Mid Life Career Change

Hi all,

Getting ready to go to CDL school here in Ohio. I've had my own computer business for a long time but the work is just not there any more, so it's time for a change of scenery. Would be nice to have benefits again too.

I do have about a year's experience from when I lived in CA - went to truck school in 1985 and got my license. A guy I was working for as a retail store manager in 1986-1987 had a couple of trucks leased to an intermodal company in Oakland, so I hauled containers out of the docks for a while.

I drove a 1978 White-Freightliner 10 speed cab-over, no sleeper (was all local around the Bay Area), no A/C, if it had seatbelts they were well hidden and probably rusted shut. I have fond memories of that beast. Didn't make a lot of money, but did get a lot of reading done waiting for the stevedores to drop the box on my chassis. After my boss went broke I found myself doing computer work and been there ever since.

A year's experience nearly 30 years ago doesn't seem to have any value today, not surprising. So, I am for all intents and purposes a total beginner. At least I will be a little ahead of the curve at CDL school. I can probably still dock a trailer.

I remember being told at truck school, "You're not a real trucker until you can drive, drink coffee, talk on the CB, and fondle your hitchhiker all at the same time". Times have sure changed.. I am glad to see a much greater emphasis on safety and actually keeping to the HOS limits.

Looking forward to the new adventure!

 

I finished school last week, passed my test and now have a brand new CDL.

I have offers from four companies - apparently a driver (even a freshly hatched one) with a completely clean driving and criminal record is a rare commodity these days. I expect to make a choice shortly.

I would like to thank everyone who replied to my posts and sent me PMs with helpful advice and information. There are too many of you to list, this is a great forum!

 

Thanks! I have offers from 100% of the companies I actually applied to I need to be home at least two days a week so that limited my choices, but still found plenty of good ones to choose from.