I don't think I should drive anymore. Dispatchers?

My research of several companies reveals they want dispatchers to have a college degree. As a veteran (and I thank you for your service from the bottom of my freedom loving heart) and experienced driver, you may have a good chance even if you don't have a degree. How are your computer skills? I think they are still using as400 IBM midrange with desktop terminals.
Go for it! Best of luck.

 

The side effects you are describing will create numerous problems for you behind a desk as well.

Dispatch is, if anything, harder than driving. Ya gotta juggle 30-40 trucks, all with different issues and attitudes, plus play nice-nice with the customers, PLUS play all the traditional office politics BS.

I've been on that side of the desk. Wouldn't mind going back to it, truth be told. But it AIN'T easy, and loss of attention there could cost major bucks.

 

Sera is another name for Zoloft. And the Traz makes good sleepy time for some.

no wonder you cannot drive well or do much with those meds on board. It's not specifically illegal but could generate a problem driving a CMV.

And you want to be a dispatcher in a world where 100 drivers need babysitting, appointments, some running late, others in issues with road calls, shop, weather this and taht and etc etc etc? ugh.

I think whatever your root medical problems are, if those medicines are helping quality of life, great but you probably are not going to be working much as you were once upon a time.

 

Do what is safe.
If your gut is telling you that you shouldn't be behind the wheel... you probably shouldn't.

As far as I know, if YOU request the treatment, your job is safe, at least for a while.
Get to the root of the problem and get it fixed if possible.
You did a great service for us ALL.
Take advantage of the services at the VA (and your company insurance too!) to get treated properly.
Whatever it costs WE as a nation owe you that. Don't let it cause your mental capacity to deteriorate because you're trying to "fight it".

There's no shame.

Then, get back out here and truck with me.

 

Thank you for your service and sacrifices.

If you feel unsafe, get out from behind the wheel. However, I don't believe the company necessarily needs to know the reason you want a desk job. There are companies that wish to have former drivers at the helm of the computer, not sure if yours is one, but they do exist. In some cases, that holds more weight than a degree.

 

Get into safety. Pay for a couple of OSHA certs and use your military history. Our safety guy's main qualification is that he drove a truck for a long time and didn't get dead.

 

Thank you for being willing to open up to us about this matter, and for serving this great nation.

Have you considered asking your doctor about strategies to mitigate the side effects, like changing your dosage or trying a different medicine?

Not only did I find dispatch to be infinitely more stressful than driving, it also required a lot more focus and concentration (I have ADHD). Not trying to discourage you, just giving you an honest assessment from someone who has driven the desk.

 

Honestly, that's the direction I'd go in. I'm actually looking for a position in Safety that will look at my experience behind the wheel (and the fact I'm still alive AND have a good reputation as a safe driver with numerous carriers)