SuperCuriousMan
Member
I've been reading a LOT at another trucker's forum, not much at this one yet, and I thought this issue would be a good way to test the waters here... I'm on the verge of applying to companies as a new CDL holder; trying to get as "psyched" as possible for the high level of challenge, and I do consider myself a good candidate for success... BUT, like most others I'm sure, if there's a perception that the challenge is unrealistically huge, just TOO much to be able to believe in my success, well it's just totally daunting and discouraging... Especially this allegedly accurate statistic I read there earlier today by a smart and knowledgeable member (but he's a very experienced DRIVER and moderator, hopefully not an industry numbers expert):
95% OF NEW DRIVERS DON'T MAKE IT PAST THEIR FIRST YEAR.
Uh...YIKES!.. I've read of course about 100% turnover rate per year, etc., but the meanings and reasons around such turnover stats aren't clear to me yet and I'm still kinda crazy-confused as to what is actually going on out there. Now I have no doubt at all that the number is well over 50% and that's ok with me, I can feel confident and determined to beat them odds, but 95% just seems too scary-unrealistic... Both as in hard to believe, and as in IF it's true, well, what a total turn-off! Cuz...feels like the only ones who make it in that case must tend to be some combination of:
1) Very lucky (in terms of the amount of overwhelming serious stuff that actually goes wrong for them compared to what usually does for most in their first year)... and/or...
2) Very exceptional in terms of aptitude... and/or...
3) Very desperate due to crushing debt, and/or family needs, whatever... and/or...
4) Very gluttonous for punishment
If this stat is true, well, what a depressing buzzkill...I certainly can't expect to fall into any of those 4 categories, and know definitely that "desperate" would be the wrong motivator for giving it my all.
--T.I.A.!
95% OF NEW DRIVERS DON'T MAKE IT PAST THEIR FIRST YEAR.
Uh...YIKES!.. I've read of course about 100% turnover rate per year, etc., but the meanings and reasons around such turnover stats aren't clear to me yet and I'm still kinda crazy-confused as to what is actually going on out there. Now I have no doubt at all that the number is well over 50% and that's ok with me, I can feel confident and determined to beat them odds, but 95% just seems too scary-unrealistic... Both as in hard to believe, and as in IF it's true, well, what a total turn-off! Cuz...feels like the only ones who make it in that case must tend to be some combination of:
1) Very lucky (in terms of the amount of overwhelming serious stuff that actually goes wrong for them compared to what usually does for most in their first year)... and/or...
2) Very exceptional in terms of aptitude... and/or...
3) Very desperate due to crushing debt, and/or family needs, whatever... and/or...
4) Very gluttonous for punishment
If this stat is true, well, what a depressing buzzkill...I certainly can't expect to fall into any of those 4 categories, and know definitely that "desperate" would be the wrong motivator for giving it my all.
--T.I.A.!