After 35 years of employment without a break I was laid-off from a corporate job in January. The economy finally caught up with me. I am treating it as a sign to go in a new direction. Truth is, I only have a few years left until retirement and all I need to do is protect my credit so I can purchase our retirement home. That said, I am not looking to get rich, I don't need a lot to keep current with my bills, our kids are grown, our cars are paid for. This excursion certainly represents a reduction in pay but, the experience will put another chapter in my memiors.

I begin Truck Driving School in a few weeks. I am choosing trucking for three reasons. 1.) I did it locally after high school and enjoyed it, 2.) I have done the corporate thing and to be honest, I am worn out, 3.) it is good honest work.

I will probably go to work for one of the big guys to start out. Everyone has to begin somewhere and with the economy being what it is the big guys are probably more capable of supporting a newby.

I have no stars in my eyes. I completely understand the need for an employee to provide value to the employer. Which brings me to the reason for this post. I am not surprised to see the number of negative posts about trucking companies. I spent 23 years in the Air Force. If you were to have a messageboard like this for military people there is little doubt in my mind that the horror stories would abound and they would all be the governments fault.

With that in mind, the common threads to all of these stories is typically lack of personal accoutability, unrealistic expectations, poor communication or a combination of these. Another thing that pops up frequently is that the story teller conveniently leaves out the part of the story that convicts them. What was it that I read in one post "I found out later I tested positive for alcohol". Let me ink my "JACKASS" stamp and place it squarely in the center of that posters forehead! Was that fact not integral to the determination of the outcome? There are a plethora of similar stories on all the message boards. That goes without mentioning the whiners.

Here is what I have been able to glean from my reading so far. Truck driving is wrought with responsibility. You must document your time and activities to include the load you are assigned, accomplish the assigned task in the alloted time, overcome all obstacles, manage your time, think outside the box while working within the rules, and do all of this safely, without supervision. But, the only qualification required to become a truck driver is a CDL.

Nearly anyone can pass the test. The remainder of the necessary skills need to be learned. Whether we are talking about self discipline, time management, documentation, or accountability each one can be taught/learned. Some of the learning needs to begin in childhood but some can be and should be taught by mentors. Operting the truck is important but I believe these skills are just as important. Of course we must also consider "Stupid can't be fixed!":rofl:

The bottom line is that there seem to be alot of folks out there who would be much happier if they took responsibility for their actions and the outcome of their decisions.

 

Welcome aboard my friend.

 

Thinking outside the box while working within the rules. You have the basics in hand. Welcome and good luck.

 

Just want to chime in and add my best wishes.

 

from your post/outlook I have little doudt you will succede IF you can find a driving job! Start putting in app's and talking to recruiters now! Get as many prehire letters that you can and don't wait. BOL