Profile For James C.

Welp, I completed the application online with Roehl. Gonna study up for the CLP on my next few days off. I think I really want this new life, this new purpose.

I really appreciate all the replies and reinforcement. I've settled on Roehl...the school in Georgia is just a 3 hour drive, and I like all the options they put on the table. I also like the big red trucks! I've been watching trucking videos online and reading blogs here...now I just gotta kick myself in the butt and make that first leap forward...

I used to say "I hate people" all of the time. Turns out, I was just in a toxic environment and I was miserable. Once I got out of there, I like people a lot more.

As for your options, go with what fits your needs. Don't focus on the where you're going for training because that's the smallest part of it.

First one is, who's saying yes. You can get a no for any reason and you'd never know why because they won't tell you.

Second is what kind of fleet are you interested in? This is where roehl stands out. They offer pretty much every kind and if one doesn't fit you can go to another division. As opposed to go to TMC and learning that you hate flatbed.

You're hesitant because it's scary to start over. But, what have you got to lose? If your work life is making you this unhappy, why not shoot your shot. There is no magic advice to push you over the edge. You either want to do this or you don't.

Most guys (me included) can't be gone from home because of family and obligations. You have nothing holding you back, but some mental blocks.

Yeah...I haven't really traveled outside of my home area, so I may open up if I get out of here. Roehl seems to have higher training standards from what I've seen, and I like the idea of that. Yeah my block is definitely mental...something I've struggled with all my life, unfortunately.

James C: You came to a great place to get sound advice. So, that's a great start. What caught my attention is your statement that "I hate most people". I think you have to work to change that mindset to be successful in any profession. Truck drivers spend a lot of time alone, but they do interact with others more than you might think, especially in the training phase. If you can't get along with other people, it will be a liability as a trainee and driver. I would certainly encourage you to pursue driving and get out of that cubicle torture chamber, but think about developing your people skills at the same time.

Ah, that might have been misleading...I'm actually very easy to get along and can work well and adapt with many people...I just really prefer not to (and I think most people will agree..that most people suck! lol)

Hey all, my name is James. Basically I am completely unsatisfied with my current life and lifestyle and I am seriously considering becoming a trucker.

As a little backstory, I come from a computer/IT background (don't we all??), but I never got an "official" IT degree...just a General Studies degree (even if it is a bachelor's, still feels worthless). I've never really had a good "career" job, with my current one being the closest, but I absolutely hate it. I'm Technical Support for a very large power/outdoor tool corporation, basically sitting in a cubicle 8 hours a day attempting to help absolute idiots start their trimmers. I dread every single day, and I struggle to sleep at night because it means having to get up again and go to work in the morning. Ironically, I'm very introverted and I hate most people, and I hate talking on the phone...so...perfect job, eh?! I've been at it for a little over 2 years.

I've applied to many jobs in the IT field, and even different jobs within the company, but I can't seem to get anything different. I'm not good at "selling myself" or networking with people, and that seems to be the only thing that matters in today's society.

I'm 34, single, no kids, one old cat, and I love being alone. My parents live just 15 minutes away, but their presence isn't chaining me down (I don't think...). I've very mechanically minded, and a great driver (literally no tickets since I've started driving). I also have a love for cars and engines and love working on my own. I've thought about being a mechanic, but it seems like there are still barriers there for someone who can't afford any more school and no connections...plus the pay seems like crap. So my mom told me one day "why don't you be a truck driver?" and of course I scoffed at first (knowing only of the stereotypes), but after more research, it really does seem like a lifestyle that would fit me.

I spend most of my off time on my computer, gaming and whatnot, which apparently wouldn't even be an issue driving OTR with all the advanced wireless technology we have now, so I wouldn't miss my creature comforts.

So I filled my information out on here to get Paid CDL Training, and narrowed it down to 4 options. I live in Belton, SC (its in the upstate near Greenville). So my choices are TMC, Roehl, Millis, or PAM via Driver Solutions. The first three would require me to travel 2-3 hours out of state for training (which is intimidating to me), but the fourth solution may have training in Greenville (I'm not sure, the website says it would find a school near me and I haven't filled out the application yet).

As much as I hate my currently life and want out of it...I'm still so hesitant to start the process. I guess it just fear of breaking my current routine, no matter how agonizing it is. I need some advice that will push me over the edge!