To the OP, apparently you're not a "get out and look" kinda guy, but I'll tell you this: I'd rather be a little more tired and look like a complete idiot in front of everyone watching than hook incorrectly and kill someone. Equipment damage? Not a huge deal. But this conversation is more about your habits. And you'll say you got out and looked, but all evidence points to the fact that you needed to do it at least one more time. lol
That said, you're not unhireable in my mind. Just be more careful. Today's load is not worth tomorrow's career.
That's all I'm saying. Lol Do it right the first time, or learn a harsh lesson. I've learned my fair share over the years. You'll be fine. Dust off, get a new job, and take your time to get it right. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Dude, I think you have the right attitude and will do well in the future. The secret to owning up to your mistakes, is that you self evaluate; in other words, you teach yourself. And you're doing well. I high hooked once, if you can call it that. Kingpin went over the 5th wheel. I didn't drive anywhere, I went out and looked. I will never, ever forget what it was like cranking up a trailer with 45k of paper in it. Some things you only need to do once to get the message. Very best of luck. You'll be fine.
We've all done it, and always on the heaviest load in human history. Just the way it is. Learn, and use what you've learned.
I did it. Once. Flatbed with 49000 lbs of lumber. Luckily we had two big forklifts to raise the trailer up. The boss just stood there and watched. Never said a word. He didn't need to.
I had that feeling one weekend when I was hooking a set for a linehaul run. I was scratching my head trying to figure out why the lights weren’t working. I hadn’t turned them on yet.