Scared Newbie Student Driver

I've been reading some of the threads posted here for the last hour. In fact, I just found this blog after Googling "Swift Driver Reviews" and I gotta tell you, I was horrified! Almost everything that came up from that search was negative.

Let me tell you a little bit about me: I'm 47 years old, in my second marriage and I have one seriously wicked ex-wife. In fact, I owe her a LOT of money. I've been out of work for a while (since the housing market crash) but at one time, I had a finish carpentry business going. Needless to say, I've encurred a lot of debt over the last five years. My kids are getting into that age where they couldn't care less about me,,,,so driving a truck seems like a pretty good idea to me! Heck! I won't have to listen to their constant selfish demands, "sloppy room-mate" behaviors, etc. My wife has much more patience than I do regarding the kids!

So, I did some research online and a couple of independent websites recommended Swift. I called the 800 number and was connected with a pleasant, if not "cool" sounding recruiter (Kevin) and I got started immediately on the task list he gave me. I've since passed my written portion of my CDL's, I have my card (Ohio), I've taken my physical and completed my application.

Friends, I'm scheduled to start my school on Monday, May 16th. I've been very excited about this new chapter in my life. That is, until reading all those Google links I mentioned above. Fortunately, I found this Blog and I feel much better about my decision to join Swift's Driving Academy. I hope to attend the school, pass with flying colors, be nominated as Swift's Newbie of the Year, and maybe even have a few movies made about me. However, I will most likely just be another middle aged guy who shows up for class! LOL

Here are my fears (questions), I'd be so grateful if you experienced people would help to ease my fears:

1 How often does a person finish the school but get sent home because this company simply needs some kind of Government subsidy for the number of people put into orientation?

2 I'm a go-getter and I work hard, don't do drugs, I won't complain and I might even be willing to name a kid or two after a dispatcher who gives me lots of miles,,,how likely am I to sit on my butt without a load to haul (earning money)?

3 Is it true that farmer's daughters really look like the women on Dancing With the Stars and often hitch-hike on deserted stretches of lonely highways? (Ok! That isn't really one of my questions)

Here's the bottom line friends! I've heard/read some horror stories. I'm too old to make a huge mistake in life. Tonight, my wife told me she was proud of me for making this decision and pursuing this career. Then she made love to me. Folks,,,I don't want to fail at this. I don't want to let this woman down,,,nor my kids.

I will continue to read the numerous threads on this blog geared for guys like me (newbies). But if you have specific advice,,,,words of wisdom,,,anything to help insure my successful transition into "OTR TRUCKER" status,,,I'd be so very grateful!

Thank you,
Your new friend

 

Witching and leanna,,,thanks!

I suspected that some of the stories were from knuckleheads who just wanted to gripe as much as they could. We had those in the Army,,,and everywhere else I've been since. But like you both mentioned,,,there are those few people,,,I don't want to be one of them.

leanna,,,I hope to get my wife involved with this blog too! Thanks for giving her a reason to read this.

 

Thanks leanna,,,I'll be sure to use the word "forum",,,and you're right of course. We are members of other "forums" and I have a little experience dealing with folks who love to start drama.

Heck! I'm just here to get this CDL and and start making money. My wife is sick of my bald head constantly looking into this computer. I'm ready to get out there and DO SOMETHING in the world. I applied to Playgirl, but they told me the economy is tough right now and they aren't ready to hire another model. I'll let you know how that goes.

I've read so many threads on this site and I gotta tell you,,,,you all sound so friendly and nice around here! I'm not gonna know how to behave! LOL

 

Ironpony,,,GREAT response!

Thanks!

I can't wait to get to know more of you in this FORUM! ::nods to leanna:: You sound like real good people!