I think I made it!

As with many, I came to this site when I was just starting to think about becoming a truck driver. I asked questions, read alot and absorbed some of the knowledge and wisdom of the wonderful folks on this site. But, I didn't know if I could do this or not. I think we all have certain anxieties about this occupation, would I be able to learn to back into a tight dock, would I go out and get in a bad wreck after in my first month, etc.
I started exploring this possibility in 2012, but for many reasons, I ended up not actually beginning until August of 2019. I went to the Swift Academy in Phoenix and on September 13th (it was a Friday), I passed my CDL exam. I went out with a mentor. I had a rough, gruff, crude ole Mexican dude who was 64. Took me a week to adjust, but after my first miserable week, I calmed down and we ended up having alot of fun. Guy had a heart of gold and had been training folks for 16 years. I consider myself lucky and am gratefulI found such a great trainer. OMG we laughed so much.
Anyway, I completed the mentor phase on October 31st and began my solo career on November 1st, 2019. My first month was HORRIBLE. I cried, several times, and I seriously thought of just quitting. I had 2 preventables (both minor truck stop parking dings with no injuries and only minor vehicle damage). But, I didn't quit. Second month was better, but still bad. About my third month solo things kinda broke even and at about 6 months I finally started enjoying it some.
There are quite a few options for being a truck driver. Some, like myself, enjoy being OTR and others want a local gig. Some go to a dedicated situation and/or a fixed routing, of sorts. Thing is, there is alot more variety to this than I think many realize at the onset, at least that is what I discovered. Regardless, I found that I seem to have found my niche right out the gate. I'm an OTR reefer jockey and any and every time I consider something different, I find I think I like what I am doing better. Only change has been I went from being OTR all over to staying, mostly, on the West Coast.
Anyway, the point of this post is that a couple of weeks ago I had the epiphany that I made it. I know many who try this occupation end up not making it. No shame. It is a unique occupation and easier to get into than survive through. So, alot of folks try this and find it simply isn't for them. But, some of us try it and finds it fits. When it does fit, I feel it is kind of a special thing. I just think you have to have certain natural personality traits, behaviors, attitudes and aptitudes. And, when you have this stuff, this is a unique occupation to fall in love with. I know I have. It is far from perfect and does require sacrifices. But, also offers rewards of a special and unique nature. I know when I driving along I get this zen about driving and traipsing through beautiful scenery, which is abundant in the West, I just get this, Wow, this is special and something I know I'll cherish for a long time.
Lastly, I tend to ramble and be a tad verbose, sorry, I just wanted to share some hope with those who are new or just thinking about doing this. Trucking is a unique occupation with unique demands and rewards. It is definitely possible to try this, succeed, and fall in love with doing. I'm closing in on 2 years and still have lots to learn and experience. But, I know someday I'll end up hanging it up and I tend to think that will be a sad day for me.
To those thinking of doing this, I wish you nothing but luck and good fortune.

 

I'm hoping and trying hard not to be complacent! I understand both how it can happen and the problems it can create. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

 

I didn't, but I don't think I would have cared. I'm about as macho as a banana, so such 'manly' things as not crying in front of others I'm not very good with.

 

I think the Academy wording is a little stupid. But, I didn't name it and it did what I needed it to do, get me a CDL. I've had a good experience with Swift and still with them. Maybe someday I'll venture elsewhere, but for now, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!