It's Getting Real!

Passed my written exams for my permit yesterday! Forgot to bring all the paperwork with me to actually get the permit, but the testing is over (for now). I've already got a position lined up with Wilson Logistics, pending all the usual requirements of course, and the more I think about putting in my notice at my current employer, the more nervous/anxious/scared I'm getting about jumping headfirst into an industry I know next to nothing about. Retail I can do. Customer service I can do. Road trips I live for. Steering and maintaining control of an 80,000 pound rig with an unstable load, three different types of brakes, in extreme heat and/or extreme cold and unpredictable idiots all around me is a bit unnerving. So I ask this question to all you great people:

What made you ditch your former job title to drive?

Shane, many very successful drivers have started their careers with the same fears as you have. I know I did and it has worked out wonderfully for me. Remember, getting into driving is not an abrupt process. There are gradual steps you will have to take and each step leads to the next. Is it easy? No, it is not easy, it takes a lot of work and determination. But the process is geared to producing competent drivers. If you have a good work ethic and dedication to succeed, you will do well.

As for me, I have some physical limitations that made it impossible to continue pursuing my long time profession. But those same limitations actually make driving perfect for me and I’m having the time of my life. Hang in there, keep a positive attitude and you will enjoy your new profession.

Passed my written exams for my permit yesterday! Forgot to bring all the paperwork with me to actually get the permit, but the testing is over (for now). I've already got a position lined up with Wilson Logistics, pending all the usual requirements of course, and the more I think about putting in my notice at my current employer, the more nervous/anxious/scared I'm getting about jumping headfirst into an industry I know next to nothing about. Retail I can do. Customer service I can do. Road trips I live for. Steering and maintaining control of an 80,000 pound rig with an unstable load, three different types of brakes, in extreme heat and/or extreme cold and unpredictable idiots all around me is a bit unnerving. So I ask this question to all you great people:

What made you ditch your former job title to drive?

It's something that I had wanted to do for a long time. It will be scary at first , driving that truck in traffic (even with an empty trailer), but you will become more comfortable and it will eventually feel more natural, over time.

That's great news. Never forget that you have many experienced drivers here from whom to get advice/assistance on any trucking issue. People may ask, "What were you thinking?", but know that many experienced drivers here have probably been through something similar to any issue that you face. Trust your training. Ask lots of questions. Do what your trainer tells you and then ask why you were told to do it after it has been done, if you don't know the reason that instruction is being given.

Shane, I just did what you're considering doing. I gave my notice to my now-past employer of 16 years 2 weeks ago. That was the scariest but most freeing thing I have done in a long time. I knew I could do that job, but I stopped wanting to a long time ago. I'm obviously not telling you what to do, but the fact you're giving such strong consideration to this seems to me like you want to change your life. That's what I needed to do, and got myself in the right position to pursue this new career path. Like the experts here say, once you decide to do it, go all-in. There's no going back for me, and I can't let failure at this be an option. As you can and should do, I will continue to let the collective wisdom of TT guide my new career to a successful place. For me personally, having this site as a ready resource eases the sting of jumping into something I know nothing about. Good luck in your decision-making, I hope you find the path you want to follow.

Shane, I just did what you're considering doing. I gave my notice to my now-past employer of 16 years 2 weeks ago. That was the scariest but most freeing thing I have done in a long time. I knew I could do that job, but I stopped wanting to a long time ago. I'm obviously not telling you what to do, but the fact you're giving such strong consideration to this seems to me like you want to change your life. That's what I needed to do, and got myself in the right position to pursue this new career path. Like the experts here say, once you decide to do it, go all-in. There's no going back for me, and I can't let failure at this be an option. As you can and should do, I will continue to let the collective wisdom of TT guide my new career to a successful place. For me personally, having this site as a ready resource eases the sting of jumping into something I know nothing about. Good luck in your decision-making, I hope you find the path you want to follow.

You took the words right out of me! My current job is easy-peasy. I take calls back to back to back regarding credit card accounts, waiving late fees, answering questions about the certain credit cards we offer, and I'm slowly losing my mind to boredom lol I'm not looking for easy; I have that now. I'm looking for SATISFYING. Something I look forward to (nearly) every day. I stopped wanting to do this job a long time ago and retail/customer service just aren't what keeps me going. Thanks to everyone for the great advice and encouragement; it's a huge relief to know I'm not alone in the mixed emotions.

Freedom.

My current DTL let’s us run as we see fit as long as we are making our appointment times. It’s unlike any job I have ever had.

Passed my written exams for my permit yesterday! Forgot to bring all the paperwork with me to actually get the permit, but the testing is over (for now). I've already got a position lined up with Wilson Logistics, pending all the usual requirements of course, and the more I think about putting in my notice at my current employer, the more nervous/anxious/scared I'm getting about jumping headfirst into an industry I know next to nothing about. Retail I can do. Customer service I can do. Road trips I live for. Steering and maintaining control of an 80,000 pound rig with an unstable load, three different types of brakes, in extreme heat and/or extreme cold and unpredictable idiots all around me is a bit unnerving. So I ask this question to all you great people:

What made you ditch your former job title to drive?