federal law says if your unemployed no company can hire you!

[ATXKJ]

FYI Slow - part of The 2011 Jobs package is to specifically make discrimination against the unemployed illegal........... now what form that will take going through Congress - no one knows.

although being able to explain what you were doing in between Jobs - can easily make the difference on getting a job offer.

[hazelc]

Slow, I know you are wrestling with 2 major concerns right now. One being your father's health and needs and the other your life time wants and needs. Those are hard choices to make. Nothing to make snap judgements about. I agree that the laws are only about the cdl and keeping current on your driving skills. So don't blow a gasket over that. Talk to your dad about them calling you so at least he is in the loop with you.

Hazel

[Mojave Bob]

SlowCowboy --

You don't know me from a hill of beans, but nonetheless, I want to encourage you to take a good, honest look at that job. In this day and age, a job is not something to poo-poo, and it isn't the company's fault that they are required to comply with regulations that you disagree with. And, often, as has been mentioned, we don't know the whole back-story to why the regulations exist in the first place -- they may seem dumb to us, but there may be a valid reason back there.

Also, I know money has been seriously tight for you, and a little cash-flow can do wonders to lower your stress level and smooth out your thinking. It may also at some point save the ranch that is so important to both you and your dad.

I know my dad has absolutely no desire to become a burden to me in his old age, although he is welcome to do so as far as I am concerned. He has, in fact, spent a good portion of "my inheritance" to make sure that he and mom are provided for and won't tie me down. Your father's situation may be very different than my parent's, but his desires may be very similar.

Think about it, and do what's wise.

[CarlLaFong]

I am a certified welder with three City of Los Angeles certifications. I keep them paid up, but in reality, they are not valid because I have not welded, for a paycheck, in quite some time. L.A. requires me to re certify if I don't weld for, I believe, one year. It's to make sure that the welder has not become rusty and lost his skills. I think I could still do a column splice on a 24" I beam with a few minutes practice, but it could be iffy.
The issue with the CDL is the same. To keep iffy drivers off of the road. I had a California Class 1 license 20 years ago. I kept it until the new CDL rules came into effect. Again, I might be able to drive a 13 speed Fuller or back up a 50 ft trailer, but I seriously doubt it would be a pretty sight.
As far as turning down a great job because of some perceived governmental funny business, it is foolish and serves no purpose. You can do what you've dreamed of, you can put food on the table, pay your bills, maybe hire a part time guy to take care of the stock and property and take care of your dad. Maybe if he wasn't worried about you, as parents will do, the farm, the animals, etc., his health and outlook would improve. It's good medicine to wake up every morning and see the sun shine and know it's gonna be a good day.
TAKE THE JOB!!!!Don't be foolish in an economy where 10-15% of us have no jobs and no hope of one any time soon

[48Rob]

It's good medicine to wake up every morning and see the sun shine and know it's gonna be a good day.

How true!

If you don't have something to look forward to that makes you want to get out of bed every day... life is no longer fun...and neither are you...

Rob

[Corwin C]

Slow,

I have a cousin who drove for CR England ... good pay, benefits, days off, retirement, nice trucks & trailers, and they seemed to care about their drivers. They used to have a training program for new drivers that is excellent. If your licence and experience aren't up to date and your record is clean, that may be the way to go.

Unfortunately, my cousin made the mistake of getting a DUI a few years ago and they had to let him go. He has regretted taking that drink ever since.

My advice ... if you're able, take the job. You can always leave at a later date if it doesn't work out. Don't let your frustration with the current political climate keep you from fulfilling a dream.

Our prayers are with you and yours.

[angib]

Hey, guys, don't anyone be getting critical of Slow - his willingness to help others is as strong as anybody else's round here. The style may ramble a bit - it would be called 'stream of consciousness' if he were a fancy novel author - but he obviously says what he thinks.

I admit I skip over a few of the political points (but then I am a genuine card-carrying atheist commie liberal) but I love seeing his posts pop up as I know there's likely to be something interesting to read and I don't think I've ever seen him be critical of another member, even when he disagrees strongly.

So, Slow, don't go getting shy on us.

[Wolfgang92025]

Slow,

You know how we say " Built what you want, it's your trailer", the same is true for your life. Only you can live your life for you. Decisions you make only have to work for you and those you love.

You will find your way. So hang in there and keep posting.

[CAJUN LADY]

Mike, how much are you asking for your 9 dozen ears of corn?

[Mojave Bob]

Slow -- You have clearly helped many people up to and beyond your ability. Is there no one at your church or nearby that can help you with the ranch duties while you get started on the new job? Maybe even spot you a couple hundred bucks for meals to get you started?

[Wanna Be]

Slow,
Please check your messages, P.M. sent A few days ago.

Wanna Be,

[sagebrush]

CONGRATS!! Nothing like having your name on the door!

[Mightydog]

It sounds like that's what you wanted all along, slow. Good news for you!

[CARS]

4 hungry children and a crop in the field.........

Slow, you mention that your cattle aren't paying their way. How do you market them??

I have a friend, whom I get a 1/2 beef from every year. He has a waiting list (he only has a couple dozen head) for his beef. I pay the hanging weight and processing. It works out to be cheaper than a meat market, but more expensive than Wally World. That is fine. I know where my meat is coming from and how it is raised. (I even get to stop by and pet them once in a while )

[CARS]

If you can arrange a gathering next year, I will try to make it.

I grew up on a farm. Dad gave up on the livestock when I was young, but I still did 3 cuttings of hay every summer for neighbors plus worked the fields for my parents.

With the cost of grain these days, it is hard to feed cattle. But if you keep your reputation up you will eventually prevail.

Good luck!