Newbie question - please be gentle!

Hi all

I realize this is just another 'trucker dream' thread, but I need to make a decision in the next month or so and while my circumstances make it difficult to pursue my dream career as a trucker, I could really use some guidance or advice as to whether it is time to give up on my dream.

Long story short, I moved to Canada from the UK in January. My career history has been office based, accounting. I was lucky to find a job in Edmonton to help me transition to Canada but I spent almost all of my savings making my dream move to Canada so I'm really reliant on a constant source of income in order to remain in the country. Given the nature of my work, I'm required to sit a 3-year course starting in January. The total cost is c.$16K and, whilst my employer will pay, I will need to repay this if I leave my job within the next 6 years so I'm at a point of no return, come January.

It has been my dream for many, many years to be a professional long-distance driver. I've always taken the safe path, using my education and skills to keep a secure office job. But it doesn't make me happy and the older I get, the less I care about making a great deal of money. I've been 10+ years in my profession and whilst I have earned a comfortable salary, I can't say I have ever been happy in my job. The thought of doing my job for another 30+ years (I'm 35) really depresses me.

I'm happiest when I'm driving. When in the UK, I would take at least a few trips to Canada and the US every year and do 3,000-4,000 mile road trips each time. I just love being on the road.

So, my problem is that come January, I will be committed financially to staying in my job for at least another 6 years. This is the make or break time for me to make a complete career switch if it is ever going to happen.

I've done extensive research into the courses I require to sit but I just do not have the money at present to sit all of the courses required and support myself whilst I do so.

Is there likely to be any company that would support a new driver through the courses, perhaps whilst doing non-driving work? I've spent hours and hours looking at trucking jobs and companies, and most require at least a couple of years driving experience. I'm willing to go back to square one provided that I earn enough money to support myself whilst I do the required courses. I have c$9K in savings since my move but once that's gone, I have nothing other than anything I earn.

If I'm being completely unrealistic then I would appreciate honest feedback. I just feel that this is the last possible chance I have to pursue a dream career in a new country before I'm forced to become financially indebted to my current employer for several years to come. I saw Canada as an exciting fresh start but I've slipped into the same old job and due to COVID, I haven't felt able to pursue a new life - it's all about keeping a job right now, which I'm really grateful to have. But my fresh start is starting to pass me by.

Sorry for the novel. I really don't have anyone to speak to about this. But if I could give up all that I've built up to start a new career as a truck driver tomorrow (warts and all) I absolutely would. I don't need to be rich. I just want to have a happy career.

If you've read this far, thank you! Any advice, positive or negative, I would really appreciate.

 

Thank you guys so much for your support. I wasn't sure what kind of responses I was going to get! I have taken a look at the various trucking companies mentioned and I am thinking of taking the following approach:

1. If there is an office job vacancy, I was going to apply for the job but stress in my cover letter that my end goal is to undertake the necessary training to eventually become a driver. Hopefully my office background would mean I could bring some skills to an office role which may mean a reasonable interim salary.

2. If there are no relevant vacancies, I will email my resume and a cover letter outlining my story (basically what I have said here).

Does that sound like a good approach? Or would an in person visit be more effective? In the UK you would never show up in person but I understand things can be different in Canada when it comes to job-hunting.

Thanks again!