So, here goes: the dream begins...??

So, I fired my previous employer in August, worked in retail for 7 years... I enjoyed it (Stockholm syndrome?), mainly because I like helping people; but in the end I realized I was being used badly and needed to get out before management decided to screw me over.

Over the next two months, I fought tooth-and-nail for my unemployment compensation; as of today, it's still up in the air, and in the process of the final appeal. But things were getting tight around here, so something had to give.

[hide]yes, I know it's a long narrative, please bear with me!![/hide]

Well, a former coworker of mine had gotten a job as a school bus driver, and had contacted me after I lost my job to suggest I try it out. I held out, of course; but I suggested to my wife (who worked for the same retailer at a different store as a part-time cashier) try it out. She chewed over the idea a couple days, then went for it: within two weeks, she was driving a bus, at a higher hourly rate and more hours to boot.

(yes, I know, it's rambling; but I promise there's a point to all this!!)

Well, about two weeks after she started, after hearing about what she had to do to get her CDL/B, and the driving she does, the idea planted itself in my mind...

So, I told her I wanted to do the gig, and get my CDL/B as well.

(everyone run and hide now!!)

It all started November 1st, here's how it went (YES, THERE'S A POINT!!):

Friday:
walk into the school services site, hand over my app, talk with the safety director and a couple of the trainers; within 90 minutes they had all the pertinent paperwork done, the background checks done, and the physical appointment set for as soon as I could get there--which was that very afternoon, which I passed fairly easily.

Saturday: class at their site, 7a-4p
Sunday: class
Monday: hit the DMV in the morning, got my permit; drove a bus in the afternoon.
Tuesday: drove all day
Wednesday: drove all day
Thursday: went to DMV, took all 5 remaining tests in 45 minutes, scores ranging from 82-98
Friday-Sunday: drove all day
Monday: passed the driving test and got my CDL/B; drove that afternoon
Tuesday: drove my routes with a trainer
Wednesday: drove morning with trainer, drove pm alone.


####. For one, that was one helluva fast track. For another, I realized something I had forgotten recently: I'm a #### good driver.

(sorry, I don't mean to break my arm patting myself on the back!)

They just held a "mini-bus-rodeo" at the yard, to make sure everyone is still sharp. One of the more experienced drivers (6+ years) bragged that he got thru it in 25 seconds ("reducing-clearance test", which checked for tail-swing and wheel positioning), most were doing it at least twice after hitting a pole or running over cones.

(FYI: I'm an experienced autocrosser, running a 2001 F150 Lightning. Just keep that in mind)

I did my test in 15 seconds flat. And that included being stopped and asked for my route number.


So, yeah, I'm guessing I can handle a big vehicle.



The point of all this is to explain how fast I can learn, when I put my mind to it.



The question follows in the next post...

 

Now for the question...




I actually enjoy the driving, the kids haven't been too troublesome; but I only get 25hrs/week, and even when I'm able to pick up field trips and team trips, I don't think it's gonna cut it.



So, I'm thinking OTR time. I've proven I can step up a notch, and I thoroughly believe I can cut it as a T/T driver. Our kids are grown and gone; we're already in the downsized home which is also brand-new, so no worries there. My wife will continue the bus gig, while I learn and drive. We've already discussed it, and she's cool with it, and doesn't want to do much riding along (for now). So that base is covered.




So, I ask thee, ye denizens of TTR: y'all think I can do this?? Yes, I think I can; but I don't know what pitfalls I need to watch out for. I can't afford a school, so I need an outfit that will pay to train, I don't mind indentured servitude (I did 7 years worth of that for home improvement retail, so I'm used to it), and I has a good attitude to go along with a good work ethic; and I've done not only the retail stuff, but inspections for FEMA in Lousiana after the hurricanes, and a gig in oilfield services (we didn't get along well, but I did fine in the field portion, with the concomitant oddball hours and strange sleeping arrangements); so sleeping in a sleeper won't bother me.

So any suggestions and comments are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

 

Oops, posting on a cellphone evacuates

 

The challenge, of course: I've already fvkked it over any number of times for the fun of it.

 

Thank you sir, I got your PM, but I cannot reply just yet, so thanks.

 

Thank you, patty, I do appreciate the well-wishes.

Yes, I'm highly aware they are totally different beasts; but, as I learned in bus training and autocrossing, a vehicle is a vehicle, and its a matter of just adapting. I know I can learn anything I wish, and that I never stop learning --hell, the day I stop learning will be the day I die--so, it's going to be a fun challenge, and maybe turn into a decent living. I don't have to turn six figures to be happy.