Work/life balance is tough for most of us.

But when you add last minute work “opportunities” that can be several states away from home for weeks at a time, that’s a whole ‘nother level, as they say. Today we talk with a member and friend who spends his days as an electric lineman. Herb Lovett loves his job, but he acknowledges that his mindset is always “family first.”

But he isn’t alone. His family is part of a very tight and supportive “linelife” family. They take their commitment to safety, to each other, and to their families very seriously…even as they enjoy the challenge and tomorrow-is-never-the-same-as-yesterday job that ranks as the third most dangerous in the US. Turning on the lights for a neighborhood or a town is a thrill and so are the new work “toys” that make their work safer, but getting home in the same condition they started the day is paramount.

Line workers are highly trained through apprenticeship programs (often at little or no cost) and they earn a good living (if you enjoy heights, working outdoors in all kinds of weather, and take safety seriously). Yet many people don’t know much about this fulfilling career, especially as many experienced workers are retiring at a fast pace. Herb is happy to change that, and encourages the next generation of line workers to be like him, but even better, in all aspects of the linelife. 

Topics & Timing:

(0:41) Today’s discussion will explore the life of an electric lineman through the eyes of one we know very well.

(0:50) Recap of our interview with Rae Johnson, President of NSUJL, and an update on her and her husband Tom, an electric lineman facing recovery from an injury. They are in our thoughts and we are pulling for them alongside their friends and peers nationwide. (see links below for ways to show them your support)

(2:20) Electric Lineman: 42/100,000 lost on the job each year, 2,400 injuries: 3rd most dangerous job

(3:25) Meet Herb Lovett, Electric Lineman

(3:53) Herb just spent some time with Rae and Tom at NSUJL’s annual rodeo and Climbing for Lost Lineman event, and shared links to help meet their needs during this difficult time. (see links list)

(5:50) How did Herb even find this line of work? He always new he wanted to work outside, and tried a few different options before finding linework.

(6:39) He learned about the profession while doing roof work, and having conversations with a line worker who was a neighbor of a friend.

(7:12) Where to start? He chose to go to Power Systems Institute (PSI), a program of First Energy Company) to enter the trade in 2007.

(7:30) PSI has trained around 4-5,000 line workers since it’s inception across 5 states via multiple training locations.

(8:31) The need for electric lineman and electric workers is greatly needed nationwide.

(9:13) First Energy isn’t alone in providing job training programs like this. Many power utility companies offer similar training. And, The IBEW also provides apprenticeship training for this as well.

(9:30) QUOTE: “There’s multiple pipelines. If you want to be a lineman, you can be a lineman if you’re physically able to and you can do the job.” -Herb

(9:40) It’s not a common choice for a career, because it’s not often presented as a choice. And, it’s often just taken for granted because the power is most always there when we need it.

(10:11) What was the training like? Herb provides an overview of the program he was part of and the cost (hint, hint…it was free for him!). It combined on-site training, as well as classes through the local community college.

(11:03) QUOTE: “I was learning the trade: how to tie nots, how to wire up transformers, how to climb. …After four years, you’re a Journeyman Lineman. You kinda know what you’re doing, but we’re learning every day.” -Herb

(11:50) Training for this dangerous work is rigorous. Herb started with 50 candidates. By graduation, there were about 10.

(12:35) QUOTE: “We never know it all. And usually when you think you do is when you get in trouble.” -Herb

(13:02) QUOTE: “…we don’t promote opportunities like what you [Herb] went through. …Society as a whole doesn’t often honor them in the way that they should.” -Janene

(13:20) “Skilled trades” is not a misnomer: it requires intelligent, educated and dedicated people. In this case, four to become a journeyman…and even longer for some skilled trades.

(14:16) QUOTE: “I’m a big proponent of the trades. I have no college debt…that’s helped my family…not having that burden.” -Herb

(15:09) We need both college- and trade- educated people. There are good choices out there on both sides. It’s important to understand the opportunities because so many trades people are close to retirement today.

(15:31) QUOTE “Replacing…that group of experienced people is only going to happen if we stop treating the trades like it is a second option.” -Janene

(16:25) Herb describes the toughest part of being an electric lineman: work/life balance is the most difficult part…as well as the weather, working at elevated heights with high-voltage electricity, and being a good problem-solving.

(17:35) The best part for Herb? Getting the lights back on during the storm. Lighting up a whole block or a city is a good feeling.

(18:17) Herb’s family is fully on board, too…even his kids who are under age 5. The spouses of line workers make a choice to live the “linelife” right alongside their electric line workers.

(18:54) QUOTE “It’s not just me. It’s all the guys I work with. It’s all their wives and all the friends. It’s a whole community.” -Herb

(19:12) This community on line workers is really tight. They support each other in good times and bad. They trust each other with their lives. There is a lot of teamwork, camaraderie and pride.

(20:14) QUOTE “Really it’s not all that different than a battlefield experience. You’re looking out for your buddy all the time and they’re looking out for you.” -Janene

(20:48) Herb describes a typical day on the job (on a sunny day): standard hours, start the day with a list of projects, plan how to get it done, prep for the day, get out there to the work, and then end the day in the same condition you started it in: with all 10 fingers and toes accounted for.

(21:58) a list of the kind of work done on a typical day: connecting new customers, new housing development sites, new commercial sites, pole upgrades and maintenance, aerial inspections, response to accidents and animals that cause line damage, or simply to areas that become overheated due to excessive use. Sunny days are still busy days to upgrade and maintain the electrical system.

(23:23) a quick overview of aerial line inspections…that hovering helicopter in your neighborhood may be electrical inspectors!

(24:24) Electrical line work can be very specialized, often divided into distribution and transmission work, as well as line work and substation work. Herb currently works on the transmission side, powering the substations for the distribution channels.

(25:55) QUOTE “It’s all the same, but it’s different” -Herb says with a smile.

(26:10) Herb describes some of the “toys” they get to use at work to get the work done. They get to use some pretty cool equipment. Even helicopters get workers on the line sometimes.

(28:14) Herb describes the work during not so typical time, like major storms of all kinds. They may suspect it’s coming by staying on top of the weather, and knowing whose turn it is to go, but the time between the call and getting under way can be pretty quick. The length of time away from family could be a few days, weeks, or months away from family.

(31:58) That time away affects the family as well, and the families will support each other.

(33:24) Communities often step-up to support the workers who are on storm-duty, especially recently.

(34:18) Storm duty is long and often challenging. Usually 16 hour days. There are many moving parts required to restore power…including time for crews safely prepare for the work, and to get rest and food to remain safe and sharp. Safety is the primary goal.

(35:53) QUOTE “It’s so much more than what you see.” -Janene

(36:40) Safety is the underlying message for all of these crews. The people that count on you are the best reason to not take short cuts and to make safe choices.

(39:37) QUOTE “I want the guys behind me to be better lineman than I am” – Herb speaks to the ongoing nature of safety training.

(42:13) So why choose a dangerous job like this? Herb explains his motivation. Loving outside work and a different challenge every day ranks high on his list. Family pride is high too, a nice perk. It’s also steady work and a good family income with great peer camaraderie.

(53:40) Asking Herb what he wishes more people knew about the career he has chosen: simply that it’s not just about the money. It requires sacrifices and that it can take a toll on life in many different ways.

(54:23) The keys to this job and most others: take care of yourself, make good choices, and get help when you need it. And don’t lose sight of what’s most important: your family. Work/life balance really is key.

(57:30) UECU is proud to be a resource that members like Herb rely on! Thanks Herb!

(59:54) “Don’t be afraid to ask questions” about money, your career, or life in general. No one gets through this life alone.

TIP TALK:(48:20) Herb: Educate yourself as early as you can. Don’t wait for somebody to educate you. Be proactive. Look for good financial habits you can start early. Little habits become big habits later.(50:47) Janene: UECU has a free series of short e-courses on various financial topics. It’s a great place to start for you and your family.(51:30) Herb: Pay yourself first! It adds up.RESOURCES:

• To support Rae & Tom, visit National Sisterhood United for Journeymen Linemen website www.nsujl.org, or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NSUJL
• UECU's free CueItUp E-courses: www.uecu.org/cueitup

Learn more and continue the conversation:

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• 800.288.6423 | www.uecu.org