As a lot of you know I work @ a VW/MBZ/Cheby dealership and I've gotten to the point were I'm about done with working with the public! I'm fed up with being a whipping post and trying to please everyone. So, it's time for a career change.

I'm thinking about getting my class 'A' and getting behind the wheel. My Pop's currently drives, and the place he works is always looking for drivers. They start out @ $18-20 an hour with full benefits, medical, dental, vision. It's Monday-Friday 10-12 hour days, 1st 45hrs is regular time, everything after that is time and a half. I had my class 'A' when I was in the military, but now only have a class 'B' with passenger endorsement. My Pop's can get a truck on the weekends so I can refresh.

Now My other option is to back to school full time and get re-trained through the VA and they'll pay for everything and give me a monthly living expense. The only problem with that is, I'm married with 3 kids so I think that is out of the question for now.

Anybody got any thought, suggestions?

 

Do you want to drive a truck for the rest of your life? I think you should look at the long term and what kind of job would make you happy. Money isn't everything when your miserable. If you would enjoy driving do that. If you would enjoy something else I'd consider that first and use the driving job as a backup.

 

I'm getting ready to start driving the big trucks for a local company, home every night, set salary for 50 hours, etc... It is what I will do for now while I look around for a new, more permeant career. Take your time an explore all options, good luck.

 

The school would probably be the "best" option, but like you said not easy in your situation. If you like driving, and will have enough hometime, that wouldn't really be a bad option.

Best wishes with your decision Tye. I actually went back to work for someone else (an old employer) to reduce my stress, and not have to deal with customers so much. I took a slight pay cut from what I was making on my own, and couldn't be happier.

 

If you hate dealing with the public then driving ain't going to be any better, you have shippers and recievers that don't care about anything but themselves, horable drivers on the roads. Also, ask yourself WHY are they always looking for new drivers, most trucking companies have a hard time keeping drivers and there are always good reasons for it

 

I was a tech at a dealership for 8 years and now got my class A and work in the oil fields. Working 70-90 hrs a week though.

 

i will say pretty much the same, if you like driving, then it could be good. i have always enjoyed driving, and now i get paid to do it. the key for me is to not let other drivers get me upset, its not worth it. who wants to be mad all the time? as for dealing with the general public, i also hate it. but that is the beautiful part of driving a truck, i hardly deal with anyone. i have a dedicated route, and after a month(sometimes more) the shippers/dock workers get used to you. then you become one of thier "regulars". most guys on my route will compleatly stop whatever they are doing to load me. i can be the last truck to bump the dock on a set of doors, and be the first to leave. treat those dock workers good, its worth it. i think there are a lot of reasons for driver turnover- new guys start out, realize they can't hack it and quit, guys that will change companys at the drop of a hat, just for another .01 per mile, drivers get fed up with routes and quit, etc. ride with your dad for at least a week, and see if you could stand it. i can't see myself doing anything else.

 

Are you interested in the medical field? My wife runs a radiology department. It is a good job with good pay. You get your patient ,shoot the pictures and send them on. You could get your degree and license in a two year program , possibly night school. Anything in the medical field would give you lots of job security.

 

When I was 21, I took a "temporary" job working at a prison to support myself and family while going to college. 30 years later, I retired from prison work with a pretty decent retirement. Never did get my degree.

Dan