What Am I About To Get Myself Into?

So here is my tale and any insight would be appreciated. I'm 43 years old, married to the most amazing woman ever and have 3 kids living at home (2 teenage boys and a 4 year old daughter). A couple of months ago I was let go from my job and have been looking for something new. The thing is, I have never really known "What I wanted to be when I grew up." I've always been envious of those people that had a passion for something and went after it with everything they had. You know the people, they don't have a plan B and are single minded in achieving their goal.

I have interviewed at a few places and even have a couple of offers that would pay bills, but I'm not really excited about the opportunities. I'm not complaining as manyfir people would be thrilled to just have the offers, but I really want more at this point in my life. So my wife knows how much I love to drive and just be on the road so she told me to check out driving as an option, maybe get my CDL and see what happens. So I looked into it, checked out a private school in the area and found this site while trying to find additional info. I can't afford the private school, but because of what I read here, I did decide to contact someone that was running a job ad locally here in Maine. This was 3 days ago. Turns out she recruits for an outfit called sterling and I told her that I was looking for regional work (I can handle a week away from my family, but 3 or more would be a disaster...for all of us), but had zero experience and some legal "baggage" from 20 years ago. She said that was fine, took my info and later that day sent me to the application site at Swift.

I completed everything there, including the details of my less than upright youth, and last night she told me that I was accepted and would be hearing from someone at Swift to schedule orientation. I'm overwhelmed, skeptical, but above all... really excited. I haven't ever been this excited about a potential job and I want to make sure that it isn't false hope, or unrealistic expectations.

What I really want to know is if it is reasonable to ask for regional only (I know that if I manage to pass everything I may be gone for the first 2 months training, I mean after that) and if there is anything I need to do besides tasks the prep tests you have on this site (which are great, by the way) and just bone up as much as I can.

I've never even been in a rig before and backing up a regular trailer on the back of my truck can be fun to watch if in not paying close enough attention, but I'm a quick study and can generally walk and chew gun at the same time.

I'm expecting my call from Swift on Monday and I just want as few surprises as possible and to know this isn't just a pipe dream.

Thanks Carter

No this isn't a dream. You have two things going for you. Swift has a ton of regional/local opportunities and they have been known to start some drivers in one of these positions.

Secondly, you live in the East. There's a whole lot of opportunities there for regional work.

So I would say that this isn't a dream, but the job is tough. If driving is the only thing on your mind then you're misleading yourself because you do much more than just drive.

But if this is what you want then I would pursue this. You'll make 28-34k your first year most likely. Do what you want just make sure this is a regional gig and not an OTR job, try to get it in writing just to be safe. If it's OTR expect to be gone for no less than three weeks.

Good luck sir!

Plus, your name Carter comes from "cart driver" - the original truck drivers way back in the day. It might be your destiny.

Carter, we have a lot in common here. I started without any knowledge as well and it turned out to be a great decision. You will miss your family (especially your little girl), but, with today`s technology, it really isn`t that bad. Go for it.

By the way, I started at 43 also.

Thanks for the feedback, I know that there is a ton of work to do and that it will be incredibly challenging. I'm doing the prep tests that are here on the site and I figure that I will do them a few times and then go get my permit. I have a feeling, though, that I will be going to the Virginia location and they supposedly do all of the permit stuff, so I dint know. Still probably a good idea to get my permit first.

Thanks again, I've been learning quite a bit reading all of your stories.

I just started with Swift and have no issues. It is tough, and home time is challenging. I am out 3 weeks, 3 days home. My understanding is OTR line driver for 3 months then you can move to regional , or whatever. Two things though, have your finances in order, and be PATIENT. . I cannot over empasize being patient