Just Another Noob

Hello all. Great forum. I've been lurking the past few weeks, and figure I ought to introduce myself.

My name is Duane.

I am making a career change after 18 years (started young) at my last job, locked in a cubicle, working my way up the proverbial corporate ladder. It was a good job and great company -- just don't want to spend my one and only shot at life enjoying only one experience. So, after a great deal of deliberation, I bit the bullet 6 weeks ago and resigned from my corporate desk job. I am taking a month or two off (once in a life-time opportunity, right?) to catch up on some home projects and stuff. And then I am excited to launch into my next career choice that has been banging around in the back of my head for many years...

I think I've properly familiarized myself with all the realistic pros and cons of the driving career. I appear to be the right candidate -- single (divorced) with no kids or pets, live a simple drama-free life, am a bit of a loner (not in a crazy way -- just very content by myself), love driving -- enjoy the driving part of road trips more than the actual destination, would love to see all parts of this country/continent, a little OCD about understanding and adhering to rules and regulations, and really looking forward to making a big lifestyle change for the sake of adventure and variety. I know noobie OTR drivers are a dime a dozen for a reason -- no delusions about the romantic lifestyle. : )

I figure I'll do my time OTR in order to gain that valuable life/career experience, and reassess after a year or two to determine whether to keep up with OTR or come back home to a more localized route. I am leaning toward flatbed. From what I understand, the potential pay is a bit more and there is more opportunity for a bit of variety and exercise (maintaining physical fitness is important). Nothing against dry van or refrigerated, though, if that's what come my way.

So, I start school Monday morning, 8/6/2012, at Soutwest Truck Driver Training in Phoenix. I'll complete their 4 week crash course, and then excited/anxious/nervous to get started with a good company -- at least, as good as the starter/student companies can be. I'm not looking forward to living with some dude, in a 40 sq ft area, for a month or more during training. But, what can you do. Maybe I'll get lucky and get assigned a hot lady trainer. : )

I have all the usual noobie questions, that I've found have been asked and ansered here already a hundred times. I'm enjoying the reading.

Wish me luck, and take care,
Duane (papawheelie)

 

hahaha... Nice. That takes me straight back to 3rd grade. Good memories.