Comments By Papa Jim

Class started this week and I finish my first week, just 7 more weeks to go (2 week break for Christmas) before I finish. I've been watching the Phase 2 students backing and pulling forward, then doing it over and over. Seems boring, but I sure it's a necessary evil for the first week.

Until later....

Well, things look good. I went online and filled out a job app today and got my first pre-hire letter. So, I stoked to say the least. And I have not even started class yet.

Brett, sounds like a good plan. Looking forward to getting started.

JanaBanana, thanks for the info.

Danny, sounds good. looking to hear from some soon. I have applied to two so far.

Danny, Thanks for the info. From your information, my only concern at this time is getting hired. I am on hold with a company how while typing. I understand the lifestyle issue compared to a job. I am looking forward to training and learning more.

As to the thoughts about wanting to drive since I was a kid, me too. When I was 15/16, I worked at a gas station and would fuel up the trucks we got coming into and out of Albany, GA. Long time ago, diesel was $.19 a gallon. I always wanted to climb up in the trucks, but never did.

Like many in the good ol USA, I find myself unemployed and looking for employment. Who can miss all the ads for truck driving? It seems to be a wide open field for sure.

My back ground is ministry and military, I have served as a missionary (Eastern NC and Eastern VA), an Associate Pastor and Pastor. With so many young men with Masters degrees looking for churches to serve, and myself only having a BS, it has been difficult to find a place to serve, so I guess, God is sending me in a different direction.

So, I contacted the local Community College and they don't have an opening until March, I chose a Private CDL program to begin on December 2. I had already gotten my CDL B, so I have a headstart anyway.

I headed down to the school, signed the papers, went and got my DOT Medical (didn't need one with my CDL B for school bus), drivers record and paid my deposit, then I came home and went online.

That is when I began to wonder, what am I getting into? My first forum reading was from a husband/wife team with the dispatcher from hell. Boy, did that get me thinking. I was wondering if I better see about a refund from the school. But I kept reading more forums.

Now don't think me naive, I know this will require work, study, family separation, and much more that I have no idea what to antipate yet, but will learn. I also know that people posting will always have different opinions about companies, training, rule and regs, so I will continue to be positive, honest and truthful in how I view training, hiring, company training and every thing else.

I look forward to your replies and thoughts.

Until then...

Jim