Worth a Career Change?

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?

 

You could probably achieve the same result with less hassle just by getting a 2nd job.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

And still work less hours.

 

(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.

 

Crude haulin is the easist job out there , every now and them I might pull an extra hose out. But rarely

 

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.

 

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