College On the Road? (OTR Drivers)

you can get a few hours a day,internet strength at the truck stops aren't always great,so your best bet would be your own hot spot

 

OTR wise, I normally have 3-4hrs a day goof off time. Thats driving 8-10hrs and running again in the am. I'm bringing my guitar out on the next run.....

 

Yes, It would be a good use of your time. Most drivers have down time whether it be forced because of the DOT clock or between loads. There would easily be time to study as part of an online degree. From my experience 2-3 hours a day is 'free'. I spend it reading or watching TV in my cab. Other than loading/unloading process you can only drive 11 hours before having to stop for at least 10 hours, plus most loads are timed at 50-55mph when dispatched so if its a freeway haul you will always be early and have more 'free' time.

 

You'll have plenty of time. This reminds me, I need to find a program and start back. Also some companies have tuition reimbursement programs, even if they don't plaster it everywhere. Contact your hr dept. to see.

 

It's possible, but, you might not feel like looking at a computer screen for a few hours after already being up for 14-16.
Or imagine you have a test/paper due and your hotspot won't pick up a signal.

I personally think it would be too much of a headache.
Maybe a couple classes here and there but not a degree, would take waaay too long lol.

 

It can be done, but I'd have to concur that going all out for a degree from inside a sleeper probably isn't all that feasible. When I went OTR the last time, I knew I wouldn't be on the road forever, and that the other half would be expecting me to put my GI Bill to use and get back into school. So I went ahead and knocked out some of the general education classes while I was on the road.

 

A lot of it depends on you, as well. If you have the drive and self discipline to do it, you're better off for it. The few credits I took were difficult for me, whereas being in a classroom made things much easier. I get on the computer, I wanna update Facebook, I wanna send instant messages.. before long, you're sidetracked, tired, and have to get back up and rolling in a few hours. Your case might be very different.

 

I would think that although the internet is great, getting into a library and doing some actual legwork for a paper would be necessary. That might be a little tough at times...