What would you do if you can't do CDL job any longer, and you ain't young no more?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by TallJoe, Jun 26, 2022.

  1. CAXPT

    CAXPT Road Train Member

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    It really is more art than science, and learning to make the controls act the way you want takes practice. It really can put you in a zone, which is why you can't get complacent especially if you work with others around the equipment. Keeping your equipment in good shape is just as important as the truck, as you don't want to neglect noticing a leaking hose or connection until it blows off. Those restraints may hold it, but there's a lot of pressure that get's built up, in particular when you're using a backhoe. As for office work not paying as much, you have to compare it to the endless hours OTR that you weren't getting paid for, and know that you're getting paid for those hours now without having to be out there away from home. :)
     
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  3. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    Grampa died on the road, Dad died on the road. Why plan for retirement? Historically it doesn't happen.

    I quit pulling wrenches daily and running heavy wreck to drive for myself. I'm hopefully on the last plan.
     
  4. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    Did you have drivers at the shipper actually take the wrong trailers to the receiver, or did the guards always catch it and stop them?
     
  5. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    Become a politician, I hear the Republicans are looking for a new candidate :cool:
     
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  6. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Shower attendant at a J or a Love's.
     
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  7. Trucker61016

    Trucker61016 Road Train Member

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    I hear Speaker of the house may be open if Pelosi gets stuck in China.......:rolleyes:;)
     
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  8. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    I was hoping to get some feedback from those folks who spent most of their professional lives on the road and are in their late 40s or 50s and if there was something that made them change their career from scratch.

    I hope there are more ambitious paths than a shower cleaner or a gas station attendant.
    Or is it too late to learn another trade, by starting a course at a local community college or development center -however, to these I am generally biased against, I see them as a waste of money but I wish I were wrong and somebody could show that they got out of their truck to take a couple of months a development course and started something anew, for instance, in the medical field or manufacturing, engineering, perhaps discover a good salesperson in you...a real estate or a travel agent?
    For example, once I considered taking a Cummins Diesel engine certified mechanic course - it was given at some place in Pennsylvania and you had to devote quite a few weeks for it, if not months...I would not mind trying something else before I am entirely ready to retire for good - in maybe 15-20 years in my case.
     
  9. DRTDEVL

    DRTDEVL Road Train Member

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    See if your company has any office positions or mechanic positions available. Almost everyone in our office is a former driver here.

    Advantages: You know them, they know you, little transition friction, no loss of seniority for vacations, etc.

    Disadvantages: If you weren't a high-performer, they know and they either won't hire you or lowball your pay.

    I transitioned from a local driver to the Driver Services office last year, went salary, and kept my standing as an employee here since 2019. When I went out for COVID about 100 days after starting my position, they actually held it for me until I could fully return to duty in late May of this year (it was ugly, coma, ventilator, learning how to walk again... basically as bad as it could get without actually dying). I was out of work longer than I had actually worked the job when I returned. I don't think that would happen as a new hire anywhere.
     
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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    My backup plan for leaving trucking was merchant seaman. Was qualified as Ordinary Seaman.
    That job isn't for everyone though; just for those of us that prefer to keep on the move.
     
  11. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    Those certs are more for someone already working in a shop and looking to advance. Kind of like the A+ is in the IT world. You could easily get a job as a tire tech (auto and/or heavy duty) and work your way up as you learn though.
     
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