Should I? Or Shouldn't I?

Back in the 1990s (early) I wanted to be a truck driver. Talked to a recruiter. Had the paperwork sent to me to fill out. Next thing I know, I backed out (forgot my reasons, I was in my early 20s). In 2008, I was considering being a truck driver. Did a bit of research. Made the mistake of mentioning my plans to my mom & step dad. Next thing I know, there was the pastor telling me stories about trucking. He used to be a trucker. Now, it is 2018, I still get the urge to be a trucker. But, now I have a dog and a cat. I read somewhere on here that if you don't try you will never know if you could or something similar to that. I know after a while I can take my dog on road trips. I was, also, thinking that depending on where I would go to school, save up money to buy a nice quiet piece of property outside of city limits and to build a small home. I am 47. A widow. How do I get past the negativity of family members (facts?)? and what about my pets while I am in training?

Life's too short to worry about what others think. It's YOUR life! I say go for it.

Looking into different Sponsored CDL Schools. I have a short list at the moment.

Go for it!! Just take that next step dont let anyone discourage you. As far as the pets if you can get someone to care for them till you get outta training? I think you will be happy once to take the chance.

Negative people get nothing done in life because they never tried. my mother told me "you cant just pack up and move across the country". well, yeah... i could. and she told me this while i was testing at the prime terminal 1000 miles from home.

she also told me i would never be able to write a book or sell them and i have sold 200 audiobooks and thousands of ebooks and paperbacks in every part of the world, including India and Japan.

she needed move and i said i would drive it for her. she said "just because you drive a big truck, it doesnt mean you can drive any truck". i told her "yes it does. i have a class A CDL. the A stands for any".

the point is do what you want to do. its been 3 years and she is finally realizing this is it. she has to accept it. if i refrained from doing all my mother told me.... i would never have traveled the world, gone bungee jumping, swam with dolphins, palyed with a tiger, parasailed, snorkeled, jet skiied....or a ton of other amazing things that makes life great.

as far as the pets...many companies have a weight or breed limit or a number of pets limit. at prime it is one pet only and less tha 30 pounds.

Thank you for the replies! At the moment I am looking for work so I can pay for a local school. Then find someone to stay with my pets during OTR training. Then go to work for a Trucking Company. Rainy, I did look into Prime. I did like the information on their site, from the student program to the Lease Success program. I liked what I saw. Unfortunately, I have two pets. A 10 year old black Manx mix female cat (8 pounds). A Blue Heeler mix male dog (32 pounds). So their one pet under 30 pound rule is why they are on the iffy list instead of my main list.

Rainy,

My mom is the one that is the most negative, along with my step dad. So I understand what you mean. I went for a job interview the other day. A regular job an hour away. I told my mom about it in advance. My step dad said he thought I would have to buy into this company. Not true. And neither said good luck. No support. Mom kept asking me all sorts of questions because she couldn't find this company online. I found them. Sent her their About Us page. No more questions that night. Then the day of the interview, I went over to their house to let them know I was leaving. Again, neither said good luck, no support. Instead, more negativity. I went to say bye to my step dad (he was talking to my step brother outside). That is when I saw my mom, she didn't see me, but she looked disappointed and sad. After the interview I didn't stop at their house on my way home, just straight home to my two crazy pets.

Good luck Brendie at whichever company you decide to go with. I’m finishing up my first week at Prime in Springfield and I’m loving it.

Don’t let the negativity get to you. Do what is best for you and your furbabies. They love you unconditionally, even when you are five minutes late feeding them. lol

Keep us updated on your journey.

Kim T., We have a couple Truck Driving Schools here. I contacted a Trucking company in a different state. The guy I talked too said that once I get my CDL I can apply at their company because he said they have openings in my area. I kept those emails.

Things you need to consider:

it sounds like you want local or dedicated near home. many of those jobs are tight turns, tight backing, and often you unload the truck yourself. most days are 14hrs and you still work 5 days a week, and slip seat the truck meaning you share it with someone. be sure to ask every detail. My friend drives 1 hour each direction to get to his terminal , drives his 14hr day after unloading at various stops and drives home. only gets to be home for 8 hours because 2 of his 10 hr break is spent in traffic traveling from home to terminal and back. working his 6th day for.overtime sounds grrat, but he ja to.emsure he gets a 34 hr break to clear his clock for.monday. if something happens saturday and he cant report for his normal job monday he gets written up.

Also, getting accepted to CDL and graduating does not guarantee you a job. if you have any health , employment, DMV or criminal background.... you could still be rejected by companies. if you have gaps in your employment or tickets etc, it will hamper your ability to get hired. one of the best things about CDL sponsored is that you get rejected before you are obligated for any money. also, once you graduate, you need to secure employment asap or the 160 hour training certificate loses its potentcy.

good.luck