Is Age A Factor?

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

Hi Jan, welcome to TT. I got my cdl 4 weeks after my 5th birthday. I know there are quite a few over 50s, both women and men. Age is not such a big deal.

Don't know about Minnesota coz am in New Jersey. All the trucking companies l have researched pay you during orientation and training but the amount depends on the company.

You might want to post on the genreal forum. Am sure you will get answers re train schools in Minnesota.

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

Hi Jan, welcome to TT. I got my cdl 4 weeks after my 5th birthday. I know there are quite a few over 50s, both women and men. Age is not such a big deal.

Don't know about Minnesota coz am in New Jersey. All the trucking companies l have researched pay you during orientation and training but the amount depends on the company.

You might want to post on the genreal forum. Am sure you will get answers re train schools in Minnesota.

I did re post it there too. Thank you. It's nice to know I'm not the only older woman that has thought about doing this.

5 yrs ol indeed! Sorry about that. It should have read 55 yrs

I'm about 9 years younger than you and thinking of going to CRST in Cedar Rapids, IA, not too far south if you. I would love to "partner" up with someone wise and mature!! CRST doesn't have the greatest reviews, but neither do some of the other "company sponsored" programs. I think having a support system would be a surefire way to succeed!! Inbox me at lckygrl74@gmail.com

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

Hi Jan, I'm 58 years old, Grandmother to 9 wonderful grandchildren and blessed with two daughters. I retired last August from 25 year career in Law Enforcement , started CDL school at Technical College here in Valdosta, Ga. , Jan alot of Technical colleges offer the CDL course and they have several grants to apply for that pay for every penny of the class. Do your research first if there are any tech schools near you. I take my State driving test Tuesday morning August 11, 2015. This lady worked circles around the younger students. You have to put alot into the study part of the course and do not give up if it's really what you want to do. I finally get to do something for my self instead of always putting others first. It's my new career and it's never to late. I've been researching. Trucking companies since I retired to make the best choice for me. I will be a great asset to the company that I choose but I want to choose one that will appreciate that in an employee. Good Luck :)

Thank you very much & my best to you on your test! I will check into some technical colleges too. I won't be seriously getting into it until another few months or more. Thank you again!!

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

Hi Jan, I'm 58 years old, Grandmother to 9 wonderful grandchildren and blessed with two daughters. I retired last August from 25 year career in Law Enforcement , started CDL school at Technical College here in Valdosta, Ga. , Jan alot of Technical colleges offer the CDL course and they have several grants to apply for that pay for every penny of the class. Do your research first if there are any tech schools near you. I take my State driving test Tuesday morning August 11, 2015. This lady worked circles around the younger students. You have to put alot into the study part of the course and do not give up if it's really what you want to do. I finally get to do something for my self instead of always putting others first. It's my new career and it's never to late. I've been researching. Trucking companies since I retired to make the best choice for me. I will be a great asset to the company that I choose but I want to choose one that will appreciate that in an employee. Good Luck :)

Woot !!! Go grandmothers!!! (4 from 4-14yo) I'm 52 and looking to get out of the "cubie". Kids are grown, no hubby or serious relationship, perfect time to start new/fun career. I've been fascinated with trucking since about 7yo. Looking in Florida, but so far not impressed with any of the schools. willing to relocate, would love to hear from you on your experiences.

Thank you very much & my best to you on your test! I will check into some technical colleges too. I won't be seriously getting into it until another few months or more. Thank you again!!

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

Hi Jan, I'm 58 years old, Grandmother to 9 wonderful grandchildren and blessed with two daughters. I retired last August from 25 year career in Law Enforcement , started CDL school at Technical College here in Valdosta, Ga. , Jan alot of Technical colleges offer the CDL course and they have several grants to apply for that pay for every penny of the class. Do your research first if there are any tech schools near you. I take my State driving test Tuesday morning August 11, 2015. This lady worked circles around the younger students. You have to put alot into the study part of the course and do not give up if it's really what you want to do. I finally get to do something for my self instead of always putting others first. It's my new career and it's never to late. I've been researching. Trucking companies since I retired to make the best choice for me. I will be a great asset to the company that I choose but I want to choose one that will appreciate that in an employee. Good Luck :)

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

This is a second career for me. I was 53 when I received my CDL. Haven't looked back... Trucking is the most diverse business I have ever been involved with; as long as you are healthy and can pass all of the required tests, your age will not hinder your employment prospects.

Good luck!

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

Hi Jan, I'm 58 years old, Grandmother to 9 wonderful grandchildren and blessed with two daughters. I retired last August from 25 year career in Law Enforcement , started CDL school at Technical College here in Valdosta, Ga. , Jan alot of Technical colleges offer the CDL course and they have several grants to apply for that pay for every penny of the class. Do your research first if there are any tech schools near you. I take my State driving test Tuesday morning August 11, 2015. This lady worked circles around the younger students. You have to put alot into the study part of the course and do not give up if it's really what you want to do. I finally get to do something for my self instead of always putting others first. It's my new career and it's never to late. I've been researching. Trucking companies since I retired to make the best choice for me. I will be a great asset to the company that I choose but I want to choose one that will appreciate that in an employee. Good Luck :)

Hi Jan I got my CDL on August 11th, 2015, There was only 2 ladies in our class and 20 men. We lost 5 in the first 2 weeks due to positive drug testing, no care attitudes, not being on time. The two of us soared past all the men right from the start. I researched my whole plan of changing careers 2 years in advance. One thing I didn't think about was, since I have no spouse to keep my home safe while I'm on the road, I packed up and covered everything and placed it in storage for my first year. I did not want to worry about my home being broken into while I was getting my first year completed. I have 2 grown daughters and they have enough to do keeping up with the grown grand children to be bother with watching my home. I let them know that I have always put everyone else first and now it's my turn. They are giving me 100% support and are so encouraged by strength make such a career change in my life at my age. They say mom your going to meet the love of your life on the road in trucking. They're always ragging. Me about how it's time to have someone special in my life, and who knows it just may happen that way. Jan just do alot of research before you commit to trucking. Take Care and Good Luck to any lady thinking of becoming a trucker. :)