Advice on a way to tell my folks i found a new career / trucking company ...

OMG, that's the funniest thing I'll read all week!

 

I'm a newbie (obvious by my post count and student status), but currently work at a furniture manufacturer. We've had all manner of truckers come in to pick up our stuff, nobody in our entire outfit has a bad word to say about any of them. A few of us check out their rigs (the custom ones) and most of us are pretty appreciative of their patience and general attitude. We know their time is money, and try to hurry up-but sometimes hiccups happen-they're always cool. Never had a bad driver stop by our shop, never had a bad word to say bout any of them. Told my friends and family what I wanted to do-and they figure it a smart move-money, transferable skills, and good decent career to raise a family is what they all see. In all honesty, the most and worst words I've seen against other truckers is right here on the forum. Maybe you guys just see the crud more, but a lot of us on the outside see you guys as go getters, money makers, and all around cool people.

 

With all respect, I don't understand why you would have any difficulty telling your folks that you decided to be a truck driver. Well... I don't know you, don't know your employment history, don't know your parents or what they think... As you wrote here, you have done a year of reading and research, you chose a trucking company that you like... So... go for it. Will you ask your parents to pay for the CDL training? Why do you need their "approval"? If money is an issue, maybe you can find some federal program that will pay for your training in some community college. Or maybe the trucking co. you chose may train you if you sign up with them.
Well... if you have been reading this forum for a while, you may be well aware that trucking is a big change in someone's life. Some folks can't stay for more than 6 months while others adapt pretty well... You may like it or you may not... Only time will tell... I wish you good luck.

 

I think you have a good attitude and you appear to be approaching this in a very positive way. You have a very good chance of being the professional you desire to be.

As for how to tell the "rents"...I have only read as far as page 6 so I will be super bummed to find out someone else suggested this...I think the best way to tell them is by using the obvious that loudly proclaims an association with the trucking industry...pull up to the house at 2am and lay on the air-horn; then your parents, the neighborhood and the entire world will know.

 

Your answer is right in your very own post. Read it.

You did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions. You want to stand on your own. You want to make a solid future for yourself. Not many people can say that they did any research about the JOB they are spending their life at. I have A 25, 21, 17 year old kids. I would be proud if they said that about any career they choose. I am also becoming a truck driver myself. I believe it to be a very admirable career. Glamorous? NO. But cool? YES. Right now I am a cowboy. There are millions of "cowboys" very few real ones. I see trucking the same way. There are millions, but few true truckers. They know who they are and can tell who the others are. They are the ones that give honest advice, trying to help others become better and safer. Take pride in what they do. There are some threads on here that represent exactly what im talking about. Not your stereotypical trucker. So be true to yourself, proud of who you are, and a stand up guy. Good Luck to you.

 

If that doesnt work, I agree with the pulling into the driveway and laying on the horn.

 

Good for you. If you take that approach to all of life's major decisions, you'll have few regrets when you get old.

 

Great choice. And they just opened that really terrific training center!
May you have a blessed life.