Maybe It's Just Not Your Gig

Some people dream of being a trucker. They want nothing more in life. They try and try and try, yet something always seems to happen, or there's some hitch that always crops up.

Some people will never be able to understand the dimensions and physics of an 18-wheeler. They can try to "get it" until the end of their days and still not understand it. That's okay. I don't understand the mechanics of carrying a tune. I would love to be able to make millions as an entertainer. I will never be able to do it. I have no concept of what my voice is doing. Therefore, it is a dream I gave up years ago. For some, trying to drive a big truck will yield the same results.

For some folks, there are just too many issues in their recent past. DUIIs, failed wizz quizzes, crimes, health problems....just to name a few. I was a Firefighter. I loved being a Firefighter. I was good at it. Nothing thrilled me more than rolling up on scene and going to work. I have arthritis. I can no longer be a Firefighter. I do not meet the physical standards any longer. I wanted to join the FBI, but because of some choices I made when I was young, I am not qualified. Rather than arrogantly thumb my nose at the system or lie about things, I took my lumps and moved on. Looking back, I probably wouldn't have been well suited for it anyway. I'm just not enough of a politician.

"What's the point?" you ask.

Well, there are certain standards that must be met in order to be eligible to drive for a living. You may not meet those standards no matter what you do. Again, there is no shame in it.

For some, it's a timing thing. If you just wait a while, you will see the smoke clear. In this, I speak to recent background issues such as brushes with the law or, in a few cases we've seen here, you're just too young to qualify. Whether it's "fair" or not. All you have to do is be patient.

There are some who demonstrate a blatant disregard for laws, standards, respect and safety. A few will slip through the cracks and into the seat of a big-rig. Most of the time, they don't last long. But then they come onto these forums complaining of how unfair it was, it wasn't their fault and they got sc***ed by whatever company it was that took a chance on them. While they might have some valid issues, often these issues would never have happened were it not for that 'tude.

The point of all of this is, not everybody is designed for this kind of work. It is not an easy job. Only about 10-20% of new people make it through the first year. Only the top 1% make it past 15. In other words, "normal" people cannot do this. You should never be afraid to admit you are normal.

This is in absolutely no way aimed at anyone in particular. If you look at my words and it sparks anger because you think I'm singling you out, maybe it's time to step back and take an honest assessment of yourself. You may just find that you only thought you wanted this. When, in fact, you are more suited to doing something else. Welcome to being a normal person. And please, be successful in your future endeavors.