmates, my saviors, my mentors. I looked up to them, and they to me. We took care of each other and we became family. And isn’t that what everyone ultimately wants; a feeling of belonging? I’d found my tribe. I never forgot that chance that stole my heart away from that tiny Indiana town and showed me just how small the world really is. I traveled the country and experienced work in the most exciting and prestigious places. Also met people who became lifelong friends. I worked large jobs and small ones, in warm places and cold. Each one had its stories. 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in the Trades

Thank you so much to Reader’s Magnet Authors’ Lounge for allowing me to share and highlight my story. In 2022, I was sitting in a church flea market with another electrician friend of mine. We were sharing our experiences and laughing over them. It occurred to me that nobody in the trades writes these memories down. How do women find out that the trades will take them in? I didn’t even know that there was an IBEW in our town until this funny little man drove into my parents’ driveway.

So I decided that it was going to be me who shared my stories with the rest of the world, my target audience being young ambitious women who want some adventure and excitement in their lives, women who want something different, something that stands out, and women who love a challenge. I want to encourage women to think outside the box, be creative, and not be afraid to find a job that gives them a career that they can carry with them wherever they go. I sat down and started to write. When my book was finished, I realized just how many women I could reach out to, and encourage to make their lives exciting. If I changed just one life through my book, my travels would have been worth it.

A Life of Community, Creativity, and Future Dreams

Today I am retired and I live in Indiana. I have two cats, Betty and Buttons. I spend most of my days volunteering in my community for school children. When I am home, I love to sew, garden, paint, and read books. I hope to move to California one day to be closer to my two sons.

My Amazon Author page is here. 

My Amazon book is here.