Time for a final change

I've been reading this forum for a few weeks now, so why not join I figure.

I've had a few careers already, and have two different college degrees, neither of which I am using anymore. My credit it shot due to massive student loan debt (in excess of $100,000) and I have no interest in returning to either field that I have degrees in.

I had an uncle (who I never met) who used to drive a truck back in the '60s, and I heard many stories of how well he did. I know the industry has gone through major changes since then, but I am still attracted to the lifestyle.

I've worked all over the country already, working in many seasonal locations, most of which were national parks. I've been used to the life nomadic for several years now, and I quite like to travel around. One of my favorite parts of seasonal work was the road trip from one place to the next....so I think OTR is perfect for me. I have no ties to any single place....not married, no kids, and I love the road.

I can't make up my mind whether or not to independently acquire my cdl through a school, or goto a company that sponsors you. I'm leaning towards going to a school first, as it seems some companies, I've read, seem to take advantage of the drivers they sponsored.

I'm also trying to figure out which company to apply to. I've read a lot of conflicting stories about many places. I currently know someone driving for Swift, and he's had no major problems, and he's been driving for a little under a year. It sounds like there is no end to the amount of miles available with Swift, which is ideal for me, because I really have no strong ties to any kind of "home." I suppose I can start a thread under a different category to continue that discussion though, or add to an existing one.

I imagine, driving OTR, I could have my debt paid off in about ten years, maybe less? I know the job doesn't pay much starting out, but it sounds like it really starts to pay off after about five years...and I've learned to be more patient about such things....more than I used to be at least...heh.

I'm currently driving a taxi in a major metropolitan area, and the money is ok, so I figure I can save a few thousand dollars for a cdl school by Jan or Feb. That would be some cold temps for me to learn in, but maybe that's a good way to learn?

Anyway, that's my story, so far. I know for a fact that by sometime next year, I'll be on the road, with the last career I'll ever work for, and hopefully the last company I'll ever have to apply to. I welcome any comments or thoughts.

Nighthawwk