Now that I've graduated and all...

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by The Long Way, Sep 16, 2009.

  1. The Long Way

    The Long Way Bobtail Member

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    Nov 23, 2006
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    I'm sure that nobody here remembers this, but back in the fall of 2006 I signed up here asking if I should become a truck driver or not. You guys told me I should just think about college. At the time, I was 15 years old, a sophomore in high school and hungry for adventure. Now, I'm 18 years old and "running blind", so to speak.

    Sometime in 2008, I decided I wanted to be a DJ on a rock station. I feel like I have the knowledge and attitude to do that, and maybe even the voice. But I have my doubts, and I don't know if it'd be good to spend 30K that I don't have on broadcasting school so I can be a 24 year-old intern that gets no airtime.

    Since graduating, I've been pretty down as far as the future goes. I got pretty lousy grades in high school. I'm the kind of guy that knows the U.S. map better than most people, but gets a 69% in science class and fails math. I didn't apply for a regular college, because the last thing I want is a "normal" life. The last thing I want is to live here in Maryland and have a normal job.

    Right now, I have to start the process of getting a permit (I'm late, I know). Since I'm 18, I can get a license rather quickly, once I pass everything. I'm not worried about that. But I've been thinking about maybe going to a truck driving school later on. So I just want to ask; is this a field that is still good to enter? To what extent does "over the road" driving still exsist? And what exactly makes a person "trucker material"?

    Thanks to anyone who replies to this. :biggrin_255:
     
    Last edited: Sep 16, 2009
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  3. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    You'd be much better off going into the military. Atleast there they will work with you on a job and pay you no matter what. You're too young to drive a truck besides if you don't like the service you can get out and have them pay for your driving school and you'll be at the right age.
     
  4. tmlonghorns

    tmlonghorns Light Load Member

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    Mar 12, 2009
    Gregory, MI
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    ya, what gashauler said and I will make it simlier for you........you will not be driving a big rig until you are 21
     
  5. doubledragon5

    doubledragon5 Road Train Member

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    GasHauler is right, go server you country for 4yrs or longer. You get job training, money for college when you get out. You get military housing, based on you grade, the higher the better living.. I wish more young men and women like you would go and serve you country. Just because there is a war doesn't mean you will be in a job that requires you to be on the front lines.. I have known many people who have served, and have come out better people
     
  6. shriner75

    shriner75 Heavy Load Member

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    Dec 7, 2008
    Minnesota, dontcha know...
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    Dont also forget that if you want you can give truck driving a chance in the military as well. I think? or am I wrong? Anybody?
     
  7. leannamarie

    leannamarie "California Girl"

    The military is an excellent idea. You would be far better off driving a truck than you would being a DJ. I spent 10 years working in radio. It is great, but there is NO money in it at all, at least for the on-air staff. Maybe 1% really make it, everyone else is transient, working multiple jobs to stay afloat. The changes in the radio industry have made it almost impossible to survive. The military would give you a good background to springboard off of, not to mention money for college when you get out. Plus, you would get the opportunity to try out different things in the military.
     
    The Long Way Thanks this.
  8. The Long Way

    The Long Way Bobtail Member

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    Nov 23, 2006
    Maryland
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    Thanks for all the replies! A friend of mine actually wanted me to join the military with him, but due to me not knowing enough about and my parents probably not liking the idea, I declined the offer. Too bad that it's too late now, since he's already started his training.

    And I know that you can't drive big rigs till your 21. I know that I'm too young right now, but I meant that in a few years it might be something that I'd look into since it all interests me.


    Thanks for that advice! That's my main worry about radio, the actual chances of me getting a "career".
     
  9. leannamarie

    leannamarie "California Girl"

    Radio is tough. You now have voice talent voice tracking for radio stations all over the country. When our station went to that for most of the day, many people were fired. One guy who had been at the station forever, I think his father started it or something, was laid off. He said it was ironic, he was being replaced by some voice guy out of Seattle. 20 years earlier when he was working up there, he lost a job and was replaced by the guy. Here 20 years later and two states away, he lost another job to the same guy.
     
  10. eckz

    eckz <strong>"Radio Rambo"</strong>

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    Not sure this is the kind of job you should be looking forward to to build your future.. That's just my opinion, though... Personally i enjoy it, i've been out of the truck for a little under a year and i'm going stir-crazy.. The view is never the same, and it's not the same old boring office every day... It all depends on what kind of person you are.

    It's alot of hard work, lots of determination, though.. It's not just hold the wheel and go like most people think, and you definitely don't get paid for all the time you've worked.
     
  11. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    This post describes your problem completely, if you'll take the time to read what you wrote.

    #1 Working in radio requires NO degree. It just looks good hanging on the wall. Wanna talk to me about it? I've got one of those degrees. I also have awards from the industry. All worthless.

    #2 You can't rely on other people to help you live your own life.

    So what if your buddy has already started basic. So what if your parents don't like the idea. Who's ##### life are we talking about here?

    If you don't want to do the military route, that's one thing. But if you allow other people to control your decisions...that's another story altogether.

    You'll never get anywhere in life. Especially in trucking. There are 5-50 people (in trucking) everyday that will tell you how to do things differant. And they'll be running your life, worse than your parents ever thought of.

    I'll ask the same questions of you, that I ask my son.

    How bad do you want it?
    What sacrifices are you willing to make to get it?

    What you decide is your business. My son decided being $250k in debt was a good choice.

    BTW, begging your parents for money and/or approval is NOT a sacrifice.
     
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