Starting class in Nov.

nitemover · #1 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 02:04 AM

Hi All

I just turned 50 and decided I needed a new career. I have been in the hotel business for 26 years.
I am from northern New hampshire and going to school at Northeast technical institute in Scarborough Maine,
question 1: has anyone here been there and whats your opinion.
#2 am i to old to start this career.(I am in good shape most peopl think I'm 40)

#3 Roehl has a truck yard about 20 miles from where I live, Are the a good co. for a newbie.

#4 can I make a good wage?

I have no problem going over the road,
my kids are all grown, my wife is a RN and works nites, she is OK with the change.

I am just nervous, wondering if this is worth the time and effeort at my age?

I love to drive, when my wife and I o on vacation, she flies and I drive and meet her there!

Thanks for listening

Nite mover

SevenOfNine · #2 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitemover

Hi All

I just turned 50 and decided I needed a new career. I have been in the hotel business for 26 years.
I am from northern New hampshire and going to school at Northeast technical institute in Scarborough Maine,

question 1: has anyone here been there and whats your opinion.
Most drivers will tell you that going to a tech school is better then going through some CDL mill.

#2 am i to old to start this career.(I am in good shape most peopl think I'm 40)
As long as you pass all the DOT requirements,age won't be a problem,besides many retirees are starting over as truckers.

#3 Roehl has a truck yard about 20 miles from where I live, Are the a good co. for a newbie.
I've heard more good things about Roehl then bad actually.

#4 can I make a good wage?
Alot depends on your experience, at first as a newbie you won't feel like you are making a lot of money. Just like any other job that you start out on.

Also it depends on how many miles you are chugging out too. You will most likely get paid so much a mile. Make sure you ask "how Much" and what "bennies" are included when you apply.

I have no problem going over the road,
my kids are all grown, my wife is a RN and works nites, she is OK with the change.

I am just nervous, wondering if this is worth the time and effeort at my age?
If you don't mind spending a lot of time with just yourself and spending more time holding a steering wheel then you ever thought possible then driving a truck might suit you just fine. Also remember your home time will be regimented by the company you drive for. You might find you can not always get home when you choose too. It all comes down to what you and your spouse feel you BOTH can handle with you driving OTR. Remember she is an important factor in your decision too.

I love to drive, when my wife and I o on vacation, she flies and I drive and meet her there!

Thanks for listening

Nite mover

My answers to your questions are in bold above.

I am sure the drivers on here will give their input too and I would like to suggest strongly you take a cruise through the sticky threads that are listed in this forum. They have great advice for newbie drivers and what they should ask of potenial employers.

Best of Luck to ya and welcome to Truckingboards!

brtecson · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 10:06 PM

seven of nine summed it up pretty good.

roehl is an excellent over-the-road company. a few of my former co-workers ended up working for them and they like it there. they pay pretty good. You could make $40k+ in your first year, depending on how many miles you run. They have good hometime options (7 on 7off, 4 on 3 off, 7 on 4 or 3 off) and you can stay out longer if you want.

nitemover · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 07:35 AM

Greetings,
Thanks Seven of Nine, Brtecson and Mike432,
For your advice and input, I have emailed Roehl and explained my situation and aspirations, I have been told by the folks at the tech.school I am going to,that Roehl does send a rep. there.
My class starts Nov. 5th I am a little nervous but also excited and can't wait to get started.
Also if anyone out there is familiar with Northeast Technical Institute, I would like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for your support
NiteMover

Triaxle-truckin · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 08:28 PM

Driving for a living is not being on vacation, it's not going to be what you think. But if you can dig sleeping in the truck and trying to find a safe place to park to do so, not showering regularly you might like it. can you say New York City. good luck partner.....

nitemover · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 08:43 PM

Thank you for your advice,Triaxle-Truckin

I am not trying to be naive about my career change , I no It's not going to be easy, I actually grew up in New York City,
That being said I am still apprehensive about driving the big rigs there. I have also have lived in Northern New Hampshire for close to 30 years, where snow never stops anyone from driving, schools never close,and bad weather is no excuse for not showing up for work.
I realize it not going to be easy but life never is!

I do appreciate you taking the time to reply!

NiteMover