Worth it? Regulations and perspective.

Is it worth it? Changing careers and getting into trucking?

I have seen these questions asked several times, and several times I see these responses;

No, too many regulations.

Keep your current career, you don't have the right mentality to be a trucker and you won't earn what you earn now.

It is not worth it, trucking isn't what it used to be.

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Let me offer some perspective to those veterans who feel that to be the truth(s) as they see it.

For someone such as myself who is changing careers from "whatever" to trucking, for "whatever" reason, I appreciate solid honest answers based on your experience in the industry, and I recognize that sometimes there are posts by some asking about entering the profession that bear scrutiny and discouragement, for obvious reasons. However, as in life, as in general amongst people, there are those who immediately pass judgment and flat out reject the possibility that moving into the profession of trucking is worthwhile for anyone new to it, and then offer nothing constructive to the discussion.

I have 50 years of life experience now, at the age of 14 I entered the work force and held several jobs in widely different industries/professions, my lengthiest career was of 23 years which there is no going back to due to an injury. In all of those industries, as in all of life there have been changes in regulations/circumstance/pay/benefits, etc., some for better and some for worse, it is imminent, is constant, it is unavoidable. Reasons are many, most notable to me are of a political bent based on stupidity, lack of accountability, greed and the desire by those who feel the need to tell us how to live every aspect of our live's; if "they" had their way, they would tell us when to inhale, how long to hold it in, when to exhale, and then when to repeat the process. Taking all of this into consideration and a little time to reflect back on "your" life you will see that you have had the same experience; everything in your life has changed regardless of how you embraced it or stomped your feet and screamed in protest, but it does not have to mean that "we" (prospective truckers) will not embrace what "is", or succeed where you failed, or feel the industry is oppressive as some of you obviously do.

Someone like me entering the industry today and not having the experience in the trucking industry of the past is not going to "know" the difference that some of "you" feel the need to constantly point out, and complain about, and it does nothing to help anyone who desires to enter into and succeed in the profession. To the contrary, it can have a negative effect on those who adopt your sour attitude and enter into the industry with a negative bias with nothing more than rants, rather than direct experience as a basis. That is a recipe for failure.

There are many who post questions here, myself included, that have every intention of succeeding in their prospective new career and some of us will do our best to reflect positively on the trucking industry as a whole. It is in your best interest, as a veteran, as a professional, to foster a positive attitude and offer constructive advice for those who desire to enter the industry, to enter into it with as much understanding and appreciation for it as possible.

Thank you

 

Very well said! I agree 100%.

I am 57 and due to corporate BS find myself back in the job market. The job seeking market is filled with 20-30 somethings out of college and willing to accept a lower wage than what I and my peers were making.

So, here we are, empty nests and homes that are almost paid off looking for work opportunities. Myself, I drove truck back in the late 70's into the early 80's and starting a family, when I chose to come off the road and find something where I could be at home every night for my young family. I loved being out on the road, so here I am jumping back in and finding a totally different world, one with heavy regulation and very few Mom & Pop operations. If I want to drive I will have to accept the way it is, stay positive and find a way to make it work. It doesn't help to complain and spread negativity it only creates discontent. Then soon you're looking for another way to make a living in a world that doesn't offer many opportunities.

Like Alaka76 said, "If you can't offer positive information", it's best to stay out of the conversation.

 

positive.

all the new rules, and all you leash lovers. and then you add the all the pigs in trucks these days.

THEN, you've got the fines and the criminal background you'll be racking up.

positive.

 

Gotta agree with you, but like the OP said.....it's in your best interest. How? I don't know but it is!

 

All of this sarcasm and name calling benefits who, exactly? Do you feel better for it?

 

Yup I would make $10,000 in a week before Google banned most SEO companies.

 

what sarcasm? what name calling?

feel better for it?? since your status says WANNABE. you really have no idea.

15 years ago it was a fun job. and it wasn't so trashy. nor was it regulated to death.

even the rookies complain like crazy.

 

Yes, even the rookies complain!

An awful lot of good that does! Just a bunch of disgruntled drivers, most of them doing nothing to improve their lot in life. Just like that oaf on the dock you just bumped. He's gonna make you wait cause he is unhappy with his lot in life! So where does it all come from? When will you just smile at him and go back sit in your A/C and chill. You know your gonna hit em up for detention. I've sent emails to corporate officers detailing what happened at their facility, sometimes I get a call back and a promise that they'll do something about it, other times nothing. All of the negativity just drives you down, creates unnecessary stress! Shine it on brother and just enjoy your drive!

 

So, when you ask people to give their opinion on the state of trucking and if it's worth it or not, you only want people to respond who are blowing sunshine and daisies up your bum? If you've already made up your mind that you are going to be a trucker, and don't want to come in biased... don't ask. Just join the ranks and make up your own mind based on your experiences, and not on what others say.

Every profession has people that love their job, and those that hate it, as well as the coasters that could care less, they are just here for a paycheck.

Personally, I love what I do and who I work for. Yes, lots of changes, some good, some bad. Imo, being able to enjoy life on the road is all about your attitude and how you choose to deal with the rules and regs that we have now, and those that are enroute. .

 

This seems directed to me, is that incorrect?

Who are you calling leash lovers, is that not name calling?

Pigs in trucks, not name calling either?

Fines and criminal background "you'll be racking up". Sounds like and accusation that I am destined to fail and end up in prison?

If not directed at me or my post, then who, exactly is it directed at?

Prologue "positive"

Ending "positive" and , that is not intended as sarcasm?

Pardon me if I am mistaken, but your post embodies exactly the type of negative post by someone of experience in the industry who has an opportunity be constructive instead.

If this is an attempt at humor, please, enlighten me.