Personality Conflict?

I'm thinking about being a truck driver (again) and I want to know whats your opinion on male truckers who are a little bit effeminite or are in touch with their "female side" (as a roomate once told me).

I'm 99.9% sure I'm not gay (not saying gay people all act like the ladies...)

But I feel that my personality would clash with truckers at truck stops or in school, and I have a hard time being picked on even though I know people like to kid around no matter who you are - I'm not saying i dont, its hard to go out in public places for me - one thing thats holding me back from going to school is the fact that I will have to step foot in the real world and eat in restaurants (my biggest worry) - I like being by myself and reading a good book (one of the reasons I want to be a trucker is the free time I would have at times (instead of working, I would be losing money but at the same time doing what i want while waiting on a repair or for the truck to be unloaded.)).

I know yall cant predict what people are going to do for the most part, and its an unusual question, but can I get some pointers from you fine folks about dealing with other truck drivers in case of a conflict or just your thoughts on the matter? Honest opinions count - even though im sensitive at times, dont hold anything back! Do you have to be tough on the road? Common sense should apply...but, again, im overthinking things.

I think it would be a good experience, and im really psyched at the moment about the potential of becoming a trucker...now if i could only finish the damn practice tests here...:P

Free time? Is that the 4 days a month I spend at home?

Free time? Is that the 4 days a month I spend at home?

I meant time spent waiting around...I'd like to delete this thread, it's embarrassing.

I don't know what your sexuality has to do with trucking, as long as you can haul freight safely and efficiently it shouldn't matter. As for getting along with other truckers, there's probably plenty out there that you won't get along with, and some you will get along with just fine. I think most people encounter other people they don't get along with and some they do. Sure there are the stereotypes of truckers but there are plenty that don't fit the stereotypes as well. From what I've seen, the good people here at TT do their best to avoid promoting the old stereotypes of truckers.

But others have said, and I agree, that its good to develop a strong backbone and a thick skin for trucking. In other words, have some self confidence, know how to stand up for yourself when needed, and don't let every off-hand remark someone makes get to you, you have to learn how to ignore stupid people and get on about your business unharmed without getting lured into a fight.

I think trucking is not right for everyone, but if its what you want to do, it can work for you if you make it work. Like many things in life, the experience will be largely whatever you make of it. That is to say, if you put 2 different people in the same situation, one may hate it and be miserable, while the other may have no problem and be happy. If you learn to effectively manage stress, ignore idiots, and make the best of any situation, you'll do just fine I think. :)

As for Trucker - trucker interaction, there's not much of that at all. Sure, if you want to, but overall I feel Trucking can be a solitary occupation.

At shippers & receivers, you do your business and get on. At truck stops, those dens of concentrated trucker life, you can easily be alone. Sure, in the lounge and restaurant you might pick up a conversation, but after the other guy explains how the tire ended up floating down the river, you can just smile and move on.

Hanging out with other people is entirely up to you.

I know you said your not gay--I could care less either way, but just to give you some light. There are a lot of gay truck drivers that are feminine like. I was shocked to come across this, but to each their own. It may not be the norm, but I don't think you have anything to worry about. Be yourself and chase your dream. I don't know if believe in God or not, but for me, if He is in it, nothing can stop you. Just be you, don't pretend your some else.

A reality check though....there isn't a lot of free time, waiting at the docks -- there is about a million office related task that can be completed before you unload. While, yes, said stuff can happen, your driving usually 10 hours day. Your tired, and smelly. About the only thing you want to do is drive, shower if you get a chance, eat, sleep, and repeat.

I just spent 5 weeks in OTR training and don't think I said 2 words to a fellow trucker, much less any interaction that could potentially create conflict. Everybody just seemed to be doing their job. Yes, you turn on the CB and it suddenly seems like you are surrounded by the most crude and intolerant pigs on earth but in reality they seem to be simply hiding behind a mike, a puffed out chest and a host of insecurities. My impression is this job requires a set of balls ( figuratively speaking, no offense ladies), it's a tough world. I'd say, just put yours on, regardless of who you'd preder touch them in private, and do your job. I suspect all will be fine.

*prefer

Free time? Is that the 4 days a month I spend at home?

I meant time spent waiting around...I'd like to delete this thread, it's embarrassing.

Oh I don't get much free time out here and the time I get is spent sleeping I'd what I meant.

I wouldn't worry about it personally. As said very rarely do truckers interact with each other, except for saying hi occasionally as you pass each other. Trucking isn't what it was years ago when you had big burly truckers and large Marge from peewees big adventure. There is a lot of women out here doing this job and I've given someone with my company pointers and he's openly gay. Will people have their opinions, sure, that's society today, but I wouldn't let that keep you from doing something you think you would enjoy.