Bad idea?

I'm a 30 year old mom of 2. My daughter's dad and I are very close and we share parenting of our kids. This stated, I took a chance in getting married again and he ended up walking out one day when he said he was going to run errands...yeah yeah I know. I'm not very good at this relationship stuff.

This stated, I'm an LPN and having a tremendously difficult time finding work. I have no resources as I was forced to stay home when my husband deployed to the Middle East w/the military, and am now faced with losing everything.

My kids are older now (pre-teen) and I'm wondering about truck driving. I have a stellar driving record, no criminal history, I'm not overweight but I am a diet-controlled diabetic (no insulin needed). Can I do this? Due to our military life, i've driven all over the country and back w/2 kids, alone, and had no issues with it whatsoever.

I don't have the most stable job h istory as I've been a stay at home mom, and because of the military. Is this a deterrent for apprentice programs like with Prime? Any info would be super appreciated. Thanks in advance for hearing me y'all..

 

I also am an LVN/LPN (depends on what side of the country you're on) and I will be getting my CDL and doing 'team' w/my husband.

I think I 'could' do this job on my own - many women do - but I don't know if I (myself) would want to. It is a HARD job. In conditions that are not always the best (think snow/rain/ice/heat etc) - also yes your kids are older - but - you will not see them (if you do OTR) for possibly (very good possibility) of weeks at a time. They are in their 'preteen' years - just starting to test the limits. I don't think I could have parented my daughter if I wasn't right there with her.

Ultimately it will be YOUR decision - but make sure you think it all the way through!!

 

I would think you need to find a way to put your LPN experience to work and raise your kids. Even if that means relocating. Unless you've got someone else you deeply trust that would raise your kids for you. Even if someone accepts your current level of diabetes, if the diabetes progresses it'll squash a driving career. So it'd be a huge gamble.

 

Thank you so much for the insight. I truly appreciate it. I'm in sort of a desperate situation and frankly, sick and tired of being at the mercy of others. I drove through a ridiculous snow storm from Texas to Ohio w/2 babies and a dog in a 20 year old truck. lol. But I know this kind of truck driving is an entirely different world. I'm a little angry that I feel so backed into a corner as to consider being away from my babies for this long to be able to support them. Just not sure of another way at the moment. Thank you so much again for your insight.

 

I don't have the means to relocate. I've got 100.00 in my pocket, and my husband is required by federal law to ensure that the bills are paid until our divorce is over .If I don't find work that can sustain my children and I until then, we're literally on the street.

 

((HUGS)) - I don't know if you are a praying type of person - but it helped me!! We (hubby and I) were put into a rock/hard spot type of situation - but this opened up and other events laid into place - so we followed the path laid out. It might/might not be that trucking/driving is the answer for you - but I will send good thoughts/prayers your way!

 

Thank you very much. You have a beautiful heart. <3

 

It could be kind of tough on the kids, since you would be gone for weeks at a time. That could be a tough one, and you should have some discussions with your kids about what you are thinking about doing. Realize that you will miss things. My husband missed his step-son's high school graduation this year.

The employment thing, since some of it has been due to being in a military family will be easy enough to explain. Gaps in employment can be explained.

That being said, it can be done. It is a hard job, but as long as you can handle the industry, weather, rude drivers on the road, and all the other stuff that goes with the industry, you should be fine. The hours are long, and it can be rough since you are out there alone. It can also be very rewarding and enjoyable! I'd go back to it in a heartbeat if I didn't have a bad back and bad shoulder! I really miss it.

Talk it over with your kids, since they will be affected by this the most. Browse the forum and see what other drivers go through to get an understanding of the industry, and think long and hard about it before making the jump.

Since your kids are pre-teen they are at or close to the age where they would be allowed to ride along with you during the summer (one at a time), which can be fun for them. Just count on them being ready to get out of the truck after about two weeks.

 

On the surface it woulkd seem like you are almost willing to try anything, and we understand that , however, I do not believe trucking would work out well for a person in your situation. Keep trying with your medical training, and know we are hoping for the best for you. Good luck.

 

Best Of Luck to You I am doing it and have a young son at home and I have shared parenting