Orientation/ first three months/ living in truck

first, thank you for this forum. This place helped me with questions and information.
I retired from law enforcement and corrections after sixteen years, owned my own business for a while and the wife decided that I should get some OTR experience before she retires and we go out as a team.

My first orientation was a shock. The recruiter made it sound like I would be greeted at the door and people would communicate. My first day/ first time was sitting in a room with three other people waiting. During my wait I applied for local jobs and had a beer company and Pepsi call back right away. I took the job and quit day one of orientation.
Working for Pepsi I learned city driving, but most of all I was killing my self for 600 a week.
I found a small company (1000) trucks, they offered 600 per week or .39 per mile telling me 600 a week is a better deal. They said three weeks out 3 days home. This time I expected less from orientation and was not let down. I went through training, had to teach the driver how to back up, and out of three weeks we drove for 11 days, needless to say I said bump this I’m gone.
During this time I looked for things to make my job easier on this forum. I bought a Coleman cooler, currently have a dometic freezer, I had a plug in portable stove but currently have microwave and disposable dishes. I also have a stove. I bought a gps (Garmin) but I still check the map book. I keep the inside of my truck clean. I can live in my truck without leaving it for a period of time.
I found a company that offered 5 days on, two days off (weekends), 1000 per week guaranteed .45 per mile and .50 per mile over 3000. I got the job and started rolling. The dispatcher and others have told me I caught on quick ( again thank you) . I’m still learning my backing is improving, I either look good or completely mess it up but it’s improving. Things I’ve noticed:
If you want to get in the left lane, a four wheeler will be there
If you turn on your turn signal and no four wheeler is there, they will speed up to get beside you.
When someone is giving you “help” pulling forward or back ward watch your mirrors because they don’t care.
The guy or girl calling to see where your at or when you’ll get there, that’s a person working for the shipper/ receiver lol. I thought it was some idiot
The cb, as a kid I thought truckers talked, hung out, and worked together. The cb is now get in right left he’ll i don’t know, cuss you out and just ignore box
trucks go to sleep at night, after four most truck stops are full. I drive until I have no time left, I sleep on exits, find places at truck stops and anywhere I can but I’ve learned if you see a spot no one is parked at ask why
I saw a guy last week having a hard time backing to a dock. The turn was tight so I went to help, I had to drive his truck. (He offered) I learned to things. Not everyone keeps a clean truck. The second one is he asked me how long I’ve been doing this so I ask how long for you, he tells me six months, I shrug I have about three months experience. I’m guessing it doesn’t matter the time on the road but if you can actually drive or learn
I do enjoy it and it’s fun.
Everyone be safe

 

I can usually read how much experience someone has at driving or if I should be aware of them. I bought a camera for the truck. I have gloves, thinking of having two pair, one for fuel them one for freight and drop and hooks.
The law chair is a good idea.
I was driving slow taking my time. I still get nervous.
The only thing I hate is I miss my wife and kids. I was spoiled seeing them every day, had my own hours. Never been out of Florida accept winter time so it’s cool seeing the trees and color.
I try to stop at truck stops for showers other than that I run my time out. Thanks again any advice will help.

 

A cat lol. No I’m not an animal person. I hear dogs are okay to have but I would want a pet monkey.