How should I explain a long retirement?

Funny, lots of kids want to be firemen. I wanted to be a trucker. So, I was a firefighter for 21 years, retired at 43, took a year and a half off, decided it was time to do something again, and last year got a job driving an athletics bus. Now, finally, I'm looking into doing what I always wanted to do. I didn't think of the lapse in employment being a problem when applying for the job I have, or for a trucking job after I finish school, provided there's a sound reason for it.

Being financially able to do whatever you want at a young enough age to actually do it is friggin nice, and it's the result of hard work and good decisions. I won't apologize for that; however, based on what the responses have been, I would expect some employers will simply assume that I might not "need" the job, and therefore might be more apt to just bail if it's not for me, but isn't that what's going on in the trucking industry already?

From what I've read here, plenty of new drivers find out this lifestyle is drastically different and much more stressful than they imagined, and either work until their obligation is fulfilled, or just leave. Some here even call some companies "rookie factories," or something to that effect. So, I hope that your 10-year jobless span won't exclude you from opportunities.

 

I see nothing wrong with saying you're coming out of retirement. Trying to paint a Monet with fingerpaints will get you nowhere in the art world. Similarly, making claims of "self employment" when you were actually playing golf won't cut the mustard either. Lots of folks come out of retirement to drive. You'll just have to make it clear you're not out here to play graba** or sightsee. You're out here to work.

I find that age comment a little annoying. There are people sucessfully entering this field in their 60's.

Don't sweat it. Simply tell the truth. If they want backup testimony, be prepared to have friends or family draft up a letter supporting your position. You should be fine.

 

Seen a similar situation. However, it was a bit different.

A Journeyman Operation Engineer (Equipment Operator) was retired for 7 years as a Journeyman Cement Mason. (became an Apprentice EO after his 7 year retirement) Not because he "had to" but because he was simply tired of being retired LOL.

Not quite related to trucking, but he DID get his CDL just prior to applying to his apprenticeship (he used to have a CDL but it was long expired). 7 years later he's a Journeyman.

Anyways. When he first applied, when he got an interview with the Local, they were skeptical as to why he had a massive gap in his resume. (They clearly saw he was a Cement Mason for 26yrs, started an Apprenticeship at age 16) and then he explained he was retired for 7 years. They grilled him as to why (Trades don't always get along in the Industry, someone is always doing a "tougher job" [insert eyes rolling]) he wanted to suddenly start working again after 7 years, and then his inner Foreman kicked in.

Mans investments-overtime, brought in $22,000 annually, on top of his Union Pension. For him, it he loved the Industry. It was that simple. He explained how much he wants to rejoin the Industry. Can't become a Cement Mason anymore because since he retired through the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA) (say that 10 times fast) which was the Cement Mason Union he was in. He couldn't go back in. So he had to pick a new craft to continue working in the industry.

The way he came off, actually enlightened the committee who was interviewing him.

I understand the Construction Industry is different compared to the Transportation Industry, however, it's still valid. In that if you present your case, and sell yourself properly, you can get the job.

My friend is looking to retire from ANOTHER union in 13 years. He already pulls in $22,000+his retirement pension. Now making salary as a Journeyman, soon to be Construction Foreman through the IUOE. He'll be in charge of a Company's Trucks, and Heavy Equipment. Man is set for life because of his choices.

All because he explained the Industry was a profession he wished to master, and rejoin. His insight into things, are amazing. (You'd be amazed what you can learn from an "old guy")

I posted all this, because I want you to know, you're not the only guy who's ever been in your shoes. 7 years is a bit earlier than 10, but 3 additional years shouldn't be that different.

Also, there is the Teamsters...

 

After the steel mill I worked at for the last 30 years closed, I took a couple of year off, then got my CDL and I now deliver to food wharehouses for the last 5 years. When the H/R guy asked me about the 2 year gap in my employment, I told him the truth, I spent some quality time with my grandkids, played in the stockmarket and went fishing whenever I wanted. I got the job.

 

hey barn dog let me no how you make out,i have similar
situation,thanks
i stopped working 5 years ago at 40 and before that was selfemployed for over 10 years.when you tell people you
retired at forty they think you are lying and have something to hide.

 

So where did ya hide the bodies?