Taking a break from driving

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by nredfor88, Jun 14, 2021.

  1. nredfor88

    nredfor88 Road Train Member

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    I'm thinking of taking a few months off to enjoy life for a bit. Probably 3 max, maybe 4. I have 1.5 years OTR experience. No problems on my driving record. Will taking time off to be a bum negatively affect my ability to secure a good job when I return?
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    No, many drivers do what you plan to do.
     
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  4. nredfor88

    nredfor88 Road Train Member

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    Thanks. I figured so, buy wasn't sure about the time on the job.
     
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  5. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    It will make it slightly more difficult, but not much. There maybe 1-2 companies in your area that will not like the gap, but not enough to worry about.
    Go take youe vacation, enjoy life and deal with work later.
     
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  6. nredfor88

    nredfor88 Road Train Member

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    I've been talking to a couple of companies that are trying to get me to pull for them, for excellent rates. I may reach out and tell them my plans up front, then call again when the day comes to roll some miles and see what they say. Hopefully the hot market stays hot for the remainder of the year.
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Many, many drivers take years off and still go right back to work when they're ready. Keep the DOT physical up-to-date is the main issue.
     
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  8. nredfor88

    nredfor88 Road Train Member

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    I definitely plan to do that! I don't want my license downgraded.
     
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  9. VA CDL Holder

    VA CDL Holder Medium Load Member

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    I work 4 or 5 months and take that much time off also. Some companies want 6 consecutive months of driving to hire you and don’t like employment gaps, Marten and Werner will not hire me because of this. There is always a way in this job, given the current situation of paying people to stay home. I say life is short and there’s more to it than working like a horse to make someone else wealthy.
     
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  10. nredfor88

    nredfor88 Road Train Member

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    Life is short, yes. And I have been thinking a lot about balance lately. On one hand, I'd like to keep on running recaps and stacking them high. But on the other hand, there is another goal that I have in life that is suffering and needs some daily attention. I need to know if it will become my new direction for the future, or if I need to roll miles at 3am more. I'll never know though, unless I give it a shot. I don't want to regret. I'm fortunate to have a few bucks, nothing serious, enough to allow me to find out.
     
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  11. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Is there a problem with your current employer?
    You could just take a leave of absence and have your job waiting for you when you come back.
     
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