Hello all!
Currently I work as a Manufacturing Coordinator -Purchasing Agent for a diesel manufacturer. Work is very hectic and stressful. There's always somebody looking for someone else to do their job or blame for their own procrastinations. I'm tired of the daily grind, being under a microscope and having to justify my every action.

However when I mention my interest in driving my friends look at me like I'm crazy :? They say "You don't want to do that" or "you won't make any money"

I'm single with no current girlfriend. I'm dependable and show up to work everyday. Actually in the last three years I've been sick one day and out two days when I had a kidney stone :shock: I work 10 hours a day for the most part. I used to work retail so I know what working 6 or 7days a week is like. I can be alone without being lonely. I have a clean driving record. No tickets in the last 16 years and only recently had a wreck in very heavy traffic.

So if you've read this far tell me if you think I might have what it takes to drive and what I may lack or need to consider. My goal is to drive for 2 to 3+ years and try getting into a management role in the business with a larger firm.

Anybody else started a second career as a driver? What was your background and how do you like driving?

 

stung, looks like you already set a goal, just do your research on the companies out there. get out and talk to some drivers.

take your time and do the research on these companies and find what suits your needs.

bol to ya

 

Stung,
Ive just retired from law enforcement after 30yrs and will be attending Crowder College Trucking School in Neosho, Mo... after graduation, I'll be going to work for CFI who is paying 2/3 of the tuition with no contract to sign....I too have heard the same things as you from my friends, but this is my life and its what I want to do....good luck!!...

 

I agree with heavenbound.

You have a plan, and you have a solid background "career" to fall back on if you decide that you don't like it afterall.

Something I've had to remind myself of lately is that it doesn't matter what others think is right - all that matters is what's right for you. If your heart is leading you to this goal (one rather similar to my own), then by all means follow it.

Do your research, and find the company that will best suit your needs - then get out and do what you need to do.

 

You'll do just fine as a Driver. If you go into management...that is great...we need people that have actual driving experiance...running the business end of things. Don't think of Driving as starting at the bottom though. The best Bosses, Managers, Dispatchers, etc. areTruckers first. They all wish they were back in the Truck too. :wink:

 

i made good money when i was a company driver you just have to want to drive and do the job. get out there and explore the country have some fun

 

Thanks for all of the replies!
I forgot to mention I have a BBA which couldn't hurt :wink:

I've been talking to a bunch of drivers who all seem to think Schneider has a well respected training school. I have also read some not so good things about CR England which is unfortunate since I live 10 minutes from their Dallas school. But on the bright side I'm ten minutes from Celadon, Swift etc. and three cement plants which support many a driver!

Again, thanks for the words of encouragement. I will continue to do my research.

 

stung,

I live in Dallas as well, so if you'd like to talk, shoot me a pm. I'll admit, I got my license through Swift a few years back (and run for both Swift and Arrow out of their respective Lancaster and Balch Springs terminals), but I would highly suggest you do a good bit of research before committing to a company owned school. Typically your best schools are the independent ones if you can afford to pay up front, and they give you a bit more flexibility if you're not under a contract.

 

Stung, folks thought I was crazy when I left Architecture after nearly 30 years to drive. One co-worker asked why do you want to leave an environment where you work in an exciting area, have a nice big office, have talent that you could take anywhere.........why? You're going to be living out of a truck, going God knows where and you'll have to deal with all those smelly, scummy uneducated inbreds.

I had no idea you all were soooooo bad................ :roll: :roll: :roll: To tell you the truth, she was snooty bioch, who couldn't design worth a dam and didn't know jack about construction details.......... I really got the impression she was looking for a husband and that was it.

The reality Stung........it ain't nothing like you've ever done..... and any honest driver will tell you, at times it just plain sucks. We've all had those times where we've questioned why we do it............Maybe you'll find out it's not for you, or maybe you'll find you love it and wonder why you didn't do it 10 years ago.........Me, ain't no way I could go back into the office again...........Just plain to dam boring.

Do your homework, talk to drivers of companies you're interested in, then make your decision............if it don't work, at least you'll know for sure.

Good hunting.

 

Nobody here will be able to tell you if you'll be a good driver or not. Nor, will anyone be able to tell you if you'll like it. Some love it and some wish they had entertained a different line of work. So, don't make a decision based on what someone tells you. All you can do is research the pro's and con's and make a decision. Being single and no girlfriend to bust your chops about being gone all the time is a plus. I think it would be cool for most single guys that aren't very interested in a social life, but I still don't know why a married guy would even think about doing it. Best of luck!