Is this really how it is?

The guy down the road from me is an O/O.
He's got TWO Harleys.
Both of which stay in his garage parked most of the time because he's always on the road.
And when he does manage to get home...guess what he's doing?
Working on his truck.

Even as a company driver...you're home what...maybe 2-3 days for every 14 out?
First day back, you're basically crashing.
Third day you're doing laundry and buying things to stock up the truck.

What good are having all these toys if you're never around to use them?

 

Paddington, we get the point: you don't like trucking.

I'm sorry you're so unhappy. I feel bad for you. However I do like it. And so is it really needed for you to keep telling everyone how horrible it is? YOU don't like it. OKAY we got it. But a great many people DO.

Frankly it's like you're trying to convince the rest of us that we're wrong and that we really really don't like it but we're just to stupid to know it. sheesh man.

I hope you find another job. I really do. I hope you find something that makes you as happy as trucking makes me! And I hope you make a lot of money while doing it.

I wish you absolutely NOTHING but happiness. Sincerely........Texas-Nana

 

Nana... that, among many other things, is why I love you.. You are such a wonderful and delightful person... and I enjoy being able to share all the little things in trucking and in life that I enjoy with you...

I enjoy my own and all... and I knew when I got into trucking I would be away from home.. When I am on the road, I give myself to that experience.. I take in and enjoy the many things there are to enjoy.... When I am home, I give myself to that and enjoy all the many things my home and all has to offer... from the simple things.. like a long hot bath.. to the bigger things... Last time I was home, I had a wonderful time riding horses with my partner in the snow... it was beautiful.. I loved it. Yeah, I also did some laundry, dishes, shopping, cooking and all... but, some of that I enjoyed too...
I keep up with my laundry pretty well on the road, because, to be honest, being on the road makes me appreciative of my home, family, friends and all... and when I am home I like to spend that time with my family and friends....

This last time at home I also had fun hiding valentine gifts and all around the house... I will be on the road Valentines Day.. But, I had fun hiding things for my partner... So, tomorrow when I call her I can give her the first clue.. and the treasure hunt will be on... At first I was bummed that I would be on the road and we would be apart... but, now, with the treasure hunt.. it is okay, and kind of romantic... I know she will be touched and enjoy it as well...

You know what is weird... all this snow we have had all over... I have never seen so much snow in my life... and yet.. it is still beautiful and I still can't resist catching a snowflake or two on my tongue... LOL

 

some folks could be tossed into a porta potty and be surrounded with urine and feces, and yet somehow manage to make the best of it and eventually convince themselves how great of a situation they have, and that they actually enjoy it. some people try to convince you that back in the 1700s, some of the slaves were actually happy. OK.....

 

How utterly absurd that is. You're suggesting that Lavender and myself can not determine if we're happy or not? Oh I'm so glad that big strong you came along to clarify our lives for us! *swoons at your manly knowledge*

Look Bub, I'm 53 years old I figured out long ago how to tell if something is good or not. I have a different life than you do. Doesn't mean you have to like your job it just means I'm being treated well and I work on a great fleet. I'm happy. So if you're not............QUIT. I would.

But please don't insult me again by suggesting you know what I think and feel better than I do.

Sheesh.

 

So uh.............what is your point exactally? That people cant be thrown into a bad situation and make the best of it?

 

Your hubby has a long road ahead of him, but it can be rewarding. He will have to put up with dumb and careless and coldhearted people on a daily basis, but as long as he keeps a positive outlook, he will get through each day easier than the people he deals with. As you can see by a couple people in this thread, there are people who hate this "job" and do their best to drag everyone else down with them. It must be a struggle for them to get through each day, but he will learn to overlook these people and take their attitudes with a grain of salt. I wish you two the best!

 

The big problem with the trucking industry is that it is full of people eager to embrace it as a lifestyle, which really means justifyng a lot of deplorable conditions, many of which would be illegal if the industry were not exempt from basic labor laws.

I refuse to drink that kool-aid.

For me, trucking is means to a lifestyle, not a lifestyle in itself.

That said, if you have to go through a couple of years of OTR, coolie carrier hell to get to that better lifestyle, I encourage you to hang in there & do it. Think of it as someone who wants to be a doctor doing their residency, or a CPA getting their audit experience. The road to a better place goes through where you are now.

 

That's kinda the conditions when you are homeless in an urban setting. Like what happens when you have no income...as in the income you get when driving a truck. I have been a driver most of my adult life (although only 5 years in a big truck) and never even knew what unemployment was til I tried my hand at construction...

Anyway, my point being...if you are unhappy with your chosen profession, use your energy to get on to something else, don't waste it complaining about how unhappy you are currently.

I love driving so much, I'd do it for free...and they say that's the key to finding your calling. I am grateful I have found mine.