Anyone take a break from trucking?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Canadianhauler21, Jul 28, 2022.

  1. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

    801
    1,496
    May 15, 2017
    0
    I got a question for all you guys, have you ever taken a break from trucking? I'm talking like months to years break. I find that twice a year I gotta take a vacation or I lose my marbles.

    I'm thinking I'll just have to leave the industry for a while. Dealing with idiots all day and not having a life is getting to me.

    Looking forward to hearing your responses.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

    2,941
    7,844
    Apr 25, 2021
    0
    I take a break when the market forces me too because the rates drop too low or there isn't much to haul. Sometimes that's several months long. Everyone should take breaks IMO. If you don't pause sometimes you just end up being a rodent stuck on a hamster wheel. Life is too short to be slaving it away.
     
  4. Diesel73

    Diesel73 Light Load Member

    94
    190
    Apr 18, 2022
    0
    I took a 6 year break to spend more time with the kids. Now I'm back.
     
  5. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

    801
    1,496
    May 15, 2017
    0
    You got that right. Makes me feel a bit better about taking a break.

    How did you feel during those 6 years? Did you always have the pull for the road?
     
  6. Diesel73

    Diesel73 Light Load Member

    94
    190
    Apr 18, 2022
    0
    I thought about it occasionally but I enjoyed the family time much more. My reason for being out here now are different. First time was to see the country. This time it's just to make money.
     
  7. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

    13,454
    34,351
    May 25, 2017
    under a shade tree
    0
    yes, i turned wrenches for a few years prior to trucking, had all my tools. dropped out of driving, for about 1 year. then decided that wrenching is harder on the body, when you been out of it for like 30 years....lol...lol...

    finished my driving career as a driver, and CDL instructor, much easier on the body
     
  8. slim shady

    slim shady Road Train Member

    3,458
    14,400
    Sep 14, 2011
    Chicago, Il.
    0
    Ist time took off 18 yrs 1994-2012
    2nd time took a year off 2020
     
    bzinger, Crusader66, Coffey and 4 others Thank this.
  9. Mattflat362

    Mattflat362 Road Train Member

    2,693
    5,687
    Feb 18, 2015
    Avon Lake, Ohio
    0
    8 weeks off...so far....this time around!

    Working other I.T. sub jobs and fixing everything on everything I own! Bikes, motorcycles, boat, Jeep, house/yard!
     
  10. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

    3,315
    16,862
    Jan 23, 2016
    Eastern Iowa
    0
    I have done a couple stints as a yard jockey, i guess that was my way of getting off the road for awhile. Of course i came crawling back LOL.
     
  11. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,006
    41,455
    Jan 13, 2013
    SW Arkansas
    0
    I took off from 6/2014 to 8/2021. I kept my cdl by self certifying as Exempt Interstate. My former company took me back and I went with trainers for a few days. First time I had even been in a truck in seven years is when I took my road test. Ground a few gears but didn't scratch any paint.
     
    Dino soar, bzinger, slim shady and 5 others Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.