Question:
Well after, leaving a 15 yr career and selling my home in Joshua Tree in 12/2004 I kicked back trying to figure my next move at 51 years of age.
I tried driving double belly dumps with Robertson's here in socal but washed out of the 2 week program as I had a problem backing for the skills test.
I also tried Watkins Shephard's school and left after one week due to the same reason, unable to back a 5th wheel. Timing is everything and they said I didn't have to pay them and I was welcome to try again in the future.
I spent 6 mo's on unemployment at 450$ week, hearing from people that I was overqualified,etc.
Finally a friend suggested the bus company, and if the background check,physical,drug test goes well, I'll start the end of January.
I really wanted to go over the road, but these guys pay 13.72 hr in the 6 week training, with raises every 6 mo's or so and top out under the current contract around 21.02 per hour in 5 years. I understand they do have pretty good benefits as well.
I guess if I could drive doubles forward well, I can drive a city bus. At least I hope so.
sonnymac in socal

Answer:
Stick with the bus job. Sounds like you'll move up the pay scale fairly quickly and within the next year or two they'll probably bump up your ceiling level pay age. If all else fails go back and try Watkins again.

Answer:
I were you, I would go with any transit agency, especially city. And other like charter bus would be the next best thing when compare to truck [IMHO]. When driving for a bus company, you can go home every or every other day when compare to most truck co. Heck, even Greyhound would be better then most truck co. The only thing you probably get annoy are those people [passenger] that you need to transit them.

Answer:
AHH, POO HOO.
Life sucks. At 51 and after milking the system for 450 a week. Why not do what you have wanted to do?
What have you wanted to do?
Really.
I will give you mine. I always wanted to be a garbage man. That was it. Closet I made it was running roll off dumpsters around. After retirment I started getting to what I wanted to do.
Did you like your last job? If you did go get one like it. May not be one in your area. Just move and do what your heart says to do.202 N Main Street
Summerfield Il 62289
TRUCK PARKING AVAILABLE!

Answer:
Just a quick note to thank all for the replies, I appreciate it.
Daytrader posed a question that I have thought about and what motivates me is getting out in the country driving- period.
I thought trucking was the answer but maybe I'm dyslexic or something, just couldn't get backing a trailer down.
So now I'll be driving something almost as big,without a 5th wheel, and hopefully one day I will be driving in the country. Once you're licensed and have experience, there are lots of tour bus co's going to Vegas or the Grand Canyon,etc etc.
Btw, are there any websites similiar to this one for bus drivers?
Thanks,
Bill in socal

Answer:
my retirement is going to be spent in a tour bus i hope. i still have about 40 yrs to go but its a goal. good luck
nick

Answer:

Just heard from the transit agency, they finally got my employment-background checks in at the last minute, and they want me to come in at 8am tomorrow for the drug test/physical with their doctor.I was told to only have water after 10 tonight.
Man am I glad to hear this news!
And I don't have to back up the bus!
Thanks to all for the comments on this thread.
sonnymac in socal