which path to take?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by scifi199085, Jul 30, 2014.

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  1. Jul 30, 2014 #1
    scifi199085

    scifi199085 Bobtail Member

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    Currently I'm taking classes at a truck school and getting ready to take my pre hire at TMC. But I have a few things that concern my decision. My current job which I have worked for for about 8 months now is offering me a promotion to warehouse manager in November with a raise from $12/hr to $45,000 salary a year with room for advancement. The company is a great company with excellent benefits and all that good stuff, it's just that I love driving 18 wheelers. It's something about being alone in one of those massive things just seeing different scenery everyday and feeling the power of it as you switch gears lol. Anyways, I have a 2 year old son and a girlfriend I live with and would have to support them as well as myself on the road.

    people tell me that i should stay with the warehouse gig because im home every night and ill make the same money there as i would my first year in trucking. But im confused on what i should do. I graduate august 17th and I know I have to use my CDL within 2 months of completion or it'll be inactive and would have to take a refresher course....WHAT SOUNDS BEST from experienced driver
     
    scifi199085, Jul 30, 2014
    scifi199085, Jul 30, 2014
    #1
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  3. Jul 30, 2014 #2
    HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    Personally I'd keep the job you have but you gotta follow your heart. If you want to drive a truck then go for it.
     
    HotH2o, Jul 30, 2014
    HotH2o, Jul 30, 2014
    #2
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  4. Jul 30, 2014 #3
    HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    By the way, who told you that you have to use your CDL within 2 months or it will be inactive?
     
    HotH2o, Jul 30, 2014
    HotH2o, Jul 30, 2014
    #3
  5. Jul 30, 2014 #4
    flybynight1

    flybynight1 Light Load Member

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    you can make 45k the first year but your going to have to hustle and hope they give you the miles. your gunaa be away from the family for atleat the first year. if trucking is truly a passion in your life and youve done it before go for it if your in it for the the money or think its cool run for the hills
     
    flybynight1, Jul 30, 2014
    flybynight1, Jul 30, 2014
    #4
  7. Jul 30, 2014 #5
    Wild Murphy

    Wild Murphy HAPPY TRUCK DRIVER

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    My opinion is take the warehouse job, be home, and support your family not just financially, but by also being there. I also have a two year old son and what he needs now trumps what I want. Unfortunately my job as a sergeant at a county jail only pays 12.00 an hour and that doesn't pay the bills so I have to drive for now, but when that local job becomes available, I need to be home. Good luck to you.
     
    Wild Murphy, Jul 30, 2014
    Wild Murphy, Jul 30, 2014
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  8. Jul 30, 2014 #6
    scifi199085

    scifi199085 Bobtail Member

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    Charlotte nc
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    My instructor at my school told me to use my CDL within 2 months or it goes inactive and it becomes hard to find driving jobs. I want to wait until November and see what the people at the warehouse are talking about. Just afraid of having my CDL going inactive and having to pay another $1,500 for a refresher course
     
    scifi199085, Jul 30, 2014
    scifi199085, Jul 30, 2014
    #6
  9. Jul 30, 2014 #7
    scifi199085

    scifi199085 Bobtail Member

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    when you guys say if your in it for the money, run for the hills...i understand as a rookie your going to be either ran hard with crap pay or sitting all the time...but don't after you get a year under your belt your able to find good paying jobs especially with this so called huge driver shortage
     
    scifi199085, Jul 30, 2014
    scifi199085, Jul 30, 2014
    #7
  10. Jul 30, 2014 #8
    POINTDEXTER

    POINTDEXTER Light Load Member

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    Its a preference, your weighing something that's pretty sure against something that's not so sure. I agree after a year you'll probably be able to do better. You might be able to hit the ground running. I've heard good things about TMC, but it's still a gamble the truck industry is under attack from law makers and greedy carriers. Would you rather have steady and probably not working so hard and home every night or the open road? If you don't have a lot responsibilities is easier to recover from a wrong choice. If you have a lot to consider I'd go warehouse.
     
    POINTDEXTER, Jul 30, 2014
    POINTDEXTER, Jul 30, 2014
    #8
  11. Jul 30, 2014 #9
    mcmanly

    mcmanly Light Load Member

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    Id say take the promotion and put off trucking for a year ,so that you can have options if trucking doesn't work out
     
    mcmanly, Jul 30, 2014
    mcmanly, Jul 30, 2014
    #9
  12. Jul 30, 2014 #10
    8thnote

    8thnote Road Train Member

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    I have a 7 yr old and a 6 yr old at home. Being away from them is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. The incredible feelings of guilt when I miss yet another birthday, ball game, dance recital, etc. If I had an opportunity back home to make even close to what I make driving, I'd be on it in a second. Trust me, the novelty of driving a big truck wears off fast. Then it just becomes another thankless job, just like any other except you don't get yo go home when the day is over. My advice would be to be a father to your kid while you have the chance.
     
    8thnote, Jul 30, 2014
    8thnote, Jul 30, 2014
    #10
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