Interesting Situation, And Difficult Decision While In Training

I have a somewhat unique situation and am faced with a difficult decision regarding my training. I'd kind of like some thoughts from outside view points. Bear with me, this may be a long post.

I started Orientation with Prime on Apr 13th and went out with a trainer as a C-Seat driver (40,000 miles training) that Friday. I get along well with my trainer, and he seems very patient if I need help with anything, We seemed to be running well as a team (at least in my rookie opinion).

Last Thursday, after about 8000 miles my trainer went home on hometime. I opted to stay on the truck at a truckstop while he was home. While parked at the truckstop on Saturday, the truck was backed into by another driver. Police reports, appropriate macros on QC, etc. all completed as necessary. Since the Peterbilt dealership wasn't open until Monday, I remained on the truck over the weekend (all the way into Tuesday), waiting for the parts to at least replace the mirror to come in.

We finally got the truck into the dealership for repairs Tuesday afternoon, and I spent last night in a hotel. After checkout time, I went down to the dealership and hung out all day hoping it would b finished today. About an hour before they closed, I was told by the tech that the damage was more severe than they originally estimated, and that they would need a wiring harness overnighted. So I am back in a hotel tonight, hoping that the mirror can be finished tomorrow. After the mirror is fixed, we will be routed into a terminal soon to fix the body damage (probably another 3 days downtime).

My trainer has apologized about the situation a couple of times (not that any of this is his fault), and offered to help me transfer to another trainers truck if I want. The thing I am wrestling with is pros and cons of each option, as well as how it may be perceived by Prime, either way I go.

Option 1-Stay with current trainer:

Pros-I already know, and am comfortable with my current trainer; I am learning things with this situation that I wouldn't learn holding the steering wheel on the interstate; Shows the company that I will stick with a situation through to the conclusion, and can roll with the punches

Cons-I am delaying my training, and not moving forward with my career; Company could perceive this as I am just hanging around for a paycheck

Option 2-Go with another trainer:

Pros-I can get on with my training miles, and go solo sooner; I would get a wider perspective (2 trainers methods of business); Shows the company I am a go getter, and don't want to sit around waiting for things to happen

Cons-Rolling the dice with who I end up with for a trainer; Company may perceive this as I will look to jump ship as soon as things go a little sideways

I really don't mind sticking with the situation, as I am still on my guaranteed pay and I am learning things such as dealing with Road Assist/Dispatch/Safety. I know the ultimate decision will be on me, but was hoping to hear other's opinions/advice. I'm probably overthinking this way to much.

Anyone who read to the bottom of this post, I thank you for your time and look forward to your thoughts.

Good trainers are hard to come by. Personally, I'd stick with the trainer you know since you get along with him and are learning. A week of downtime is a bummer, but it happens sometimes. Better than rolling the dice and possibly getting a lousy trainer for the last 30,000 miles. My 2 cents.

Take my advice with a grain of salt as I am not a driver yet but my business sense would say to stick it out. Show the company you can deal with adversity without complaining. I would also put a good word in to HQ that you value your time with your current trainer and would like to stay with him. Seems like too many people complain about trainers and your giving yours a thumbs up will likely be looked upon as a positive. He will likely hear about it as well and appreciate it. Overall a great chance to seperate yourself from the whiner class. Just my thoughts and I look forward to what the pros say.

Personally I think you should stay with current trainer, the training your getting now is something that most of us didn't get with our trainers, I also think that it shows that your a team player, not just looking out for yourself. Yes your still getting your training pay, but your also prolonging your training, and i am sure that your pay is much lower now than it will be once your out solo. Yes a different trainer will give you a different perspective, and you gamble on the fact that they are as good as the one you have now, and that you get along with them. As for getting that different viewpoint, that's firstly why you posted here on TT, and secondly there are lots of people right here that can give you that, honest, straight forward, to the point info. Personally not going to list them, because what they do is selfless, and kind, and by listing them I'm sure I will miss some of them. They are all my hero's, thanks all.

David, I think you are way over thinking this situation. Look, this is just part of what the job entails. There will always be the unexpected problems that cause delays. All you can do is accept it and keep moving forward. Trust me on this, you are the last thing on the minds of those people in the office right now, and that's where you want to keep yourself. If you start wanting to change trainers and such then you are just burdening them with more unnecessary things to arrange for a brand new employee who has absolutely no track record yet.

You are very fortunate to have a trainer that you are comfortable with - stick with them and see this through. The couple of days that you think you are getting ahead on your training miles with will probably be consumed with the time it takes to arrange for you to meet up with a new trainer and then the two of you getting adjusted to each other. Then what if you can't stand the new trainer? Will you think it make you look good to ask for a third one now? Hang in there, it will all soon be over and you guys will be rolling again.

And, if you were already a solo driver, you'd be stuck with the truck, under those same conditions. 1st little bump, go with the flow.

Thanks all for the replies. All your comments are comforting, that the way I was leaning is the way to go.

I didn't mean to imply that I WANTED to go with a new trainer. I was just weighing my options since the trainer put the offer on the table. I actually prefer to stay with my current trainer, just don't want to give a bad impression early on.

Thanks again. I think I will stay with my trainer, unless Prime forces me to switch.