Very few people know that I actually started a job back in December. I am an online chat "expert" (rolls eyes, haha) for Lead Anywhere. I work with their clients on their websites.
I haven't really spoken about it because I have been adjusting to the change myself first. It has been 14 years since I have had a "job".
I can't really say that I have fully adjusted but I am coming along.
It has actually been perfect for our family, as it is part-time and I get to work from home. It has been an adjustment for all of us though, even the kids.
Nothing has been quite the adjustment for us like this last week has been. The main client that I work with is a large Agricultural company. They manufacture tractors and implements, like rakes, loaders, tillers, etc. They had their annual product training event for their dealers this week down in Phoenix. I was selected to head down with my team to get some product training on the new models and to get some "stick" time.
Me, driving my first tractor, a wind rower
It was an enlightening experience to say the least. We spent the days, from 7 am to 5:30 pm, hanging out in fields learning about engines, trannies, guidance systems, implements, fuel consumption, etc. To say it was information overload would be an understatement.
At night we still had things going on with the client so it made for very long days and not much of my time was my own.
To say it was a long week would again be an understatement.
The Wind rower I drove
I definitely learned a lot but I have forgotten much more than I learned! Good thing I took so many notes that my hands were literally cramping! haha
I drove this Wind rower too
Mostly it was just helpful being around all of the machines and the dealers that sell them. It helped me to be more familiar with "shop talk" since the people that I chat with are the people on that are ultimately buying these things.
I could take the picture because the Tractor was driving itself.
Kinda trippy, not gonna lie!
All I gotta say is the idea that these guys are "just farmers" is way off. I swear you have to be a NASA scientist to drive one of these things! They are HUGE and have so many buttons and features it is mind boggling. Most of these cost more than my entire home! Did you know these bad boys can actually drive themselves now? Seriously trippy experience.
Fendt
This particular model (above) is the Mercedes Benz of tractors. It's around $350,000 and I swear the cab is just as nice as a Benz. Or at least what I would imagine the inside of a Benz would be like. haha It has a fridge, a sunroof, the seat suspension and features would blow your mind. Among other things....like the auto driving system. It is insane. Not to mention the back tires were taller than most of the men there. It was great getting behind the stick on this bad boy. Yes, you read that right, they let ME drive one of those things. I seriously trust their judgement after that one. ;)
Unfortunately I didn't get to have any stick time on our track tractors. They are ginormous as well. Again, wheels taller than most men. I wanted to see what it felt like to basically be driving a tank. haha
Like I said, it was an eye opening experience in MANY ways! It was a long, dusty, mind boggling, week but I had a great time as well. I am just so glad to be back home. Wish me luck on my chats with my new found knowledge. Hopefully it will make them go even better than before. But don't hold your breath for a while. Still a long learning curve.
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