Advice needed.... Effed up right at the end of training...

You should look at OTR as an investment. Once you put your time in and work out a few kinks, you will find a job that suits your family and lifestyle. When I started driving OTR, I had two young children ( ages 1 and 5 ) at home. I knew I wanted more for them then a mom who was on welfare or flipping burgers could provide. After a few years I found a dedicated job and was home through the week and every weekend. It will happen, but OTR gives you the time to focus on the job at hand without the home issues in your face everyday. Best of luck and hopefully you will stick with it!

 

It's cool that everyone is supportive and tried to stop you from giving up OTR prematurely...

But...

From reading your posts; I don't think your concern is backing, shifting, or the general maneuverability of the truck -- you realized that everything OTR driving entails, isn't for you.

Don't be ashamed or embarrassed -- I feel 100% the same way. Though my profile says I have 5 years experience, I obtained my CDL A at 20 (I went to a teamster union driving school for free), I just turned 31; so I've had my CDL for nearly 11 years. When I obtained m CDL, I couldn't even be put on most insurances -- construction was booming in Boston at the time, so I jumped on that, and usually worked 5am - 4pm ish.

Though I have the utmost respect for long haul truckers, I couldn't see myself doing it; especially at a young age. Especially in my early 20's; I had to many friends, and loved chasing girls to much to be gone for weeks at a time. I didn't want to be sitting at a truck stops, while my friends were out having fun on their free time...

Call me a slacker or whatever -- but spend your 20's on the road, and before you know it, the best times of your life have past you by...

If you like being in familiar settings and around family -- look around locally. You are resilient (as your post-real estate career has proven). If OTR isn't for you, and you know that for a fact, look for alternatives...

Live and learn. Something will suit you better...

 

Good luck friend!

 

No problem man - there are many ways to utilize that CDL you earned; find one that suits you. You seem like a smart guy -- use your head, look around your area and something will break...

 

Devil, Your doing something that too many people fail to do. You are taking the time to think through the situation.

And something I didn't see in the thread, but I know most in here are thinking, is that we are ALWAYS learning. If you ever reach the point where you think you know it all, time to hand in the keys.

For whatever it's worth, I think if you were to go back to the training and complete it, You will feel better. That sense of accomplishment we get from completing a challenge and overcoming fears does more for our character than just about anything else we do.

That's just my $.02

Good luck in whatever you decide.......

 

Now that not really true.... I had and still do have great times out here on the road and thats after 40 yrs...yeah ive missed some birthdays and holidays but ive made an awsum living and my friends wish they were like me...Im free to go where ever i want..i see the country and get paid for it...Yes i do own my own truck and trailer but that does not mean ya still cant go see things you may never get to see in your life...I have partied with the best of them out here and have made great friends both driving and on here...would i change it NOT A CHANCE... Its takes Guts and Strong Will to do it out here...Weak Mindset will prove your undoing in this job...JMO

 

I agree. I believe if you make it through the training phase and get your own truck it might get a little easier for you. One thing I have read constantly on this site is this is the hardest part.....getting along with a stranger for a few weeks in a small space. Glad you are taking the time to really soul search though

 

You have a lot of years experience. From what I understand, much has changed present days; between the electronic leash and restrictions -- you're enslaved these days as a company driver...

Again, I'm just giving my opinion on what I've read -- call it deductive reasoning...

 

I've ran over a guard rail, a light pole, and a van. I've never thought about quitting, but I'm really surprised I haven't been fired. Those wings on the side of the sleeper are retarded anyway. I wouldn't give up if I were you though. Years down the road from now you'll probably look back and regret it.