Long time listener, first time caller

What would you do?

You're pushing 40, still living paycheck to paycheck. 15 years of clean class B driving for the same company. Never more than a couple hours away from home. No pre-trips or log books. A side gig with some light duty hauls maybe 5-6 hours away, but never anything overnight. Not that I would mind! The only thing you love about your job is the drive, and finding new places. Loyal to the company, hate the job, love the drive.

Always thought about getting class A and going OTR, but never pulled the trigger. Until now. Great timing too with mass unemployment, pandemics, etc. But your mind is made up and you have a decision to make.

A: Withdraw your 401k. After they filet your soul, youve got the cash to put yourself through a CDL school and maintain current income until you find a job.

OR

B: Sign with a mega, take their class, honor the contract and move on. Use 401k to pay off debt.

 

Im running local deliveries in a 30k box truck, central PA near Milesburg (exit 158 on 80). No auto restriction, I have lots of time in a 10 speed. The school is local, and I have a pile of debt (with excellent credit, go figure). Loans or CC is not an option, and I cant take 2-4 months off from paying bills.

As far as gig ambitions, Im pretty open-minded at the moment. I know that no-touch is likely a wet dream at first, but Im here to turn miles not steps. I think I would enjoy being out a few weeks at a time, cross country. Id love to try it. But my focus right now is learning. It will take take to develop the level of proficiency I have in my current gig.

Thank you all by the way for the input advice and knowledge.

 

What can

The potential paycut to get started out is what scares me. Im hoping to be able to find a company that will at least acknowledge my hodgepodge experience in the little trucks.