And So It Begins... Just Gave My Notice

Thanks, TwoSides and Anne! And Anne, your turn is coming!!

Great another Illinoian taking their money else where. How are we going to fix the roads now??

Well, he DOES live in "Wheel-ing" - he's just taking their municipally sage advice...

Congrats, Matt! Enjoy the new challenges - you're gonna find some things that just baffle you andleave you wondering "How can they stay in business this way?" Roll with it, nod your head, and just go keep smiling. Keep us posted on your future adventures!

Great news Matt!! Change is always intimidating, but I have done the same. Lurking around TT, reading, reading and researching, for months on end. I was making sure that it was something I could/would/should do. After 35 years in the restaurant biz, it was a big change. I also got that "you're gonna do what?!?" from many co-workers and family. I think part of that was my stature, I am a pretty short guy. But you know what? I can reach the brake pedal!

Next week is final week of school at Knight Squire. The deluge of information was palatable, with all the great prep here on TT and with the High Road training.

Congratulations, with a great attitude and knowing just what you're getting into, you'll be great!

Great another Illinoian taking their money else where. How are we going to fix the roads now??

Well, he DOES live in "Wheel-ing" - he's just taking their municipally sage advice...

Congrats, Matt! Enjoy the new challenges - you're gonna find some things that just baffle you andleave you wondering "How can they stay in business this way?" Roll with it, nod your head, and just go keep smiling. Keep us posted on your future adventures!

Mr. Curmudgeon, indeed, it's is all in the name! Thanks for the kind words and the advice. Will do... I also plan on keeping the annoyances from my 16-year job in mind during moments I might find frustrating: "Well, at least I'm not refereeing yet another squabble between employees!"

Great news Matt!! Change is always intimidating, but I have done the same. Lurking around TT, reading, reading and researching, for months on end. I was making sure that it was something I could/would/should do. After 35 years in the restaurant biz, it was a big change. I also got that "you're gonna do what?!?" from many co-workers and family. I think part of that was my stature, I am a pretty short guy. But you know what? I can reach the brake pedal!

Next week is final week of school at Knight Squire. The deluge of information was palatable, with all the great prep here on TT and with the High Road training.

Congratulations, with a great attitude and knowing just what you're getting into, you'll be great!

Mark, that's encouraging to hear from someone who's farther down a similar path! And yes, I feel as prepared as I can be, taking the time to read about the job and the life, as well as work through the High Road training. The change is definitely something I'm looking forward to, as well as the new challenge.

Congratulations Mountain Matt!

Let me just say a few things. I honestly think everybody underestimates trucking. We go into it with romanticized ideas of adventure and seeing the country. It certainly does involve that, but it is a very challenging career. Many people give up before they've even had the chance to enjoy the rewards of this career. The struggles at the beginning of our trucking careers are monumental. They make people think they have chosen a "bad company" and they either quit or move on somewhere else.

If we don't face the challenges head on, trying to overcome them through our own tenacity and perseverance, we end up placing blame for our issues on something that doesn't help us conquer them. Trucking requires a lot of personal responsibility. Accept that before you jump in the water. If you can face the daily challenges with a mental toughness that says, "i am going to make this happen," you will come out all the better.

I wish you every success. I hope we will continue to hear from you. When you are starting to doubt yourself or start second guessing your new career choice, you need to air it out in here with us. We have all been there and done that. We are your personal support team. We know the way to success and we are happy to be of some assistance when you need it.

Hands on the wheel, and eyes on the prize - hang in there brother!

Noted and appreciated, Old School! Yes, this will be a time to buckle down and push through. I've learned a lot from this community and will continue to reach out, including in those tough times. My thanks in advance!

In July, I turned in my notice after 11 years of banking and got my CDL , been driving for SWIFT since then.

I have a toddler at “home,” but I am currently living out of my truck and I come home every couple of weeks to see her and we stay in a hotel.

I have my pup with me and thoroughly enjoy it. It’s a bit of a struggle to get used to it, heck I’m still adjusting, but once you figure out how to work your HOS , the rest is pretty simple.

The worst part of the job at this point is getting passed all day, but I don’t mind that until I need to get around someone doing 62 without cruise and it takes me 5 states lol.

BoshJennett, sounds like we've got some similarities in our situations; your kid is just younger. It's always interesting to read about other people making career changes to get into trucking.

I'm glad to hear it's been going pretty smoothly. Yeah, I bet having your dog is nice. My cat died this year, so maybe down the line I'll think about another pet. Lol about it taking 5 states to pass someone... are those Eastern or Western states? haha

Seems that you have a well thought out plan in place. I hope it all works out. Training and especially the initial period of solo driving can be very challenging, so be prepared to roll with the punches. If you can stick it out, things start to smooth out as you learn the craft.