Missing family events on the road

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Inkstained, Feb 27, 2015.

  1. Inkstained

    Inkstained Bobtail Member

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    Hi, I'm a writer for brands like Freightliner, Western Star, Detroit, RoadPro, Wilson etc. I'm writing a story about how truckers use tech to "participate" in family events when they can't be there (birthday parties, games, recitals etc.) I'm looking for examples of using Facebook, Skype, Facetime, Twitter etc. to take part in the festivities.


    I'd like to talk to anyone who can talk about how they handle it (and be willing to be named).


    Thanks in advance.
     
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  3. joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

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    FaceTime on the iPhone is the best invention ever. You can take part without being there. I have an 8 year old autistic child, and with the technology, it makes it easier for him that he can see me. You can pm me and I will give you details.
     
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  4. Vilhiem

    Vilhiem Road Train Member

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    Do us all a huge favor would ya? When you're done a-writin', a-proofreadin', a-editin' and a-publishin'...

    Woulf you be so kind as to link us to an online version? (Or post it here if you're allowed.)

    Ive no family that I wasn't born with yet, no kids or anything. But I'm on my way. So I'd love to hear what others have to say.
     
  5. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Why don't you arrange to ride along with an OTR driver( ie: stay out for a month), see how it relates to your own family and report on that. Give people a real, first person account of how things realy are.
     
  6. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I agree, do some field research by actually seeing what it is like.

    It is almost impossible for people to relate to this, even those who spend a lot of time away from their family like business travellers.
     
  7. Inkstained

    Inkstained Bobtail Member

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    Thanks, Vilheim -- I will post a link once the article is done and I'd liek to hear what everyone thinks of it.
     
  8. Inkstained

    Inkstained Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2015
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    Thanks, Kemosabi49 -- You're right, that would be the best way to do it. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or the budget so I've got to do the best I can by talking to truckers who know what it's like. I'd like to hear what you have to say. Can we keep the conversation going?
     
  9. Inkstained

    Inkstained Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2015
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    Thanks, Ridgeline -- There's no substitute for spending that much time on a story. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or budget, so I have to do my best with interviewing drivers who can tell me what it's like. Can we keep the conversation going?
     
  10. ac120

    ac120 Road Train Member

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    What he said.
     
  11. Vilhiem

    Vilhiem Road Train Member

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    Actually. You know, he could in a way experience what we do.

    This might sound a little absurd, but if you do it right you'll get the gist of it.

    Set up a cot in something the size of a cubicle, the closer it is to something that makes noise the better. (Copy machine, water cooler, elevator, ect.)

    Thats your space. That's all you get for a week. If your office has a kitchen, you can't use it. (Camp stove outside or similar.). Lastly, you must use the restroom in your office that is the furthest away from your designated space.

    Now, you have to work between 11-14 hours every day during the week and can only call home to your family when you're not working. Can't go home for basketball games, birthdays or anything until the week is up. Oh, and you only get 10-11 hours to rest (must be consecutive) and must take a 30 minute break within the first 8 hours of your day.

    ...at that point, you'll have something similar to what we do and go through. Staying in a hotel away from family isn't enough, that's a vacation! LOL

    Just an idea. Though if you moved into your office building people might start to wonder. If you're brazen enough to try it, bring baby wipes...
     
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