Employment Gap

Its been a life long dream of mine to become a trucker at various points in my life. Well last year I lost my job of 25 yrs. in the water industry. In the time before my termination, they call it now, I was already in the process of getting into a local community college that provided CDL training. My former employer got wind of my plans and let me train folks for 3 months prior to calling me in with HR and firing me (oh terminated me). ;)

I was having trouble getting into the local school being full most of last year. I was always studing with online tests, bought software to test of all endorsements too, and researching the industry of the in's and out's online with forum's like this one and few others. I've been doing this all of this year also.

Late last year we had family member (Uncle to me) become sticken with advanced brain cancer. He fought hard to the end and past away this past April. During that time I decided to pour my time into research to help him fight the disease. I traveled to Idaho to be with the family and help in anyway I could after the funeral and when he became ill. It gave me chance to visit family I had not seen in years working a contract with my previous employer that consumed most my time. I never applied for unemployment as I had saved well during my years of employment. I gave me a chance to travel and see other family also.

I'm now in the process of moving to Mississippi to live near family which will happen in 3-4 weeks. I presently have lived in TX for the past 33 yrs. +

Sorry for the long post but my main question is there going to be a problem applying to trucking companies with a l4 month gap in employment. I was always a hard worker in the past and will be again when I get a trucking job. I want to get my license now obviously in MS now and wondering how long if any it takes for full residency of the state?

I'm 50 yrs. old and in great health. I used to be a cycling coach and raced all over the country with road races, tri's, Mtn. biking, running. I like to stay in shape and eat well. When I get moved and settled I want to get the second part of my life going with trucking and traveling. I know it will take hard work and dedication which I have. I have nothing to tie me down and willing to work hard to obtain my dream of becoming a trucker till I retire several years down the road.

Thanks for any information for now. I know I'll have a few more questions in the future...

Sincerly, Ty Future Trucker

Ty...glad you found us here at TT....As to your break in employment....You should just tell it like it was. You didn't apply for unemployment, cuz you were busy doing hospice care for a loved one who has since passed on. Your employment history up to that point will show them that you are not a person who job hops. I'd say you have no worries....So step out there and start your adventure !!!! We'll be right here to help you whenever you need it....all ya need to do is ask...After all...there are no stupid questions....just the ones that are never asked.

Yeah, I agree with Starcar. After all those years at one place I don't think too many companies are going to balk at your temporary leave of absence from the workforce to help a family member.

The one thing they may require is some sort of proof or verification of what you were doing during those 14 months, mainly because they want to make sure you're not hiding anything. They don't want to find out later that you were in jail somewhere or training with the Taliban in Pakistan or something. Each company will handle this differently, but the ones who would like some sort of verification will be able to give you a list of things they will accept. Often times it may be a signed & notarized letter from family members or something to that affect.

But that 14 months will not keep you from finding work in the trucking industry. And the good news is that you won't have to pay for study materials this time. We have an absolutely amazing online CDL test preparation course called The High Road Training Program and it's 100% free. Follow that link and read all about it.

The only problem I really see is they labeled letting you go as being terminated. Being fired. That's tough. I know a lot of companies will not touch someone if they were fired from their last job no matter the reason behind it. Some companies are weird like that.

Call each company up and see what they will accept as proof during that 14 months. Some will accept affidavits from this around you.

But do not doubt those months will have to be accounted for. At least on paper. FMCSA requires a 10 year work history,if your old enough, if your going to be driving a truck. Its one of the laws we have that does little to no good but we have it and have to follow it.

Thanks for the replies and advice from everyone. Appreciate it very much. Will not be a problem getting if need be a notorized letter on my time off. Seem's funny employment results in accountabity of your exsistence in the world, but guess its regulation of accountabity from 9-11?

Lots of usefull acticles I have read so far. I'm sure I'll have some more questions.

Thanks, Ty

Thanks for the replies and advice from everyone. Appreciate it very much. Will not be a problem getting if need be a notorized letter on my time off. Seem's funny employment results in accountabity of your exsistence in the world, but guess its regulation of accountabity from 9-11?

Lots of usefull acticles I have read so far. I'm sure I'll have some more questions.

Thanks, Ty

9/11 changed way way many people do business.