If You Could Do It Over, What Would You Change?

Hello, Today I signed up with Trucking Truth. Thank you for having me as a part of your community. I've already received a call from Jim Palmer and I also submitted my application to Alexandria Technical & Community College in Minnesota, utilizing the resources of Trucking Truth.

I'm in my late 40's and was laid off 1.5 months ago from the RV industry. Having managed service shops in that industry and also a Peterbilt shop, I've come to the conclusion that it's just not what I want to do anymore. As a younger man, I ran mobile tire service for outfits that catered to tractor trailer accounts. Other than that, my experience with trucking is limited yet I have a good grasp on what is entailed.

My wife and I have always worked towards the goal of owning our own business. Well we're still not even close. Driving and getting paid may be as close as some can get to being their own boss and their are several reasons beyond that, why I've chosen to obtain a Class A CDL.

So that was just a brief background and introduction to let you know where I've been and to help explore where I want to go, here are some brief thoughts:

I'd like to be home every night, so over the road may not be for me. That limits companies that are looking for people they are willing to pay to train. Besides that, I initially had more interest in people transportation, tour, city or school bus. As far as trucking, I think I'd like to stick to more local hauling, dumping and or plowing.

The technical college also provides forklift certifications as part of the professional truck driving course, which can be another great avenue of opportunity, as I am already experienced with warehouse and material handling. The course provides training for the endorsements needed for all of the above mentioned.

The tuition is not too big of a deal, although classes do not start until May. Being unemployed, I'd obviously like to get started sooner than later either way. So here are my questions. If you could do it over, what would you change? Would you enroll in a school or go for the contracted paid training?

Everyone has their own reasons for their decision. I'm asking because I'm interested in hearing diverse reasons I may have not considered.

Thank you for your time and my apologies if that was way too long winded.

Veeblefetzer

Since you are recently unemployed you should look into WIAO funding through the unemployment office. It may just be called WIO where you are. It should cover all of the tuition and testing. It's funded by your state.

JJ

Since you are recently unemployed you should look into WIAO funding through the unemployment office. It may just be called WIO where you are. It should cover all of the tuition and testing. It's funded by your state.

JJ

Thanks JJ, I just submitted the application today and there is the opportunity for financial aid. I believe I can discuss that once I meet with a staff advisor. I'll be sure to ask about WIAO or WIO.

Greetings Mr. Fetzer, or if I may be so bold as to call you Veeble. Minnesota has WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). A great source of info on that is your area Workforce Center. I believe your closest one is in Alexandria. Good luck in your future endeavors - Don (Big Lake, MN)

Greetings Mr. Fetzer, or if I may be so bold as to call you Veeble. Minnesota has WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). A great source of info on that is your area Workforce Center. I believe your closest one is in Alexandria. Good luck in your future endeavors - Don (Big Lake, MN)

Thanks Don, I'll be inquiring with the MN workforce center in Alexandria first thing in the morning. :-)