Okay, so Tristan had decided to take the offer of a job where he’d be home every weekend, guaranteed weekly pay, running only the Midwest and company paid health insurance ($50.00 per week for family members) after ninety days.

But something was wrong. Tristan had learned early in his career to trust and listen to his gut instinct because it had never let him down and this time was no different. However, he had bills to pay and a family to provide for with no help from anyone, it was all up to him. He had to take this job, for better or worse, it was what he had to do. The money would be guaranteed, unlike the expediting industry, where he might or might not run enough to make a good paycheck, or not make one at all. Still something was nagging him. Something about this job was wrong. Whatever it was he would deal with it, he had no choice.

Bill released him and Harold and Tristan accepted a load that would take them home.

Tristan stripped the tiny truck of his belongings while Harold stood outside and waited in Tristan’s driveway. Harold had decided to stay with Bill and try to make some money. Tristan wished the man well but silently knew he was doomed because he didn’t know how to read a map, didn’t know how to read a truck-stop directory and had no clue of where good load areas were anywhere or even how to tell a good load from a bad one.

How in the world would he able to make money? He wouldn’t take advice, nor would he ask for any. Oh well, it wasn’t Tristan’s problem, anymore. Harold would have to figure it all out.

Tristan sat at home for one week waiting to hear back from the new company with instructions on where and when to go for a physical and drug screen and then to be told when he’d start work.

During the second week Tristan began to wonder what the hold up was so decided to call Judy his recruiter for answers.

“The safety official in Chattanooga that runs the applications is on vacation this week, Tristan, he’ll be back to work next week, so, just sit back and enjoy your time at home.” She stated matter-of-factly.

“But I have bills that are piling up…” He replied.