New Career ... From the beginning.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Markus, Nov 10, 2011.

  1. bw77

    bw77 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 11, 2011
    Upstate, NY
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    You are well on your way to learning a new skill, a way to make a living.
    What if the radio job does not work out? If you want to go back to driving
    then, what will a potential employer think of your job record?

    If I was in your shoes, I would keep on truckin for a while. Maybe drive the
    48 states instead of just the NE.

    After a while, maybe find a local job where you would be home every night.
     
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  3. Flameout891

    Flameout891 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 5, 2012
    Washington
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    Markus, as has been said, it is truly your decision whether to return to radio or not.
    It is just my opinion, but I think it is human nature to want to remain within our personal comfort zones. Places and situations in which we are familiar.
    I think you made a great decision to have stepped up and out of your comfort zone. What you have accomplished thus far has been outstanding and you can feel proud of that! It has and continues to challenge you. By your own admission, you are just beginning to feel a "command" over your truck and your skills, each day getting better and better. While you have learned a lot so far, I am guessing there is much, much more out there yet to be learned. Everyday provides you with a chance to be challenged. And when you succeed, do you not feel the "WOW" factor inside yourself? A true sense of accomplishment? Kinda saying to yourself, that was awesome! Maybe it was scary as ###### but what's next? Bring it on? I'm feeling good!
    That is living my friend. I guess I would ask myself, will going to a radio station everyday provide me with that same kind of "wow" factor, the excitement, adrenaline rushes you know you've had thus far in trucking?
    It is up to you. Whatever you decide, I know you have been an inspiration to many looking at trucking and perhaps those already well into it.
    You will make the right choice for yourself and your family. I wish you the best with whatever you decide to do.
     
  4. Markus

    Markus Guest

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    Sep 26, 2011
    Westmoreland, NY
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    thanks you guys...It's valentines day..you know...and my wife is a florist..she has been going flat out since Monday morning...trying to fill orders. I need to talk with her about this decision. But, many of you have been telling me that I know the answer...just need confirmation. I feel disappointed when I think I won't be driving any more. I have NEVER liked doing an morning show..it means getting up at 3:30.. my body has never liked that... and at 61+, it's not liking the idea. I really like the manager of the station..he and I have become good friends...kindred spirits really..and that is part of what's pulling at me. But, I went out today and bought a 12 volt cooler for the truck..and a SIRIUS Radio... I wouldn't have done that if I were not going to use them. Some of you made good points about the way Schneider has treated me...bending over backwards to keep me even after a number of (minor) accidents.. I've invested some pretty good $$ in getting my CDL... I dont think I could forgive myself if I made an about face at this point. You guys are really great...thanks for your input.
     
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  5. dairyman

    dairyman <b> Hopper Thread Greeter</b>

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    Oct 31, 2009
    Ky.,wait'n in line
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    Enjoyed your thread Markus,nice read:biggrin_25514:. You have definately had an adventure so far,and looks like you have a purty large group following along with ya,almost kinda like a radio show:biggrin_25525:.Good luck with whatever you decide!

    P.S. If you do decide to keep driving that pumpkin and end up going solo OTR, drop me a PM when you get to the Bluegrass State,the dinner is on me,as long as i don't have to park next to ya:biggrin_25522::biggrin_2559:
     
  6. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    Dec 18, 2011
    South GA
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    Marcus...... the reason I decided to 'make the switch' was largely because I was tired of other people and the circumstances of the economy dictate how or where I would live my life. I was tired of the 'metrics'......tired of the 'quotas'.......tired of having to improve upon something that hasn't changed in 50 years.

    My best guess (being formerly radio myself) is that it was the morning drive and then go out and sell. Let's face it, a Christian radio station isn't hiring you for your 'pipes'..... they're hiring you to sell and to support the morning show. Your worth and performance will likely be based on sales, not radio performance. And you know as well as I, that the day will come when they say, "yes indeed, we're spreading the Lord's word, but we really need you to step up and support this station via sales".

    Man, screw a bunch of radio sales..... just tell me where the load is, where it's going, and when it needs to be there.......I'll be good.

    Good luck, buddy. And I as so many others appreciate your candor and experience.
     
  7. Wedge

    Wedge Road Train Member

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    Jun 20, 2010
    Griffin, Georgia
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    If you decide to leave your driving job now, with what little experience you have, take the radio gig, and let's say it doen't meet your expectations. If you elect to go back into trucking, you may find it difficult to get back in because of your lack of experience. Schneider may not be willing to bring you back on board and that means you'll be starting from scratch.

    I won't claim to know your heart, only you do. You know what's important to you. I'm saying this so that you can weigh one against the other. It's a big decision, and there's only 'One' that can provide you with that type of guidance.
     
  8. Markus

    Markus Guest

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    Sep 26, 2011
    Westmoreland, NY
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    I sent a letter to the radio station manager today...thanking him for considering me...but...declining the job offer. You guys made some very good points...not the least of which....without a years's experience..,this whole trucking thing will have been a waste of time. The common sense part of me argues..."trucking is such an anti social lifestyle....you work...alone...for up to 14 hours a day.....have few home type comforts.....see your family just a few hours a month...who the heck would want a job like that? I guess I do!
     
  9. Perpetual

    Perpetual Medium Load Member

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    Jan 31, 2012
    Maryland
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    Way to stick with it, Markus. :biggrin_25514:

    Perpetual.
     
  10. castshop

    castshop Bobtail Member

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    Nov 27, 2011
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    glad you stuck it out I think the 1 year thing is the smart move. It is none of my bus. but are you making money driving. been thinking about this for a long time. I have a good none cdl driving job just got a new 1 year contract. I did not think I would get the contract but I did so I guss I will put off the cdl for 1 moore year. been reading your post since you started
    good luck and god bless
     
  11. sammycat

    sammycat "Oldest Hijackerette"

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    Apr 11, 2010
    Rochester, NY
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    Mark
    Glad to see you sticking it out!
    And the best part of this whole forum and your thread along with all the others- is it is nice to sometimes throw something out there so you can get some opinions from others-opens up a different perspective on what you may or may have not thought about.

    Keep the thread going I really enjoy your posts!!!
     
    Markus Thanks this.
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