Wanna Be Drivers

That's exactly what we wanted. My husband and I both left very good jobs to do something different. Kids are grown, have been in the same fields for almost 30 years....time to do something else! We just finished school on Thursday and are on the job hunt. I have to admit, reading this forum has made me very disheartened. I spent all yesterday scanning the posts on the different companies trying to find one that was considered good. I decided there isn't one, everything is so negative, that we are just gonna start shooting out applications and see what happens.

Good luck to you....follow your heart. We decided that we didn't want to be 75, sitting in our rockers saying "we didn't even try".

 

bjohn920 there are a lot of people in your position. Schnieder has a commercial that shows a guy in his office while a truck rolls buy and he looks out and sighs. The the next time you see the rig from the office, the office is empty and the guy is in it. So you are not alone.

I loved driving a schoolbus but needed more money. If it was just about the money then I would have gone back to welding. Before the bus I was welding, making good money but very miserable.

As far as your job is concerned The grass is always greener on the other side. Your job might be a dream job for some but if it isn't for you then why not change. I remeber one day driving down I44 in my pickup. A 18 wheeler carrying Tracker boats passed me. I told him on the cb when he was clear so he could move over, I mentioned that I probably welded a couple of those boats. He started drilling me questions about pay and such and how nice it would be to be home every evening. Then I told him how much I would rather be in his shoes driving the rig. We should have probably traded jobs right there. LOL It's all on how you look at it. Reality is how you perceive it.

 

I wanna be a trucker because Im tired of the factory work. I like being independent and not having a supervisor looking over me all the time.
I have always liked the big trucks especially the ones pulling flatbeds.
I enjoy seeing places I havent seen before and I like driving.
There may not be as much money in it as there used to be but if I can bring home more than $300 a week then I will be happy.

 

I've worked in a factory building cars for over 30 years. Retired from GM last July. I've always dreamed of driving a truck. Rode with my uncle a few times before I started at GM, and absolutely loved it. GM came along and all I could think of was a pension after 30 years. My uncle and I were going to truck together after I left GM. Well don't you know it, an accident took him from us on April 14, 1990. Someone in a 4-wheeler pulled out in front of him at an intersection, and instead of slamming the car and crushing the driver, he put it in the ditch and rolled over. Was at home a week later and had a rupture because of internal injuries he had suffered. By the time the ambulance got there, it was too late.

So after a move to upstate PA later this year, and after I get settled in, I plan on pursuing that dream. No kids, and a wife who is behind me 100%It's not for the money...I have a real nice pension....but for the passion and desire to do it before I leave God's green earth, plus i'll have a guardian angel riding with me...I miss you Unk.

 

Very touching story, Hitman.

I like the others here am not out for the money. I haven't left high school yet, but I'm determined to be a truck driver. When I ask my classmates what they plan on doing when they get older, they put out some career and they kind of get a smug look and then they reassure me (or themselves?) that it's a very high pay job. However, when I get the question, I proudly answer, with a HUGE grin. (and I don't plan on having a wife and kids any time soon, so nothing to hold me back or have "home time" as required in my job searches! (= )

Still grinnin'!

 

Willocouple, my wife and I look forward to seeing how you make out. Train together? or separate? We are going to apply at Watkins Shepard, but due to personal credit issues we will probably not get approved for their financing and may just pay for school ourselves this summer. So we may be in the same boat as you. I agree about this forum, it can be a real downer to us "wannabes", but it can't be all that bad as these guys and gals still do it day in and day out. No illusions of "glamour" whatsoever, just the desire to do it!
Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Then i'm sure that you noticed, the same companies that are in the BAD company forum, are also in the GOOD company forum. I really do believe that attitude and a good work ethic has alot to do with weather you have a good or bad experiance with a company. And just like any other job, you are going to have good days and bad days.