Trucking job vs.factory job ??

I wish you the best on your venture! Keep us posted and let us know how you are doing!

 

central mi. I am doing just the opposite as you. I turn 50 this August, and am retiring this year from GM, after 30 years of working in a factory, and getting into trucking. I can not wait to get out, and I swear, I will never work in another factory again. Sure the pay and benifits are fantastic, and you get to sleep in your own bed everynight, but believe me, it's no fun. I started when I was 19, and at 50, my body just can't take it any longer...extra strength tylenol is routine before work and when I get home...I just keep going to make it to that pension.

You will not be building cars, or I don't know if you will even be doing assembly line work, but a factory is a factory, no matter what they do. Are you ready to do the same thing, every minute for 8 hours...or longer a day...5 days...or more a week? If you are making parts for GM...depending what vehicles that particular plant is building...if they work overtime, you will also, because they operate on a parts on-time schedule. They don't stock pile parts anymore. Also, I don't know how many shifts that plastic plant runs, but being a new-hire, you will most likely be forced to start on 2nd or 3rd shift, if they are a 3 shift operation. Are you ready for that? Also, are you ready to be confined to working in a closed environment, sometimes with people who can really get on your nerves?

These are just a few things to think about before you make a decision. I know that i've made my decision to drive a truck after GM. Best of luck to you on what you decide...Dave

 

I have done both. Keep in mind are you ready to be chained to a truck? Because it can get that way. All the aches and pains you talk about go along with driving, plus some. Both have ups and downs. As far as the shift goes being new to the factory, consider this in trucking. You will work 1st, 2nd, & 3rd, shift driving. You will work at least 70 hours a week compared to 40 hours. Now add up the money you make at 40 hours a week and compare it to 70 hours. Which pays more? Don't forget to factor in the expense of living out of a truck.

The time you mention is burn out from the factory. Drivers get it as well. The only difference is when you work local and sleep at home you can go do things to break up the routine. Out on the road what will you do for a change up? Get in and out of the passeneger door instead of the drivers door. Not putting trucking down, but if I want to go watch my little girl play a ballgame or some other function I am there. I could not do that when I drove a truck. I chased that whiteline all over the place. It doesn't end.

 

There are good points and bad points in all lines of work, and we can discuss them until the cows come home. But I do realize that trucking isn't easy and it's a job. My late uncle was an O/O. I'm ready for a change, and willing to atleast try it. Plan on doing it for only 10 years or so. No kids to worry about. Wife is behind me 100%. If I don't like it, i'll just move on to something else...but no more factory work for me. Thanks for your insight.

 

Your welcome. Both have good points and bad points, but I have seen more turnover rates from trucking than the stay at home factory workers. If they don't get laid off most stay until they retire then look for something else. I can't say that about trucking. A lot try it for 6 months or less and bail and look for something else. I wish you the best.

 

There was a guy who started his first day in my plant. He went outside during lunch break and never came back...that was 20 years ago! Guess factory work wasn't for him. Thanks for the well-wishes tarps.

 

You are welcome. I could say I have seen 100's walk off from trucking. You mentioned one. I am just trying to level the field for the one trying to make the choice. He has straight truck exp. He has a taste of what it is like. Nothing I have said here is to belittle anyone. All of us have choices to make and we have to live by them. To me the price of being gone is to costly when there is a family at home. Not all can find a decent at home job. I understand well what is being discussed. I can't get back that time I spent out on the road.

Being able to make good money and be there for my family. To me that is priceless. Nothing against you drivers that do what you do. I did it as well. I know what you truckers go through. I lived it.

 

That was just one example. I could tell you about more, but no need to, you get the picture. Like you said, we all have choices to make and we have to live by them. I made my choice 30 years ago, and have lived by it. I've endured alot of hard work...also one plant closing and relocating... to provide a very good living for my wife and I. I go to work every day and do the best job that I possibly can...that is how my parents raised me. I don't regret it one bit, and would do the same if I had to do it all over again. But it's time for a change and you only live once...50 years is already behind me! lol. I wish you well in what ever you decide to do Michigan.