Profile For CallMeGan

Hello ladies and gentlemen. I could have posted this in general, but I suppose I'm something of an outsider to the trucking world. For various reasons (rabblerabble*Job Market*rabblerabble) I'm seriously considering a change of career. I apply and apply, no jobs. My employment history has huge holes punched into it by stints attempting college for this major or that one, with no degree to show for it. After eight years of school I am less hire-able than I was straight out of high school, HELP ME!

I was chatting with my wise old dad this afternoon and he suggested I get a class B, he welds and deals with lots of truckers so I guess he's noticed women picking it up more, and the idea really feels right to me. Here's my problem, I'm afraid. I don't want to be taken advantage of by an overpriced school, but I don't have a truck to practice on. Does someone with a history like me have to cough up the entire tuition on my own or are there companies that will work with me?

What are your experiences, do you know any younger women who have jumped in without previous experience? Even more, do most men who pick it up even have experience? Am I over stressing the gender issue and just psyching myself out? I am a pretty tough lady but I have all these unfounded preconceptions about the trucking business that I need straightened out.

I need to take action, my patient nature has left me behind the curve, and I want to get going!