You may not know how right you actually are. We can't find "men" with CDL license that can drive a manual truck. We actually offer higher pay for anyone that can drive a manual over an automatic. There are more women then men that are able to drive them. Never thought I'd see the day when your CDL says "automatic only" on them. Guess they have a free hand to text now!
I learned how to drive when I was 8, and it was an 8 ton (empty weight) truck, back in Poland. Stick, of course! 11.1L, 200hp engine. 50mph top speed, on a good day, when empty
When my right arm was broken and in a cast, I was just shifting with my left hand, while steering with my casted elbow
if there is a will, there is a way.
I held a commercial license in Europe before coming over here. Working in a completely different line of work now, but I wonder if I should look back at driving semis. It is tough work, mostly away from home, I ain't missing that, but if the pay is good enough... I heard there is a shortage of drivers now, huh?