I contemplated putting this on the thread about the IT workers recent thread question about going OTR, however, thought it might be a more useful discussion on it's own. I am also just starting out in this business so it is certainly a question from a new driver.
I really did put a lot of thought into the IT workers post about a move from a high paying stay at home career to a move into OTR Trucking.
I have been fortunate enough to have some time to contemplate my move away from my Law Enforcement Career, 20 plus years worth invested. I can give you a number of reasons why I ultimately left, including some more recent changes that occurred in my occupation that I was not happy about. However, when it comes down to it I think I have a deeper reason and that would be I was just flat burned out. I think this may true for truck drivers and or any other potentially high stress occupations.
This past weekend, the news reported a murder in the city where I used to work. I would have been fully involved in that investigation, long hours, dead bodies, news reports, reports that I would have to write, evidence to process, multiple phone calls and overtime that would need to be "justified" due to the economic state of the cities finances....this would all be heaped upon me in one big unscheduled dump. So now I just see the news stories about it and told myself and family/friends that I am so fortunate that I am not involved in that stuff anymore.
The other thing I can bring from my LE experience is the amount of suicide and other not so nice stuff in our communities that a lot of people don't see or hear about in the news. For me it was just a job, maybe like driving by a wrecked turned over truck on the highway and saying sorry man but I'm glad its not me, I did not take any of this stuff personally, I couldn't it was just a job and life goes on. Im beginning to believe that the stresses of our work first and get the job done at all costs make a big paycheck mentality gets to a stage of burn out for many, admit it or not.
As an American worker, I think the long hours, company and national pride, going above and beyond the call of duty, working first play later, is part of our way of life. I think it is a reason why our country, even in its current economic mess, is still rich in resources. We stay really busy, but at what expense.
So now I go, at age 44, off to CDL school in a few weeks and start driving. Really I'm looking forward to the experience, new places, new skills, a profession...yes a profession. Earning real paycheck again, working for a company. It's exciting for me, something to look forward to. Already through the divorce thing so I'm past that hurdle. Yes it's work, and thats OK, never been afraid of it before. Busy is good for us too.
I think a lot of people might not understand leaving a $60K plus OT and benefits hourly career to get wages cut in half to work OTR for maybe half of that. I however will say that I feel refreshed going out into a new career.
Without going into more detail Im guessing that there may be some career drivers who are at wits end after many years on the road and the usual abuse piling on. In the short term, it is what it is, however it is my opinion that in the long term the garbage that can come with an American Career will add up and it really is not always about a paycheck amount.
The really cool thing for me is that I have the opportunity to go into a new career and there are a lot of people and companies in this industry who understand and give a guy a place to start over again. For that I am very thankful.
Burn Out
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by goblue, Jan 9, 2013.
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