Getting a job with spotty work record

I am 28 and really want to become a trucker, but I am worried about my work history. I have only worked about 6 months out of the last five years, and that was in 2007. Nothing since then. That is partially due to having a medical problem. I screwed up my knee and have trouble walking now, so my choice of jobs was pretty limited and I didn't have any skills or training to fall back on. Also, as you all know I'm sure, the economy hasn't been the greatest.

On the positive side I have no criminal record, no DUIs, no suspensions or anything else like that, no accidents.

What are my chances of being able to find work if I drop 4k on getting a CDL? I can't afford to spend that kind of money and then not be able to find a job. Seems like every job I see advertised puts a great emphasis on work history. Are there any companies out there that are willing to take a chance on someone like me?

The problem I was having with my leg prevents me from being on my feet for long periods of time, but it wouldn't effect my ability to drive or do moderate work for periods of time.

 

For what it's worth, I really haven't had a verifiable job since 2005. I went to Mexico to attend a Spanish school for a few weeks back in February 2006, and then ended up staying there for most of the past 4 years. Lived on some savings I had and from a little money doing some freelance work teaching English, but now I need to get back to a "real" job. I did try working as an auto tech for almost all of 2005, but I was lousy at it. Was mostly in school from 2002 until 2005, so that shouldn't be a problem (you would think). I did stay with the same company for 9 years (1991 - 2000), so hopefully that will show some stability. Looking forward to the responses of experienced drivers on this subject.

 

it will not be easy. i would go with one of the big commponys that will pay for your school in return for a year of work.this way you are making some money and the money you would of paid out can be used to suplement your income. I would look at running team this way can learn from partner and more miles means more money.

 

tdy99 if you do decide to get your CDL i would go with US EXPRESS, they have auto's so you won't be using your leg as much.

 

What's the other part(s)?

 

Was in school for a a year. The rest of the time I was living off of savings and a small trust fund.

 

At this point, I am more interested in just getting my foot in the door than how much money I would be making. I don't mind living pay check to pay check for a while in order to build my resume and have a job. If I could get hired by one of the companies that does training and then a guaranteed job that would be ideal, but I face the same problem with them that I have in general; my lack of references and work history.


Also, Sadietramp, thanks for the advice about US Express, I will keep them in mind.

 

you could write to were worked yourself and ask for a letter to show you worked their.get a copy of your driving record. get the books and do the written exam yourself.get a dot physical this will show any compony you are serious cause you done some things yourself. with the shortage of drivers that supose to be out their you need someplace to take you cause you healthy and willing to learn

 

Good Luck !!!!!!!!!

 

I, too, have had a spotty work record, with occasional stints at regular jobs for a few years or so. For most of my life, I've been the starving artist, though some periods less starving than others. And by artist, I mean acting, stand-up and recently animation.
I've been living on a bit of money I received after my mother passed, and before it runs out (or I make it big) I'm thinking of getting a CDL.

I've had decent stints as a school bus driver, cab driver, and owned and operated my own Traffic Safety School in Texas (the ones for ticket dismissal.) But paycheck stubs have been a rarity for me, as I've always been a self employed type. Always file taxes, but the paper trail gets thin after the 1040's.

So what I'm reading is that a bad employment history affects getting hired by a company that pays for your training. If I've invested my own money in my training, and begin looking for work already licensed, will anyone care?

BTW, glad to find this forum, and I'm sure I'll have more odd questions soon...