Time for a change....

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Quest4ADV, Jan 19, 2012.

  1. Quest4ADV

    Quest4ADV Light Load Member

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    Jan 13, 2012
    New Mexico
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    Hi there guys and gals.

    I've been lurking on here for a few weeks. I've been reading through the forums at night and enjoying the experiences that everyone has shared.

    I've been in the IT world for the last 16 years, worked for a major bank and then for a smaller company that offered our services to major banks so I really never left the banking world. I guess I'm just fed up with sitting in an office and staring at a PC all day. I've been dreaming about taking off and living on the road. Must be the Gypsy in me that I got from my dad.

    Anyhow, got notice today that my services were no longer required at my current job. ( I started last Jan 10th, so I did make it one year). I guess I wasn't a good fit in their culture.

    So I'm thinking about hitting up Roehl, applying for their school and see if they'll put me behind the wheel. I just got divorced after 20 years, the kids are older, I have no ties so I can be out on the road for weeks, months, whatever it takes. I know it's going to be a HUGE change for me, but dang it I just can't stop thinking about being on the road.

    Am I crazy? I wonder if I have what it takes??? I have no criminal past, no traffic stuff, (well, a ticket last year, 41 in a 25mph zone) Hope that doesn't bite me. I'm ready to throw my stuff in a bag and head to where ever I'm needed.

    So, I ask again, Am I crazy???


    Thanks for everyone sharing their stories, it made for some great reading!!!
     
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  3. apyles

    apyles Medium Load Member

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    Oct 21, 2011
    Newbern,Tn
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    you'r not crazy, some people get the fever, sounds like you have nothing to loose good luck
     
  4. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    I've looked around at different companies myself, and I'm still looking for the right way to go. If I were to choose a company to sign a contract with, my first choice would be Prime, based on what I've read about the quality and duration of their training, as well as their pay rates.

    Roehl would be good if hometime is more important to you than annual income, in my opinion.

    The path I am probably going to take is to get the WIA funds to pay for my 8 week school at the local community college. I'll have my CDL, 320 hours in the truck, and not be financially tied to any one company. Keep in mind that when you sign a contract with these companies, they hold all the cards. They can do things like give give you 1200 miles / week or less, or simply fire you before your contract term is up - leaving you unemployed, perhaps unemployable, and on the hook for the cost of the training. You may to live on an income of as little as $22000 / year for 18 months or so.
     
  5. Medic10

    Medic10 Light Load Member

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    Dec 24, 2011
    Michigan
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    Nope. I've actually been surprised at the number of people transitioning from various career paths into trucking. My uncle has a degree in Spanish, but has been driving for 30+ years. I'm a Paramedic, but looking into a trucking career. There are lots of people from all different walks of life who have decided life on the road is for them. It sounds to me like the time away from home wouldn't be an issue for you, and you have the desire to do it. I say go for it. I'm ready to make the leap, and the way I feel about it is what's the worst that can happen? If I get out there and find out it isn't for me, I can always go back to life the way it is now. All I lose is a few months or a year, and I can always get another paramedic job. I would assume the same would go for the IT world. Give it a shot, and if its not for you, you can always go back to IT. Best of luck to you...
     
  6. cpttuttle

    cpttuttle Medium Load Member

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    Oct 20, 2011
    altoona,pa
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    may have a problem with the ticket.15 miles over limit is considered a serious violation.having said that,most will give u one ticket,some won't.keep trying.
     
  7. DIRTROAD

    DIRTROAD Bobtail Member

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    Jul 11, 2009
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    If you have an itch, it won't go away unless you scratch it.

    Whether you succeed or not is all about your attitude. If you go at it wanting to do it, I think you will enjoy it.
     
  8. Oor

    Oor Road Train Member

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    Jan 11, 2012
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    Wot he said.

    Give it a shot at a good community college, and if it turns out it's not what you thought, you're still free to go do something else.
     
  9. Quest4ADV

    Quest4ADV Light Load Member

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    Jan 13, 2012
    New Mexico
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    Thanks for all the support folks. Waiting on a return call from Kim at Roehl right now. I may give Prime a visit too. It sucks not to have a job after 20 years, but on the other hand I feel kinda FREE right now. I'll probably feel that way until the rent is due :)
     
  10. 48Packard

    48Packard Ol' Two-stop Shag!

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    Could be anywhere
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    A little "short-term liberation"? I completely understand....

    Good luck to you!
     
  11. vinsanity

    vinsanity Road Train Member

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    Nov 23, 2009
    South Florida
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    Did you all miss the 41 in a 25 zone?
     
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