Where Do I Start?

Quick backstory, I've been job hopping for years from temp job to temp job. I have a ton of experience in various fields that has gotten me nowhere. I have a degree and no experience in the field which has gotten me nothing but a ton of debt. I had an apartment but I lost it and have moved in with family. I'm almost forty and trying to get back on my feet ASAP. I'm thinking about trucking because I love traveling and I figure it would give me back my freedom. I currently have a job that pays well but I'm kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop if you know what I mean. The door is revolving and people are disappearing almost daily. No one likes that job and I'd be lying if I said I did. I know we won't like all our jobs, that's a part of life, but I shouldn't dread work and fear my employment status weekly. I'm looking to get into a more reliable career, somewhere that I can hopefully put a nice bit of money on my loans, get an apartment and maybe start a family. I do have a stepson and I have a girlfriend. His mother is an entirely different woman, long story, she has given me her blessings to attempt this as she knows I love travel. He's about five years old. I see him maybe once every three or four months because we live in different states. I don't think this job would impact my relationship with him as long as I can call and talk to him once in awhile. My girlfriend is somewhat quiet on the topic but has said she doesn't want to hold me back. I'm hoping to make around $50K after schooling. My current job pays $35K and I'd like a decent upgrade. I bring in around $500/wk and I've read most trucking schools saying they pay $600/wk. I'm totally fine with that but I hope to make more after school is over. I've read online that some truckers start at $24K. I don't remember where that was but $600/wk doesn't add up to $24K. I'm torn between going to a paid school or trying to save up to go to a school like a community college. I'm not exactly sure what to do here. I'm fine with being OTR. I just hope I'm home once or twice a month maybe? Later on I'd like to be home once a week but I understand starting out that's asking a bit much. I'm not sure what steps to take next, who to ask, what to do, anything like that. I appreciate any and all advice you can give. Thank you.

 

I live in DE, my girlfriend is here in DE and my son is in PA. I don't see my son often due to conflicting schedules. I work four ten hour shifts. His mother works a usual nine to five kind of job. We only have one day off a week where we can see each other and most times my family has me running errands for them. Back when I had my apartment and lived in PA I would see him every day but times have changed quite a bit since then.

 

My Credit isn't so hot. I'm still working on repairing it. I may look into DOT, thank you.

This brings another question in. I have C.R. England, Swift and Smith and Solomon nearby. I spoke to a trucker in the street earlier today and he told me he got his license from Smith and Solomon and to go there. I read bad reviews online so I was skeptical but at the same time I figure people can have bad reviews anywhere.

Speaking of Refrigerated, the family friend told me that and Hazmat were the way to go. Is that true?

Thanks!