How Demoting Yourself Can Help Your Career

I recently obtained my CDL-A (tractor trailer) license. I'm looking for local only routes, but they require a couple years of experience. All of the CDL-A jobs I've found are over-the-road. After spending the money to get my license, should I take lesser jobs?

ANSWER: Your question is one asked in every industry. To answer your question - and relate it to non-truckers - we need to explain a few terms first.

Endorsements. These are the add-ons to licenses. They include Hazardous Materials, Air Brakes, Doubles/Triples, Tank, Passenger, etc. Drivers are permitted to only drive vehicles that fall within your endorsements.

CDL-A. In many states, this is the highest-level driver's license. It means you can drive everything from 18-wheelers to school buses to regular automobiles.

CDL-B. In many states, these license holders can drive everything but 18-wheelers.

No matter the industry, though, highly qualified individuals with fresh degrees or licenses don't always get their dream job immediately. There are several options for you and for others who may or may not be truckers:

Pay dues. It's as true for truck drivers as it is for entry-level accountants: you start your career on the road. Accountants are often sent to remote places for days or weeks at a time to conduct audits, and only after a few years of living out of their suitcases are they promoted to a "regular" office job. New tractor trailer drivers, likewise, are expected to do "over-the-road" driving, often sleeping at home for one or two days per week. If you are new to your field - and are dedicated to building your career - then be prepared to live on the road. It's how you pay your dues.

Relocate. If you don't want to live on the road, you may want to consider looking in other geographies. For instance, if you are an NFL-level football coach living in Montana, then you would want to look for work in any of the 31 cities with a professional team. Similarly, if you can't find a local CDL-A gig where you'll be home every night, then you may want to look in other parts of your state or country for work.

Demote yourself. While this is a common practice, it should only be used if you cannot find something that suits your needs - if you have truly exhausted every single possibility. For instance, if you are a single parent or the primary caregiver for an elderly parent and you absolutely, positively MUST be home every night, then you should consider looking at CDL-B positions. Keep in mind, however, that working below your credentials will not add to the experience needed to garner local CDL-A positions. As such, you will probably find breaking into CDL-A positions just as difficult - if not more so - in the future.

IN A NUTSHELL: If you truly want to break into your chosen field, pay your dues or relocate if necessary. Demote yourself or work out of your field only as a last resort.

Do you have a work search or on-the-job related question? Contact me here and it may be answered in an upcoming article.