From tech to truck...

I have been contemplating the idea of changing my trade from Technology to Trucking for awhile now. I am certain that someone from the outside looking in will ask, "Why? Technology is the place to be." While this is true, the problem lies in where my niche in the technology field lies.

Every day is another step

Confirmed that I will be doing my orientation on July 9. My birthday. I guess that's my present this year. I have to get to Columbia, SC the previous Friday to catch a ride with my new Boss back to Virginia. From there I get the keys to the van and head out towards Ohio for orientation on the following Monday.

Got my new bank account all set up for payroll and now its just a matter of tying up loose ends here in Florida before I go. Gave my two week notice and there will be a birthday/going away party of some sort being planned for next Saturday.

Its gonna be a rough 2 weeks.

Orientation dates are in, help needed.

I was notified as to what my option for orientation date are. Which means I officially have a new driving job. I am shooting for July 11th as my orientation date. So I now have a timeline in which to put in my notice at work and get organized to do this trip.

Here is the thing though. All my "work" money has to go to the move that is happening at the house in the end of July. Which means, I gotta raise up some extra money on the side to take care of a motel room for the 3 days of orientation and food. I have no idea what motel prices are at the moment and I will be looking closer into that, plus I have AAA for motel discounts. I am not above hitting a motel 6 or something either. I am simply stressed about getting there and getting started. Since my birthday is coming up I could use cash presents which will go toward lodging and food for my orientation days. Once I get my first load, I can pull 40% of that for the gas and living foodstuffs I will need for driving.

Living paycheck to paycheck is rough, especially when the majority of a paycheck is slated for other things like cost of living for your family in a separate house and future moving savings. I get by, but this upcoming change is going to put a strain on things. I am excited and nervous about the whole change, I want this to go better than a year ago. I have high hopes that it will and that I will be very successful. I also look forward to writing about my days on the road here to share with all of you that take the time to read it. I know that there is a heavy interest in this job path I am continuing as the statistical number of viewers explodes every time I come back to add some new update.

For this, I thank each and every one of you. For with your interest, I look at it as support. You validate to me in ways that I cannot even fully comprehend that I am on the correct path for the time being. It is a very powerful validation for me, thank you.

If you are interested in throwing me a buck to help with my orientation expenses, I have a donation link:  Obie's Birthday / Donation Link

If you don't want to or cannot, that's cool too. I appreciate you coming here to check up on me from time to time as well. I just want to give the opportunity for everyone just in case. There is no obligation or requirement, just wanted to put that out there now.

So, now I take things day by day and see where they go. I have a bunch of stuff to do and a good amount of time to do it in. I just hope that my head doesn't explode in the process.

Paperwork, completed

Filled out the initial paperwork that came in the packet, including the "quiz" documents that needed to be filled out. Copies of my ID and Proof of Residency all done as well. So now I just have to mail it out tomorrow. Whee!

Driver packet received

Now I know why it takes a week to process. This thing has me filling out a ton of information, some of which I have already submitted..

Oh well, time to start filling out the longest application in my life.

Step by Step..

Driver's Packet did not get sent out on Friday like it was supposed to. Spoke with the FedEx contact and they shipped it out today. So I will have the package in hand tomorrow morning. According to the tracking, the package is still in Canton, Ohio. Once the packet is in hand, I have a lot of paperwork filling out to do, then to ship it back. Once that is done and processed, I will have a date when my training in Ohio will be and the start of my new adventure.

DMV Background cleared

Got the word Friday night that my DMV background was cleared by FedEx.  Yes, I will be a FedEx driver, kinda. I am working for an independent company that sub-contracts to FedEx for Critical deliveries. Not sure of the specifics, but I am going to find out as they are now overnight sending me a Drivers Packet.

Soon I will know when my start date is for training/orientation and then I will get my first load to deliver.

It is official

I have just finished filling out and submitting a job application for a driving position within FedEx as a subcontractor.  My current job is good til the 18th of June, if all goes well, there will be a seamless transition between one job and another with little downtime of funds.

My hope and wish is that this job will allow me the freedom to make money, visit people whom I care about and satisfy my wanderlust.

I will keep posting updates as I get them.