Television watchers tuned in to hear detective
It was also the year when
After graduating from
And if you are doing the math in your head, that's 50 years with
A tall man with weathered features from years of working in the sun and on his farm, he leaned back in his chair as a big grin rolled across his face when asked why he was still working.
"I just love my job and I'm too young to retire," said Hayden. "I love being part of the VNG team and continuing to serve our customers."
Hayden grew up in the
"I was born deaf, and sound never existed in my life, so not hearing was completely normal to me," he said. "I just knew that 'normal' people either went to college after high school or looked for a job. I choose the latter."
Hayden tried college life for two weeks after high school and decided it was not for him. Summoning his mom to pick him up at
Job hunting is a grueling process but imagine how grueling it could be for someone who is deaf or hearing-impaired. Hayden knew his disability could present challenges for many employers, but he also knew that everyone deserves to be considered for a job just as much as someone without a disability.
He began his career with
"I was responsible for all the inventory at three separate storerooms during that time," said Hayden. "I moved over from
In 2007, he landed another position with the company, this time going back to his initial first job...meter reading.
The VNG meter reading team drives more than 100,000 miles each year, capturing data automatically from a device mounted on company trucks. Hayden knew, he said, he had found the perfect job.
"I'm home-based and since I work alone, I can start my day when the sun comes up, sometimes as early as
While driving his route, Hayden does have the occasional interaction with customers. You may wonder how he communicates with them.
"I read lips," he said.
While not completely deaf, Hayden does have 15% hearing in his left ear and a cochlear implant in his right ear, which he waited until he was 50 years old to have implanted.
"I hate it, so I rely on reading lips," he added. "I'm self-taught and as long as I can see you talk, we can have a conversation. But because of my lack of hearing, I must make sure I also keep my head on a swivel, so I know if a dog or person is approaching as well as always being aware of my surroundings."
In his 50 years with the company, Hayden said he has seen a lot of people come and go. But one thing has remained constant...the quality of people that work at VNG.
"People here have always treated me with respect and have not made my hearing loss a big deal," he said. "Of course, there are things that I can and can't do, but all my supervisors and teammates have treated me well and taken care of me. They know that my job has been one of the main staple things in my life."
Fifty years ago, Hayden walked through a door of opportunity when it opened, and more importantly, had the courage to walk through it. One day, when the time is right, he said, he'll know when it's time to walk back out through that same door and retire.
"I'll know when that time will come, but not today," said Hayden. "When it comes, I'll spend more time on my farm, with my wife and the grandkids. But even then, I really won't be 'retired' since there will always be something to do."
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