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Worth a Career Change?

Discussion in 'Oilfield Trucking Forum' started by Leviathan Tube, Mar 30, 2014.

Page 1 of 6
  1. Mar 30, 2014 #1
    Leviathan Tube

    Leviathan Tube Medium Load Member

    305
    140
    Mar 21, 2014
    Georgia
    0
    Hi folks,

    I don't want to bore you with details so I'm going to describe my situation simply: I'm 44. I have a 40 hour/wk job at which I gross $44K/yr. It's unlikely I can make much more in the near future in my profession. I have no experience in trucking. I do have a clean driving record, good credit, no criminal history, and a positive employment history. I'm not tied down by a family or home. I could go anywhere.

    If what I have read is true, getting CDL training, going to North Dakota and driving a truck in the oil fields sounds like one of the very few things someone in my shoes could do to earn significantly more money without getting another college degree. Am I mistaken?
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2014
    Leviathan Tube, Mar 30, 2014
    Leviathan Tube, Mar 30, 2014
    #1
    tacomaruss Thanks this.
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  3. Mar 30, 2014 #2
    Patrickm213

    Patrickm213 Medium Load Member

    350
    151
    Dec 12, 2013
    0
    You could probably achieve the same result with less hassle just by getting a 2nd job.
     
    Patrickm213, Mar 30, 2014
    Patrickm213, Mar 30, 2014
    #2
    easy duz it Thanks this.
  4. Mar 30, 2014 #3
    Puppage

    Puppage Road Train Member

    4,236
    7,315
    Aug 2, 2012
    Connecticut
    0
    You're probably right, although being a professional driver is more a lifestyle than a career. You'll get the straight poop here from those in the know.

    Good luck to you
     
    Puppage, Mar 30, 2014
    Puppage, Mar 30, 2014
    #3
    cool35 Thanks this.
  5. Mar 30, 2014 #4
    cmbks21

    cmbks21 Medium Load Member

    327
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    Nov 9, 2013
    0

    I agree. Not just a job. You will spend your days with the truck. Personally if I wasnt born here , I wouldnt want to be here
     
    cmbks21, Mar 30, 2014
    cmbks21, Mar 30, 2014
    #4
  7. Mar 30, 2014 #5
    jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

    2,185
    2,441
    Dec 1, 2009
    hastings, Fl
    0
    You COULD probably do it.The question is SHOULD you do it.It takes a somewhat special person to drive a truck, being an over the- road- driver is harder, and most oil field jobs are really tough. That is the reason they pay so well. To most, it is just not for them.
    Without knowing more about your personality, traits, work ethic, etc., no one can advise you.Truckers come from all types of backgrounds.
    Most new drivers find out the job is not what they expected. Few stay in the profession.
    Think long and hard about switching careers, trucking ain't for everyone.
     
    jbatmick, Mar 30, 2014
    jbatmick, Mar 30, 2014
    #5
    Arkansas Frost Thanks this.
  8. Mar 30, 2014 #6
    Y2K

    Y2K Road Train Member

    1,654
    1,055
    Jul 21, 2009
    Yacolt,WA
    0
    And still work less hours.
     
    Y2K, Mar 30, 2014
    Y2K, Mar 30, 2014
    #6
    JAL1972 Thanks this.
  9. Mar 30, 2014 #7
    Leviathan Tube

    Leviathan Tube Medium Load Member

    305
    140
    Mar 21, 2014
    Georgia
    0
    (I think) I understand about the lifestyle and have reason to believe it may suit my personality and interests. Regarding the location, it doesn't sound ideal but I wouldn't be going there for fun and sightseeing.
     
    Leviathan Tube, Mar 30, 2014
    Leviathan Tube, Mar 30, 2014
    #7
  10. Mar 30, 2014 #8
    cmbks21

    cmbks21 Medium Load Member

    327
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    Nov 9, 2013
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    Crude haulin is the easist job out there , every now and them I might pull an extra hose out. But rarely:biggrin_2551:
     
    cmbks21, Mar 30, 2014
    cmbks21, Mar 30, 2014
    #8
  11. Mar 30, 2014 #9
    Leviathan Tube

    Leviathan Tube Medium Load Member

    305
    140
    Mar 21, 2014
    Georgia
    0
    Thanks for the honest response. All that stuff you said you don't know about me is what I left out of the first post for brevity. I realize none of you can tell me yes or no. I suppose the only thing I was really hoping to find out is how likely it would be, as a new driver, to make at least what I already make and how realistic it is to expect more just down the line.
     
    Leviathan Tube, Mar 30, 2014
    Leviathan Tube, Mar 30, 2014
    #9
  12. Mar 30, 2014 #10
    cmbks21

    cmbks21 Medium Load Member

    327
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    Nov 9, 2013
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    If u want to I say go for it. I know nothing about nd. You only live once. Just your first job that you get, you prolly wont enjoy
     
    cmbks21, Mar 30, 2014
    cmbks21, Mar 30, 2014
    #10
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