What Do You Think When........

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by GOV'T_Trucker, Dec 9, 2012.

  1. GOV'T_Trucker

    GOV'T_Trucker Heavy Load Member

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    ....... Someone says "Your just a driver!!!!!" ???????


    The other night I was having a debate with my friend who just got a job at the City Of Toronto, where I work... We were talking about policies about different jobs within the city... He is a diesel mechanic and I am a Heavy Equipment Operator (I drive trucks and operate machines)... He at one point says "Your just a driver"... I am sure he didn't mean anything bad, but I take it as downplaying my job.. That I am nothing special, that I am just a average driver... Kind of like saying "I am better then you cause I am a mechanic" ... I take offence to this... It's not like he is some high time lawyer or doctor that has a superior amount of education on me.. Even tho it's never nice to downplay someones choice of living based on education, I know lots of people in the City throwing garbage into a garbage truck or driving a transport truck like I am that have college and university degrees... Years of education doesn't make you better then the next person, it just means you know more information I suppose...

    What do statements like this one mean to you?? How does it make you feel?? Does it piss you off or does it not bother you at all??

    I have some education in electrical, I could be a lines-man if I wanted to but I love what I do and that's what matters... The other thing is I am not just a driver anyhow, I have multiple certifications for heavy machinery and operate different types of machines and trailers... I have to load myself as well... People seem to forget the many responsibilities a trucker has, I haul heavy so it requires more focus.. Different driving jobs also have different types of responsibilities and knowledge like specialized loads... It's not just holding a steering wheel and grabbing some gears..

    I guess it's sort of a rant but I want to see what other peoples opinions are.. I know there are many drivers on this site who also have a higher amount of education what are your takes on this type of downplay? What do you think of someone who doesn't have a equal education and really only has a commercial drivers licence...

    Rant over...
     
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  3. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    I'm not "just" a driver. I'm also a mechanic, accountant, customer service rep, secretary, etc...

    I've also got a 4 year degree from a state university.
     
  4. tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

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    I'm not just a driver. I'm a person who loves what they do.

    For the most part comments like that wouldn't bother me at all. Of course the way in which it's said and the context could make a difference but hey, he's just a mechanic.
     
  5. 900,000-tons-of-steel

    900,000-tons-of-steel Road Train Member

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    You'll find many educated drivers out here on the big road and some with college degrees who grew disenfranchised with the corporate world for one reason or another. You'll also find a good share of us who already fulfilled other careers and are coming to driving in our second "life." Being "just a driver" has its perks. I sometimes take a guilty pleasure when some goof talks to me like I'm an idiot just because I'm driving a truck, especially when they're wrong about something and I know I'm right. I'd say the majority of the time I let them keep on thinking what they're thinking. While it bothered me when I was younger it doesn't bother me in the least anymore, especially when I know I have more on the ball upstairs than some of these white-collar jerk offs and young grads right out of college who don't have a clue but think they're all that. As the saying goes, better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt ... as those I'm referring often do. You can't change anyone but yourself, something it took me many years to realize. Water off a duck's back driver, water off a duck's back.
     
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  6. Gambinos Wrath

    Gambinos Wrath Light Load Member

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    I find it amusing as hell but also spread that "im just a driver" mentality a bit as I dont really wanna talk to people, I wanna get back into the truck where I have my music playing, I have the outside air, I have the sun on my face, I have lunch under a tree somewhere etc. I also have a degree in network engineering and personal training, but I do what I enjoy and I like, so it comes down to what you like, but really a mechanic tried to talk down to you? true case of the pot calling the kettle black there
     
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  7. FloTheWaitress

    FloTheWaitress Crusty Go Go

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    Hmmmm can't offer an opinion.. I'm only a waitress ;)
     
  8. sixthgear11

    sixthgear11 Light Load Member

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    I dont really care. I have acquaintances back home that know I drive a truck and thats it. My friends and family, know I drive a truck, but they also know I worked my butt off to buy that truck, trailer, start my authority, etc.... They know that 5 years ago, I was renting an old house that was falling apart, and today I'm buying the "house of my..wifes.. dreams", while my acquaintances think i'm still in the run down house. As far as i'm concerned, the people that matter to me know i'm more than "just a driver", and what other people think?? who gives a rats ###
     
  9. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Please.

    We are all 'just drivers'.

    It doesn't matter what came before.

    What we are now, is a truck driver.
    Live with it.
     
  10. Colorato

    Colorato Road Train Member

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    I don't let terms like "unskilled labor" and "driver" bother me. I love what I do. Besides call me what you want but there the first people who wanna see inside the truck or hear stories.
     
  11. truckbuddha

    truckbuddha Medium Load Member

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    Its true, there is a lot of educated people out here driving trucks, and some very dumb ones as well. I met a M.D. once, I guess he got sick of being around sick people all day and wanted a change, lol.

    The real secret is, just be happy doing what you do. Sure there are always challenges to face, set backs, and dissipointments, but also many rewards that come in so many small ways, too numerous to count each and every day.

    Do whats in your heart to try, and see what happens next.

    Even A janitor who takes pride in his work, and in him self. I am sure, is also honored and respected by his maker, meaning God.

    And I don't mean to insult or demean janitors, I just used that as an example of an occupation most would consider unacceptable for their egos and sense of pride to endure.
     
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