we have a problem, cause
very seriously. But, if you don’t take this job seriously, we have a problem, cause it’s not just about the money, it’s about the safety of the passengers, getting them back home to their families. That’s my main concern! That's what I teach all the new conductors and engineers.
Ceres: Do you think that it is more difficult to be a female conductor than a male one?
David: Not so much anymore. It's a lot better, as everyone gets the same training. I wasn’t around
back in the old days, but I heard that it was pretty tough then, but now there's more diversity. You see a lot more female conductors, and engineers, and even in management, and that helps too when it comes to diversity.
Ceres: Do you like your job?
David: I love it! I like the people, being around people, meeting people. I like the fact that it is something that not everybody can do. I just enjoy everything, like working with the crew members—just like you said, we are a family! The passengers are a pleasure, most of the time [Laughter]. And, it is different every day. I could go work somewhere else since I have a degree, but it pays well enough, and I’m happy. If you’re happy with what you’re doing, there’s no reason not to do it.
Ceres: Why do you think that it is not for everybody?
David: Because, again it’s a lot to grasp. This is a very serious job. You have to know a lot of things, safety related issues, signal, switches, you have to be able to deal with heavy
equipment, and stay focused at all time. There is a lot of multi-tasking involved. You might have a passenger asking questions while you’re talking with the engineer. You’re doing four or five things at the same time. You can’t freeze up, you can’t lose your cool, you have to do all at once.
Ceres: Don’t you think that women are better at multi-tasking?
David: [Laughter] I don’t know. Ahh, I don’t know. Yeah!
Ceres: If you could change something about your job, what would it be?
David: Nothing at this time that I can think of. I enjoy it! And again, there are not that many people that can say that they can do this job, and I know I’m good at it. I think of it as making sure people get home safely every day, hopefully on time, but if we have to be late, it’s because of good reasons.
"I wasn’t around back in the old days, but I heard that it was pretty tough, but now there's more diversity."
67 - Ceres Magazine - Winter 2016