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Not sure this is the right career for me

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Truemac, Dec 9, 2014.

Page 1 of 10
  1. Dec 9, 2014 #1
    Truemac

    Truemac Light Load Member

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    Apr 24, 2013
    0
    I'm about as fresh as it gets when it comes to new drivers. I'm 21 years old. I got my CDL the first of October and I've been driving for Prime since. Boy, have the last two months been an eye opener.

    Let me first say that I've lurked on these forums for a couple of years before even considering sending out applications as a future trucker. I came into this industry fully knowing that there was more to this job than just drive from point A to point B. Knowing and understanding are two very different things.

    I don't mind the work involved. I'm not afraid of a little hard labor. But I guess I didn't realize how much being isolated and away from everyone would affect me. I used to think I was a pretty antisocial guy, but I catch myself getting seriously homesick from time to time. It goes away after a few days, but it's never easy to deal with.

    maybe I'm picky. Maybe I'm just bitter about having to deal with a trainer who disagrees with me on pretty much everything. But I'm beginning to feel a little discouraged. I went into this job thinking I would be able to suck it up and put up with the trials and tribulations that come with this line of work, but maybe I'm not as hard-natured as I thought I was.

    i want to wait until I go solo to find out for sure if this job is a good fit for me or not, but at the same time I don't want them to give me a truck and then turn around and want to quit. I've been debating going back to school and getting a degree on the computer side of things. What would you veterans suggest?
     
    Truemac, Dec 9, 2014
    Truemac, Dec 9, 2014
    #1
    tscottme, Truckermania and Grijon Thank this.
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  3. Dec 9, 2014 #2
    Mr.X

    Mr.X Heavy Load Member

    737
    596
    Oct 31, 2013
    Spokane, WA
    0
    If driving truck meant having a co-driver, I would have quit long ago!
    You spent the time getting the CDL and just as soon as you get rid of that trainer you will be in control of things. Give it a year at least unless it turns out its obviously not for you sooner. Driving will change your perspective on life a little, if nothing else, stack some cash and enjoy the experience for a while. You will be glad you did this someday even if you end up being a systems analyst, or software engineer/developer.
    Work Hard, Play Hard! ;)
     
    Mr.X, Dec 9, 2014
    Mr.X, Dec 9, 2014
    #2
    MOBee, Deadwood, Grijon and 10 others Thank this.
  4. Dec 9, 2014 #3
    Arielit0oo

    Arielit0oo Light Load Member

    187
    108
    Jul 6, 2014
    Tacoma, WA
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    There are plenty of other trucking jobs that are not OTR for weeks/months at a time. Look for something home weekly/daily or nightly.

    For example, I'm a Port/Rails of Seattle/Tacoma driver. Get paid well, home nightly but can stay out in the truck all week to save time/make more money, weekends off.

    This industry is much more than the traditional OTR.
     
    Arielit0oo, Dec 9, 2014
    Arielit0oo, Dec 9, 2014
    #3
    Grijon, UKJ, bubbagumpshrimp and 1 other person Thank this.
  5. Dec 10, 2014 #4
    reefer101

    reefer101 Medium Load Member

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    Oct 24, 2014
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    OTR is not right for anybody. but some of us like it:biggrin_2556:
     
    reefer101, Dec 10, 2014
    reefer101, Dec 10, 2014
    #4
    Badmon and Cranky Yankee Thank this.
  7. Dec 10, 2014 #5
    Captain Canuck

    Captain Canuck "Captain of the Ship"

    854
    541
    Apr 7, 2007
    Woodstock, NB, Canada
    0
    I seem to remember reading somewhere that most new CDL holders coming into the system wash out before the first year is up. Don't feel like you failed if you wind up deciding this life isn't for you. That just means you're more normal than we are :biggrin_2553:
     
    Captain Canuck, Dec 10, 2014
    Captain Canuck, Dec 10, 2014
    #5
    Badmon, bubbagumpshrimp, prodriverjim and 8 others Thank this.
  8. Dec 10, 2014 #6
    Mr.X

    Mr.X Heavy Load Member

    737
    596
    Oct 31, 2013
    Spokane, WA
    0
    BUMP !!! Common guys, looks like we might be loosing a smart one! :)
     
    Mr.X, Dec 10, 2014
    Mr.X, Dec 10, 2014
    #6
    "semi" retired Thanks this.
  9. Dec 10, 2014 #7
    freightwipper

    freightwipper Road Train Member

    9,366
    11,439
    Mar 24, 2014
    OTR
    0
    it sucks living in a truck with somebody else... especially a stranger

    things are a LOT better once you're by yourself and have PEACE, PRIVACY AND FREEDOM
     
    freightwipper, Dec 10, 2014
    freightwipper, Dec 10, 2014
    #7
    MOBee, Naptown and ramblingman Thank this.
  10. Dec 10, 2014 #8
    Captain Canuck

    Captain Canuck "Captain of the Ship"

    854
    541
    Apr 7, 2007
    Woodstock, NB, Canada
    0
    I got lucky and never had to deal with a trainer. The first company I ever worked for was owned by a friend from high school. We did a couple of runs as a team then I was on my own. I think if you can get past the trainer, you'll do fine. Just remember, the only stupid question is the one you DIDN'T ask because you were afraid it was too stupid. OTR is a different kind of life, for sure, but it does have a tendency to get in your blood. Once it's there, good luck getting it out!! This gig isn't a job, it's a lifestyle, and not just for you, but for your loved ones as well.
     
    Captain Canuck, Dec 10, 2014
    Captain Canuck, Dec 10, 2014
    #8
    ramblingman Thanks this.
  11. Dec 10, 2014 #9
    Vilhiem

    Vilhiem Road Train Member

    3,992
    10,904
    Oct 6, 2014
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    I'm a dedicated driver with SNI myself. I'm not home every night but I'm not gone every night either. Frankly that works for me since I value my quiet time.

    You might have good luck with dedicated, regional or intermodal. I'm new as well to this and even though I'm enjoying it I may find it isn't right for me in the long run. I have a want to become a biomedical engineer myself!
     
    Vilhiem, Dec 10, 2014
    Vilhiem, Dec 10, 2014
    #9
  12. Dec 10, 2014 #10
    ethos

    ethos Road Train Member

    4,246
    9,885
    Mar 3, 2013
    Houston
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    I'l echo the fact that life gets a whole lot easier when you get off the trainers truck.

    As for me, I love OTR!!
     
    ethos, Dec 10, 2014
    ethos, Dec 10, 2014
    #10
    ramblingman Thanks this.
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