Looking for advice on my situation

Onetruckpony, just gave you some really good advice!

 

I've been driving a truck since 2005 and to be honest I got real dang lucky on my driving jobs. I went to a trucking school for a 3wk crash course to obtain my CDL which I paid for out of my own pocket at the grand total of about 4k. I didn't have to deal with the big company's and I was home most weekends. I left a $15 per hour job to do it (big mistake to be honest) but I got the opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do as a kid. I loved it and was making some good jack. I can remember times where I deposited 1200 to 1500 per week but I ran my back side off to do it. When I came home for the day to day and a half I was tired and didn't feel like doing anything. Then I met my now wife, she understood my job and what I did, BUT I will tell you this it did put a strain on our relationship BIG TIME cause I never felt like doing anything and didn't have much time to send with her. I got the opportunity to go to work for her dad's company as a transportation manager as they wanted to get into trucking to haul their own product. I drove for them till we built our fleet up to the point where I had to come off the road and take care of all of the trucking, dispatch, drivers,ect. I took a big cut in pay but money isn't everything. I was watching my step son grow up and I wasn't there to enjoy it. I love driving a truck but now that I'm married I have no desire to get back in one again. I guess my point is you can make good money, but it's not that good of pay when you figure the hours you put in AND it's dang tough on a family especially when your young and have a young child at home. Good luck with what ever you decide to do. This is a super board with lots of great people with some good advice, but you have to do what you feel you have to do.

 

The original poster seems to be in a bind. If trucking is your only viable option out of your situation, I would suggest that you go to the unemployment office and inquire about Workforce Investment Act (WIA). It may be possible that you qualify for a grant because you are under-employed. The money /grant goes directly to your school so you don't get your hands on it; but, the good news is that you do not repay the money. While it could be a long shot, what do you have to lose by asking about it?
.
The other option, signing a contract to work for a company in exchange for schooling is not a terrible idea. Some people think of this as slavery but lets get real here. There is no free lunch. Nobody is going to give you CDL training for free. Obviously, the company is going to get something out of the deal. After your obligation is completed, you have your CDL free and clear. You will be an unrestricted free agent with a years experience and you are able to make the best deal for yourself anywhere you can.