Rookie Driver starting out, scared of OTR, what should i do? thanks

Hey Joy Ride(OP), you still around. 1 post and your done? Didn't like any of the answers i guess.

Anyway, it seems you're main problem is having to drive/bunk with someone; specifically you're trainer. The other issues not being around family and friends regularly; only on weekends. (You only worked for a week, so the missing the family thing shouldn't have been a stressor at this point) and driving solo..These are like a couple of the most complained about issues of a new trucking career and I think you threw those in the ring to take the focus of you're number one issue and that's ...Getting past the Training part of a Trucking career..

We all have to do the training part to some degree, even an experienced trucker moving to a new job has to do it; even if its one day... Companies just can't rely on what you say and what you're past employment and driving record says. They have to put you with someone for awhile to find out...there's no getting around that. and yes I know you never said you're were looking for a way around it. I'm just saying everybody has to do it

So ok Training with someone is a must do..You cant move forward without.
You said you're trainer was a germophobe and wore black clothing and was "intense". And you couldn't deal with it and quit.. From what i have experienced but mostly from what I have read; most truckers would say you got yourself a decent trainer based on those descriptions alone. However, We don't know about his actual training methods...and it is his training methods that are the most important aspect in "judging" a trainer.. and its his patience and his ability to teach according to you're skill living at this point.

He knows very little about you when he is assigned to you and he is responsible for you and how you drive a truck...Remember, when you get behind the wheel and he has to sit in the passenger seat; that's a huge amount of control that he giving up. And without a doubt; he is nervous, too and,perhaps, a little scared; too as you are; but he can't show it, he has to be strong and confident; he's the trainer, he has to show confidence to help you get yours.
So if you're trainer is intense a bit; who can blame him. All he wants is that you're listening to him and trying you're best. He'll know you're weaknesses and strengths in no time and he'll focus a bit on your weaknesses to get you stronger there. So he'll be more intense in that regard..and because its a weakness you have it'll be harder for you to improve and you will perceive his intensity as a meanness of sorts. You just have grow a thick skin that's all.
Its only training, you won't be with the guy for very long.. His intensity will eventually wane as the days go by and you improve.
At the end of the day or beginning of next; ask him what areas he feels you do well and what areas he feels you need improvement on..It might be better to talk him at these times where he can coach you a little in a calm matter..If its backing you're just not getting; he may come up with some alternative training methods in this calm atmosphere; that had escaped him in the heat of the moment when actual backing needed to be done.
Anyway, You really just need to focus on learning part; what he wears and his phobias should really be the least of your concern...not zero concern but low on the list. I understand some trainer idiosyncracies might be deal-breakers to the learning process.

Just talk to your fleet manager or if you can.. talk to your trainer about it...If he's an experienced trainer, he is already aware that things don't seem to be jiving and rather than losing a trainee; which will make home look bad; he will try to work things out with you. And you got to think if its worth the delay in completing your training to do a trainer change...Realize they don't have trainers just sitting around; they're on the road somewhere either with another trainee or doing solo work. So you will have to wait for them to get loads close to you and work their way to where you are, and that can be as long as a week or more; because now they have to find a more compatible trainer for you and get him/her to you...
So just hang in there and learn what he teaches you; and be upfront and honest with him about your training interactions and any idiosyncrasies that he might even be, unknowingly exhibiting...you might find there is a valid acceptable reason for doing or saying some of things that bother you...Good Luck Out There

 

Depending on who you ask (me) local is the way to go anyways. You will most likely be working your ### off long days but you will also most likey make a lot more money than you will staring at a windshield at a started otr company. It's a split depending on who you ask. The otr guys think us local guys are all idiots that are working too hard and us local guys think the otr guys are all fat and underpaid lol. There is a job out there for everyone and it's just a matter of finding what fits for your lifestyle and pays you what you need to make to support said lifestyle. Good luck in the search.

 

Getting paid what you need to make is a consequence of you having the skills, drive and energy to do the work that generates that rate of pay. Top pay goes to top dogs who didnt settle for bottom rungs.