What was your previous prior to trucking? (For those with a career change)

Hello!
Happy Easter!

I was wondering for those of us who had to take a career change and start driving commercially, what was your previous job expertise?
I am 30 and I trained as an Airline pilot, flying Airbus in Europe... Then my wife and I decided to move back to the US... Did everything I needed to be able to fly as a commercial pilot here but after so many (too many) months of waiting around, I decided it was time for a change and start a new career, hoping for better days in Aviation...

Now looking at various options to get the CDL!!

So what's your story?

Tony

 

Welcome to our country Spaceship.

My story is I worked for TWA (remember them?) for 38 years before they sold out to American and tossed our butts to the curb. Spent a lot of years doing Flt Crew Planning (trips and lines of time) Crew recovery, and Flt Attendant Crew Scheduling.
Also did some time in Capacity Mgt figuring over booking levels for flts. Since we did get furloughed I was able to get my truck school paid for at the local Community College in KCKS.

I miss the airline industry but am quite happy in my little nitch of the trucking world. I tried to get in the flying side many years ago but was just enough color blind to only get a restricted private licence. Logged about 75 hours back in the late 60's and have not flown since.

 

4th grade teacher, emt intermediate, recreation, and sleep away camps

 

I was a Career Firefighter for 25 yrs

 

Bank Sr. VP

 

Oh absolutely! TWA! That was really back then when Aviation was still "glamorous"! Did you know that a junior First Officer flying for a regional carrier can earn up to 20k a year? They spend so much money for training and if you dont have the chance to join a major airline, the package you get is not really great all... So that is why I have been considering this career change (and also I have to admit that it has been in my head for quite some time, to drive a big rig!). I guess we come from all different backgrounds and that's what make our profile interesting for an employer!
I have been looking at CDL schools as well as company sponsored CDL. Even though, people tend to strongly advise against this option, I might be considering, still, Roehl and their schooling program. I am just about to apply so I will see then, depends on what they say of course...
Have a great week ahead!

 

I've been in the hotel industry for the past 13 years. Went into the maintenance dept about 8 years ago and was recently promoted to supervisor(2 years ago). Told to cut hours but keep productivity up. Was lied to about pay, have had numerous #$$ chewings for problems not even related to my department, and have been called a liar to my face from the housekeeping supervisor and the general manager. Finally had enough...

 

I spent 21 years working in car dealership parts departments. Finally made manager at one and couldn't make any money. Also, dealing with the public was getting tougher to do. Only been OTR for a short time and loving it.

 

Network engineer.. got terminated for a bogus reason more than two years ago

Sometims I miss it and then the rumble strip brings me back to reality

 

Spent four years as a Combat Medic in the Army, and was also licensed as a civilian EMT-P. Returned home after I got out the Army and joined the National Guard. Couldn't find any worthwhile EMT jobs in my part of MS, and my Platoon Sergeant in my Guard unit suggested I give CDL driving a shot.