Thinking of career change, need advice
Posted by Snuggle_Lion@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 13 comments
Ive recently been thinking of getting my CDL-A license and getting out of my current career to be a trucker. As this would be a fairly significant change, I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how I can test to see if this is for me? Additionally, looking online at the different jobs, are regional home-nightly jobs hard to come by, and should I expect to have to start with OTR?
Supart91@reddit
Im 35 and went to night school to have in my back pocket.... Keep as a backup for now... not as a jump in with 2 feet.... So if something happens at ur current job u can jump without waiting or going thru school im in Ga so check with your local tech colleges a grant paid for mine
Antique_One7110@reddit
More info needed: how old, home situation, and current career area for starters. Probably a lot more that can be asked but those 3 determine a lot of ability to handle this job. There are many others like introvert/extrovert, ability to read a map, and ability to keep a healthy life style when it is nearly impossible to do so.
Snuggle_Lion@reddit (OP)
Software developer, 38, single with a cat. Mostly introverted (homebody), can read a map (thanks dad!) And healthy lifestyle is a work in progress.
I should also note this isnt something I plan on doing anytime soon, id want to give myself a year or so to finish remembering that healthy lifestyle and pay off debt before major life changes
PutridContribution41@reddit
You personality sounds like a great fit. Skills that will help you in trucking is time management "knowing how to maximize your clock," and spatial IQ - can you operate the tractor trailer including backing it up without hitting anything? Is what it comes down to.
Fluxus4@reddit
This is excellent advice.
Timecook@reddit
What exactly makes you want to get into trucking?
Software developers make way more than truckers. Like even at the highest levels of trucking.
Snuggle_Lion@reddit (OP)
Ai and it was a means to an end. I dont enjoy it, and now that ive gotten to a point in life where I can start looking for something I enjoy, im exploring
PutridContribution41@reddit
Theyre getting weeded out. Only top 10% will remain, AI is getting rid of low level skill including tech sector.
Scotts-@reddit
To test? Go on a week long trip, alone, leaving alot of your stuff at home, and the destination is a 3 day drive away and you have to get there early morning on the third day.
DoctorZebra@reddit
And the best parts of the destination are off limits.
Timecook@reddit
Dude should sleep in his vehicle too.
Feeling-Bowl-9533@reddit
Also don’t talk to anyone and bring the cat if you plan to in a truck. 12v and propane cooking appliances are allowed, restaurants are not unless it has truck parking
chocolate_asshole@reddit
see if you can ride along with a local driver first, just a day or two. talk to local outfits direct, not indeed. way easier than most jobs now