Just sharing some news...

I got a conditional pre-hire from Roehl Transport the other day. This does not come as a shock to me, as I have a clean record, both driving and criminal, and the company is actively hiring.

Because I have not driven tractor trailer in so long, they are requiring me to go through their 3 week school. Again, not worried, except for spending 3 weeks in central Wisconsin in February.

One thing holding me back at the moment is a hernia operation I had on the 24th of this month. I will need to get a full release from my doctor once I have healed. But I'm healthy, fit, and I don't smoke or drink, and I'm not concerned with that either.

The trouble I'm having is making a final decision on whether to actually do it. I have a good full time job right now and my commute is 5 minutes from my home. But, how do I say? Retail sucks, and I know I could be making the same, probably more money shortly off the bat. The earnings potential after 1 year rivals that of a management position from which I'm at least 2 years down the ladder from. I'm pretty #### sure I wouldn't want to manage a retail outlet anyway. I'd rather deal with brain damaged drivers and strict federal regulations than whiny customers and corporate policy written by pencil necks without a clue.

I do enjoy my time at home, or should I say the comforts of home, and the company of my girlfriend. I know sleeper berths are small, but can be made quite comfortable with many of the amenities we all love. Roehl would allow my wife to ride after 6 months of safe solo driving, and I can bring a laptop, fridge, cooking stuff, phone, video games, etc... Essentially all I would be leaving behind in the long run would be my bed!

Sorry, I don't really have a question per se... I just needed to get my thoughts down in writing, and any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks for the positive words. I know there are pros and cons, but is there a job on this planet where there isn't? I kind of like the idea of a larger company, and I have been reading the feedback threads on Roehl specifically. I know my work ethic and I'm confident I can prove myself as a good driver and succeed at whatever company I work for. If there is a failure, it will be a cause beyond my control.

Retail is definitely not for me. I'm good at it, and I like the people I work with. I don't imagine I'll find zero, hmm, bulls**t for lack of better word in trucking. I'm hoping it's a bulls**t more tailored to my personality. If I have to deal with one more customer that wants a 15% discount because they are the holy heir to Bobs Walnut Chopping Emporium, or hear about how I fail as a member of the human race because I won't refund a 2x4 that's been cut into toothpicks, I think I will murder one of them. It's not my intention to turn this into a rant about retail, probably too late, but man... Is it me or are adults actually little kids in toy stores, screaming and crying to mommy and daddy until they get what they want?

Anyway, I'm still reading up on Roehl, trying to take the good and bad in as objectively as I can. I know there are other companies, but as a beginner, I think the experience at any of them will balance out. Dare I say, they're probably all close to the same?

 

Haha, touche! Well we've been together nearing 4 years. Roehls policy is your "wife" can ride with you after 6 months. Right now she's my "girlfriend". Forgive my incongruity, I just had a surgery and the perceset is working wonders. We will be married...

 

My brother asked me a couple weeks ago what I want for christmas. I said, a few good sets of thermal underwear, and some wool socks. I spent 12 years as a ski and snowboard instructor, so I'm no stranger to dressing for the weather.

I spoke to my contact at Roehl about the surgery, and it's not a big deal. We have a timeline worked out that will allow me plenty of time to not only heal, but get back into decent shape before my DoT physical and that pre-work screening they do.