A little past...a new future

Sigh...

We all make mistakes, Lord knows I've made mine. Never went to prison but that's by the grace of a merciful and patient God. Couple DWI's 25 and 18 years ago and a litany of misdemeanor charges related to drinking. Around ten years ago I finally figured out the correlation between 80 proof and waking up to striped sunlight wondering what I'd done this time and in an unusual display of wisdom, put down the bottle for good.

Got sick of dead end, go nowhere jobs and decided to follow an old dream to drive a truck. Got into the WIOA program in my home state of NC and had my tuition paid for as well as mileage reimbursement, which was a nice surprise as my school is a little drive away, and started my journey last week.

So far I'm doing good, got 100's on all my tests so far and in the one instance I've gotten behind the wheel for a quick couple/uncouple lesson, I proved to be the only person in my class that could handle a clutch. One guy didn't even know what a clutch was and asked what that knob on the long stick (I swear that's exactly what he said) was for. About had a stroke trying to figure out how anyone could be so mechanically uninformed but gave up on it when it began to make me a little crazy.

Anyhow, I find myself in a position that many before me have and that's knowing that my first job out of school will be with a "second chance" company.

I would sincerely appreciate input from experienced drivers who themselves had to start their careers by the "second chance" route on companies that would be a good place to get in and get a year or so experience so I can open other doors currently closed. I would very much like to find a company that may be "second chance" that I could settle in with for 15-20 years and make a good career with if such a place exists, demonstrating a bit of loyalty to an outfit willing to take a chance on me but it seems that the normal route to making good money is to put in your year and then move on and I will do what I have to do to make a good living after years of self-imposed struggle.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

My career counselor, who had access to my MVR as well as my BC, told me that my best route was to work through one of the "second chance" companies and I took that at face value. Perhaps that was a mistake on my part. Is it possible that I could end up with a "do not hire" tag on me permanently at one of the majors if I apply and they refuse me based on my past history?

 

No, it is not.

 

Well, he's a she, and she's been placing graduates for 19 years so I imagine she has a pretty solid feel for such things, however you have given me something to think about and discuss with her. I appreciate it.

I have been very forthright with everyone from school administration to recruiters. It became very clear, very quickly that these companies check every last detail and I had best not forget anything.