For all my complaining about trucking, I'll say this:

In 2003 I was homeless. Yes, I was working 39.5 hours a week "part time" at a convenience store on whatever shift they felt like (days, nights, overnights, weekends, holidays with no extra pay, etc.), but my child support obligation rendered me unable to pay for any kind of living arrangement... homeless. After enduring this situation for a month, I called my stepfather for help. He came and picked me up, and told me I could stay him and my mother for "awhile" but I had to figure something out. "I know you're in a rough situation son, but you gotta figure something out, and you can't live with us forever." Those words stuck with me. I had a choice... become one of those dregs you see begging at truckstops, or DO something about it. I decided on CDL training and went for it as a last hail mary attempt to save my life...

Now, I am remarried for the last 5.5 years. I have two small children with my new wife. I OWN a home (yes it's a trailer, but it's MINE). I pay my obligations. I support my family. I also have this nifty laptop on which to type this story I'm relating to you all. My point? Trucking has lifted me out of abject poverty and into the realm of the same drudgery that most other Americans fight with: Middle class problems.

Luck, opportunity, and dedication to finally do something right with my life led me here. I urge you all to consider this before walking away from this industry. Besides, what else are you going to do that pays this well with your current qualifications? Find the right company, and the rest will fall into place.