I completely spaced out calling the Texas DPS to verify if my fingerprints had come through sufficiently for the TSA to do their background check.  The paper they had given me said call 4 days after you go for fingerprinting.  So I called today. The automated system was nauseating.  On each menu selection, you had to listen to this monotone person go on and on and on about qualifications for this, paperwork for that.  7 plus minutes just to get to the menu that allows you to push 0 for a real, live person.  15 more minutes on hold before a very nice sounding lady got on the phone, said who she was and asked how she could help me.

Well that took me off guard, so I didn't say anything about the wait.  Asked her about the fingerprints. She got my information and said, well you don't need to worry about that now.  Why?  Because they have already approved you and the new license with the hazmat endorsement will be sent out shortly.  But didn't they have to check my fingerprints and do an extensive background check?  Yes, she replied, they already finished that, which is unusual because I know of numerous people that applied in January and still haven't received an answer.

I got home today and there was the first new license (they told me that I would recieve one with my tanker endorsement and then if I qualify, another with the tanker and hazmat endorsement on it).  A second letter from Texas DPS saying I have qualified for Hazmat endorsement and will be receiving the new license in 12 to 14 days.

There's just one problem with all of this.  I don't have a job lined up that requires hazmat or tanker endorsements.  I don't even know if I will be able to get one.  I have checked several companies that haul hazmat - mostly fuel - and they all require 2 year tanker experience.

Okay, well KAG (Keenan Advantage Group) called me back today - I applied yesterday.  Try filling out one of those applications with a smart phone versus doing it on a computer that can autofill everything.  Took half an hour! I got a bit excited when they called because they have lots of local jobs.  Well, we don't have any local jobs in the Shreveport area right now, but we do have OTR tanker jobs out of Longview with one of our subsidiary companies.  Would you be interested in that?  Out 10 to 14 days......

Here's a situation where it might be worth taking on an OTR position temporarily - a year at least I am guessing - to move back to local driving.  Meanwhile, the overnight driving position in Tyler is not only still open, they want me to come Monday for a road test - which I would surely pass and be hired. And spend 14 hours a day in work related activities. Still, a 3 day weekend is very appealing.

I don't know how long I am going to be mulling over this, contemplating and analyzing the pro's and con's of any given job or when/whether I am going to take another one.  It certainly isn't an easy decision  - but I knew it wouldn't be.  I just didn't realize it would be this hard.