How To Break The News...

How do you break the news to your family that you want to go into trucking? How do you handle their reaction?

Be forthright and honest. Explain why you want to attempt this and how you are going to get it done.

Beyond that, I don't know you or your family. How to handle their reaction? You'll need to figure that one out.

What's the problem? (seriously)

How old are you now? Keep in mind that interstate trucking requires drivers to be at least 21 years old.

If you might be shy/embarrassed, well, man-up, and explain it for your parents. Don't be afraid to defend your reasons.

If your parents have heard that truckers are a seedy bunch of unwashed slobs who frequent nasty truck stops crawling with lot lizards, you'll need to set them straight. Find a truck stop near you (Pilot, Love's, Petro, Flying J, TA) and make a visit.

Here is some reading material to get you started:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

The High Road Program is a test preparation program that will get yo up to sped for the written test.

Thanks Guys. This is a big, new adventure in my life. I can do it with God's help.

My family likes to question everything. My advice is do your research on everything possible before announcing. This way youll be prepared and give the impression (proving you want this) that you are fully prepared and understand what you are going to get yourself into.

My adult son was mortified when I told him my plan. It took a few months of calmly explaining the benefits and what steps I would take to ensure my safety. He's okay with it now. He actually said, "I think that's a good job for you. It suits your personality," and, "I can understand why you'd want to do that." Sometimes people need time to adjust. But, yeah, it does depend on your family and what the concerns are.

Side note. When you finally got solo and are settled into your new wheels, bring the truck around or invite them to come and see it.

Many folks only have a vague idea of what it's like in here and that's from old movies.

I get the same thing from clients (from my IT business) and friends - "YOU'RE SO GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO, why would you want to go drive a truck?"

Well, because after 35 years of IT, I'm done with computers and people. Now if I could just figure out (talk myself into) parting with all my material stuff, I'd be out the door.

Tell my friends, "if I drove up my street and my place was in flames - I'd go to WalMart, buy some clothes and be on my way to orientation the next day".

Even folks here want to know why I'm not driving yet - but none of them have been to my place to see what I'm dealing with here for logistics.

Rick