Teacher Turned Trucker Just Starting CDL School - Learning Those Maneuvers!

Hey everyone, Jim in Philadelphia here. I've decided to hang up the chalk and slide rule after a long career as a math teacher and took the plunge to fulfill a longtime dream of learning how to drive the big rigs. With the help of Uncle Sam's GI Bill (I'm an Army vet who served in Afghanistan in 2010-11), I can afford the course and I'm in it to pass it on the first try, God willing.

I've gone out on the road a few times in the city and on I-95 and feel pretty confident. My tight turns onto city streets are getting better (no curbs, no over the yellow line ruining a driver's day and more) and I'm pretty comfortable handling the vehicle.

Like a lot of newbies, I'm still shaky on those offsets in the yard (forward and reverse.) Getting that perfect straight parallel to the cone setup coming out is tough, and I know without that good setup from the get-go, the reverse isn't going to be so hot. I feel like the reverse offset has so many moving parts that I'm overthinking things and still trying to find that right balance of what to look for along the way back, not to mention how to make adjustments based on what I'm seeing.

Just trying to stay relaxed, go slow and steady, and be willing to stop along the way and think about what has to come next and how to make it happen. So to the fellow students out there, share your thoughts so I know I'm not alone. And to the veterans, share your thoughts and encouragement to help stay zen about this and remind me that you were once in my shoes.

Thanks, guys. Glad to be here.

Welcome to the forum Jim! Sounds like you're having a good start to the industry. Training can be tough, mentally and physically. Just remind yourself it's such a miniscule amount of time in what's hopefully a long as you want it to be career, and whatever you go through in this phase is worth it for the prize: keys to your truck once you go solo. Doesn't matter how long anyone's been at it, we all have days we still feel like a rookie!

Welcome to the forum Jim! Sounds like you're having a good start to the industry. Training can be tough, mentally and physically. Just remind yourself it's such a miniscule amount of time in what's hopefully a long as you want it to be career, and whatever you go through in this phase is worth it for the prize: keys to your truck once you go solo. Doesn't matter how long anyone's been at it, we all have days we still feel like a rookie!

Hey Sandman, thanks a lot for your nice reply. I make sure I go home every day and not frazzle my brain re-thinking my mistakes. We have patient instructors and a good group of guys in the class that are getting along well. The mindset piece of this is so crucial to learning well. It's nerve wracking enough as it is. I'm determined to conquer this and pass on the first try.

I read your profile - looks like you're a "roadie?" Who's the best act you've worked for? My brother-in-law was a union stagehand and had stories about everyone from Pink Floyd, to Prince, to David Bowie (who he said was hands down THE kindest, friendliest, classiest cat he ever worked with in the biz.)

Thanks, again. JD

Awesome! I've only done 3 tours so far, bands popular in their realms but honestly no one I'd ever heard of! BlackPink which is a K-pop band, Don Omar and Fuerza Regida, the last being a seven month tour. One thing that brought me to trucking was there's so many facets of the industry I didn't even know existed, entertainment being one of them.

Oh and I wanted to let you know, if you do an intro on the main forum (cut and paste is fine), that part gets a lot more views than this section so you'll get more replies and advice when needed.

I hope your schooling is still going well! I also taught--for the last 8 years--and switched careers last summer. Your mileage will vary, but I am so much happier with my trucking job. I Have substantially less stress on a day to day basis, and my wife loves to tell people that I work longer hours but I have more time. When I'm off, I'm not worried about lessons, grading, etc.

I wasn't really sold on over the road and was very lucky to find a local job doing environmental work (we mostly haul industrial waste). So long as you find a position that suits you, I think both you and your wallet will be very happy!