A bit stressed out about this career move into trucking.

So I have a two year degree as a Network Engineer and I'm, well you guessed it, a Covid layoff victim. The cost to maintain and keep up with my credentials is just too costly and stressful for me in this industry (IT), so I've decided to make the career change to becoming a trucker. Seriously looking at Millis Transfer or Metropolitan Trucking because they offer low cost training.

The problem is I'm in training with an Amazon DSP but am seriously reconsidering because, I don't like the idea that they'll constantly have me on the road. OTR isn't even my lane but I wouldn't even mind doing that for experience over this because I think risks are lower. As long as you manage fatigue well and take your job skills seriously. But to be on local roads with elderly and young student drivers, I just don't like the idea they can cause a stain(s) on my record. Because even if I'm not, having too many will make it seem your partly at fault. I really want to optimize my odds of maintaining a super clean driving record. I'm older and want to be careful about how I maintain my credentials because I can't afford another career change. To me that involves weighing my options and mitigating any risks.

Rather work with a service truck (crane, boom, etc.) or construction (dump, concrete boom, etc.) with infrequent stops where I'm on a job site for a longer period of time. I see there are entry level cdl jobs with fair pay and will provide training to do niche skills. I also heard that the 1 year OTR requirement is just there for insurance reasons and some jobs will still hire you if you can prove you have the skills.

So the question for me now is do I continue to lead this DSP on and try to build my career through (by way of promotion) knowing the best is a step truck while running the higher risk of messing up my record being employed by them.. or just get my CDL and apply for an entry level position doing a job where the risks are mitigated and work is routine and stable?

 

Are you in New Jersey?

 

South Florida, Palm Beach County

 

Have you checked with Millis about hiring Florida students for their school?

 

I contacted them about an hour ago so I'm hoping to hear from them tommorow so that I can inquire, share my plans, and gather their take on my situation and options.

 

Millis is a good choice.
You can also get free cdl school through the Florida WIOA Program.

 

I agree about Millis. I checked out Metroplitan and the imnpression I got was, they'll help get you a CDL but probably not well respected in the industry at all.

I found Millis through a post you made earlier but I've learned a great deal about the industry and other schools you commented about. So a warm thanks for that. I will look into this program as I had no idea it existed. Thanks again.

 

Will you please move up here to Pensacola, FL, and get a job with Navy Federal Credit Union? They’re expanding and hiring like crazy. Low cost of living, Trump country, and sugar white beaches. You’ll be making six figures in no time.

 

Sounds like a good opportunity & plan. I wish I was a indoor person that would work for me. I love the great outdoors. I'll take Pensacola for 200 Jack.(I'm in Pennsylvania cold territory)

 

Can't make any promise but I will check out their job board. Thanks.