Getting Hired - Advice Needed

Subject: I HAVE SOMETHING I DON'T WANT TO PUT ON MY RESUME BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET AROUND IT. I hope I will be safe by putting this post here. The women's forum seems to be slower than the men's in addition to having less seasoned drivers. Respectful responses only please. Thank you for your help.

Topic:

I have wanted to be a truck driver for as long as I can remember (more than 20 years) but never went to truck school because I haven't met ANYONE who has been supportive of me going into this industry, and I do mean NO ONE! I come from a family that believes a bachelor + master degree is the only way to go in life and they all have pretty high incomes. Therefore, there has always been a lot of pressure on me to make a lot of money in whichever career I chose.

Well, to make the long story short, I never found my calling in life (aside from a driving job) so I chose a profession that is very well paid but much less respected than trucking... a dancer at a gentleman's club.

While I have never worked below the belt (if you get what I mean ), and I don't have any desire to ever do so, I have been dancing without my top on for almost 2 years while getting paid very well for doing so. However, after having a great time at this job for 2 years, I am now ready to move on and don't want to be in this line of work anymore, as is the case with most racy jobs.

I only took a job like this because there has been so much pressure on me to make a lot of money in my family ( who don't know what I do, btw). I know that it was morally wrong of me for taking up a job like this and I hope that no one here is judging me since none of us are perfect. Aside from right or wrong though, I would like to enter the field that I have always dreamed of but, obviously, working as a stripper is not going to look good on a resume.

So, without being too terribly judgmental, is there anyone who can give me some advice as to how I might get hired after having worked at a place like this? The way I see it is that I have three options:

1) Put it on my resume as "Independent Contractor" and the name of the club. 2) Put self-employed and include a reference. 3) Lie by putting "****tail Waitress" and the name of the club (assuming my manager will back me up. I'd have to ask).

All of my work history prior to that was pretty consistent in retail stores such as Nordstrom, Macy's, etc. My other qualifications are pretty good as well. I have a clean driving record, can pass a drug test, and have no criminal history. So, aside from my recent job title, I am a pretty good candidate. I also know that some jobs don't even call your recent employers but I'm guessing that trucking companies are more particular about employment histories.

Anyway, any feedback about this would be great! I am very eager to start a trucking career so I hope I will be employable. Can anyone who is familiar with the hiring process fill me in?

No moral judgements here - an honest living is an honest living. Absent any "extra-curricular activities" that may have resulted in arrests - I don't think even putting down "exotic dancer" is going to cause a problem, so long as the employment is VERIFIABLE (via employer or tax returns).

If you were an "independent contractor" - they may want to see 1099's, or tax returns with some proof of employment/income.

I have my own computer business for 35 years - I have 10 years of W2's and Tax returns - both corp and personal - to prove this.

Aside from "general background" - DOT Regs require the checks, to ensure you weren't previously employed in the industry, and were a "problem driver".

Rick

Off the top of my head, I think #2,or #3 might be better used. Say you get on with a company of choice, you "know" how people tend to talk lol No one's business you danced topless. Nothing wrong with it, but you don't need the extra grief, that it can bring (gossips)

I understand your conundrum but must say it most certainly needs to be on your application. I myself would never judge someone for doing something completely legal to support themselves. I would list your job title as entertainer and see if that holds water without questions. Driving is a very forgiving profession they hire people with much bigger issues then your last job. Hold your head high and if asked be truthful, if they don't hire you because of your last job then you didn't want to work for them anyway Good Luck

Honestly, anyone that would judge you for this isn't really worth your time, or worry.

Be honest on your application. My past is waaaaayyyyy seedier than taking my top off to earn a living (I would have gone broke btw) and I can't tell you how great it is too sit in orientation with no worries at all because you disclosed everything and were still powered the position.

Don't put yourself in a position to have to stress out that something will be "found out"

Just my $0.02

I suggest the true version of #3. "Job title: Exotic Dancer; Job Description: entertain guests at a night club". First, do you really need to bring up the toppless part at all? (Unless you worked at Boogie's Topless Club and the name gives it away.)

Second be proactive. If you had good relations with your previous boss, ask him/her now for a letter describing your work. Include clear notes about your activities - no sex services, no drugs, no alcohol on the job, as well as the dependable, friendly person you really are. Of course tell her to expect a phone call (or two).

Have the letter handy, and a scanned copy ready to email. That can nip many questions & assumptions on the bud.

Employers need to know if they can trust prospective drivers. Being open up front, and not hiding anything is a giant plus for you. (Sorry, I couldn't think of another way to say this.)

I'd go with the independent contractor thing. Used to do some stuff requiring a big security clearance for the government, and even those background checks weren't much more than verification of dates and criminal record checks. Given this is your "dream job" I'd say go for it in a big way, any company that declines to hire you is in the losing side of the deal anyway. "If you love what you're doing, it ain't work!"

Just put dancer or entertainer as your title. It's the truth, and it's a shame that we live in a society where people would feel like they have to hide something like that. Just my 2 cents.

Remember one thing the truth will set you free. There is no reason to lie or be ashamed of what you do for a living as long as it's legal. Many people will find reason to judge just because that's their nature. I recommend the truth. If the company decides to dig into your employment and they learn that you were anything less then truthful with them you could just as easily find yourself back in an industry that you are trying to leave and unable to get to the one you really want.

Respectful responses only please. Thank you for your help.

I was almost gonna mak a joke about this line, but changed my mind. Smarta** answer can be respectful, too . . . plenty of good advice given here . . . there is no basis for "judgement" by most potential companies who might hire you . . . the deal is you just have to have been WORKING and not having been a terrorist or something a little less desirable in the last three years . . . I hope you are considering a "training" company Like Prime, Inc instead of the school first route . . . 2 reasons - 1) the cost is minimal out-of-pocket and you earn while you are being trained (Prime has the best deal going, check out the section on this website about training companies - explore!), and 2) the company route is very much geared to the "move-along-nothing-to-see-here" kind of mentality . . . what I mean by this is that there is no extended contact for weeks among fellow trainees where it might mean curious George buggin' you about "Whadidyouusedtoforaliving, huh, huh??" The friendships you form in the short time you go through orientation will be your own choice . . . training in this industry is one-on-one for miles & miles until you qualify for your own truck . . . you make it here because YOU want to make it here and are willing to put in the hard work to do so . . . nobody cares that you danced with your top off (unless your start DRIVING with your top off - that might draw a comment or two . . . sorry, couldn't help myself on that one) as this is one of the loneliest professions one can have - based on being ON YOUR OWN most of the time . . . so, jump right in, have fun, work hard and be sure to stay glued to this forum until you have cleared all of the hurtles . . . you will find that coming back and sharing here is more difficult once you are a driver but it is still fun and often revealing (uh, small pun intended . . . )

Jopa