Profile For Windfish

Prime actually contacted me quickly. I applied through their website on a Friday afternoon, and a recruiter called by Sunday. Roehl also got back with me within two days of applying online. Maybe that's the way to do it, or I got lucky.

It's been a busy few weeks. First, there was a death in the family (not family per ce, but very close family friend). Then there was a flurry of interviews I didn't expect all at once. In the meantime, I was approved by Prime, and Roehl was just waiting on me to say go. I held off on starting with either of them until I tied up some personal things. I've also continued taking interviews with other companies in my field. I happened to get a great offer from one those interviews and as such, decided to stay in the financial services field, working with a mortgage company in Dallas.

I hope I can stick around here, even as a four wheeler. The community is the best aspect of this site.

Trying to keep up on my Quantum physics project and when I do serious Dock time I pull out my Kindle and read. Reading The Wheel of Time Series now that is like 14-books at about 30 hours a book. So in about 10-years I should finish it. I also have an iPod with music and Audible audio books on it...all mentioned above are one stop shopping at Amazon.

I read all the way through book 7 in high school, which is something considering the size of those books and the amount of free time I claimed I didn't have.

OP, I hear a little of me in you. I will say this though. A college degree isn't necessarily a ticket to a better job. (Please don't hear me discount education and bettering oneself. Due to certain challenges I faced, many thought I wouldn't finish college. The fact I graduated is one of my greatest accomplishments [and from a well known school.]) I took a job last year for $9 an hour working at a sporting goods store. It's the only job I could find at the time. I swallowed my pride and did what I had to do.

My hesitation with taking the plunge into driving is more a lifestyle decision, as the monetary expectations are well known from the companies I'm considering.

I'll echo most of the others. Studying for a test like the LSAT is tough. I took it many years ago, and even without the challenges of being a driver, I struggled even on practice tests. I'd suggest a course for it. Maybe take a week of vacation after your first year, self studying a bit in your free time, and then take a prep class. Testmasters was recommended to me by friends.

(My LSAT score was terrible, but I didn't take a prep class. I didn't even get waitlisted from the schools I applied.)

I have a degree in financial services, so it's not hard to imagine I became a financial advisor after college. I worked in banking, retail brokerage, and really found my niche in life insurance. A certain set events brought me to working in management at a grocery store. Definitely a departure from anything I had done previously. And as challenging as it was to handle the problems of 130 employees and the combined general public, I managed to keep my sanity. I took an opportunity to get back into financial services, but unfortunately it was a massive failure. Nothing against the company (a large, recognizable brand you would know), but it was not like riding a bike after so many years away. The magic was gone. I couldn't sell and I was miserable. I even attempted to return to my previous employer but the company acted as if they didn't know me (despite my accolades there). This brings me to the present, seeking a new opportunity.

Maybe there is a shelter near by. Well, tent and campground sounds better. Keep that good attitude. Wish I could be of more help.

Shelter?!?!?!? Good one!

I really do appreciate the kind words and l know you have my best interests at heart, but sometimes you just gotta say the funny sh*t that crosses your mind!! That was an exceptionally good one Scott, particularly when followed up by the concession to the campground idea!!!

Good job man, you made me feel a whole lot better about this! All I can do is to wait anyway, what the heck else am I gonna do? Enthusiastically commune with nature?!?!?!? LOL After three days at a state camp site, the state of Colorado will be telling Stevens, "Alright already, give this guy his damn job, are you trying to make all the wildlife in Colorado commit suicide?!?!?!?

DSTURBD

Don't scare all the wildlife. I've been waiting three years for a Colorado elk tag!

I've liked your training blog. I lived in Dallas for many years and saw Stevens trucks often. I was up in Garland today (other side of Mesquite). Sorry to hear about the medical hold up. If I still lived up there, I'd let you crash.

Too bad, I was coming back from Dallas and stopped for gas in Hillsboro last night.

Of course, I'm still among the four wheeler ranks for now.

Sorry to hijack the OP's thread. I'm also considering Roehl but have a different situation. I'd rather stay out a month to two months at a time. Does Roehl require one of those home time schedules?

I was driving to Dallas and back yesterday and I had this question. Why a lower price for fuel when pay by cash? I'm guessing it's because of merchant services fees (I worked for a bank once). Does this mean cash as in a debit card, or as in actual greenbacks?

I was in traffic coming back. I slowed down to allow a rig to merge onto the highway. He stuck his hand out the window and waved. It's the small things.

I know you've had some hiccups lately but TransAm is recognizing your hard work. Keep it up!

Thank you for your service.

I'm researching companies as well and the resources on this site are great. I've spoken to Prime and waiting to hear back from Roehl. I'm looking for a company sponsored training program, so I'm in a different boat than you. Both of these companies have top notch training from what I've read thus far.

Thanks. A bit of luck can go a long way. 😊

I'd rather be "lucky" than "good". But...if you're good, many times you make your own luck.

Welcome to the forum Kristian...good luck at getting good.

Strange enough, I heard Lee Corso on ESPN say this once, "Luck is where hard work meets opportunity."

Old School is exactly right. I'm falling victim to something I used to loath myself. I called it "paralysis by analysis." I saw this many times in my previous career when I'd have clients come into my office with a stack of printouts and tons of research, and it didn't help them make a decision any faster.

I've been looking into companies with good training programs and the information on this site has been very helpful. I also agree with Old School about private schools. The two I've been considering cost $4,300, and I could find the money if I wanted to go that route, but why pay that much up front if I'm going to want to stay with a company for at least a year or more anyway? I don't qualify for a WIA grant because I already have a college degree.

I've added Roehl to my list. Their training program looks top notch.

I wonder if an APU or inverter would handle a George Foreman grill? I love mine and use it for just about everything.

So I took the plunge and applied to Prime after doing my research. I got a call from them yesterday. They confirmed things I've read as far as training, pay, and questions about the company. They mentioned a TX, AR, OK, LA regional run too (I'm interested in going to all 48 though, as home time isn't essential to me for now). They said if everything on my background checks out, they could have me in orientation on 6/20. I said that's a little soon for me but I appreciate the positive response.

I'm continuing to research companies, and still considering private CDL school, but confidence is high.

They do still have some so you might want to look at usps.go and click on careers... they do not have to post on the USA jobs site cause they are PS grades not GS.

I stand corrected. I only knew about usajobs because I applied for a position years ago.

I worked for the USPS for 18 years and quit last summer. It was pure hell... but I can tell you that most govt driving jobs have been contracted out to private companies. They do still have some so you might want to look at usps.go and click on careers... they do not have to post on the USA jobs site cause they are PS grades not GS. Keep in mind that all govt jobs require written tests. At the PO the window to apply is only two weeks ans the test is good for 3 years.... meaning it could take FOUR years to take the test and another 3 years to get called for the job.

Also... due to the economy and downsizing.... most depts have a hiring freeze. When I started... I had to work as a temp for 3 years to get hired permanently. Some have already been waiting 8 years.

Not trying to discourage you.... try... but don't think it will happen overnight. I would find a job 3lsewhere first and keep trying federal if that is what you want. But don't only go feseral

The main website is usajobs.gov Most agencies are required to post there first. Be prepared to wait. The lead time can take up to three months for some jobs. You also have to write your resume in a very specific format, or they will toss it. Federal jobs can be great but they are tough to get.

Glad your're back on the road again. You can only control what you can control. You know this. I hope you can pound out some miles this week.