Lost

I appreciate the words of encouragement guys. Its nice getting real feedback, even when some of it is hard to swallow.

Seems like the bad stuff is what everyone likes to talk about the most so its not hard to find at all. I've been reading a lot, watching videos on youtube. Reading random blogs and messages on the trucking truth website too.

Its more like, my life sucks and now its time to make some big changes to improve it. Its easy to let things slip, become complacent you know?

As far as marriages go, I'm inclined to somewhat agree with you. I told my wife before we married (she told me the same), that if we do this we will work through anything that comes up. I didn't want to go through a divorce some number of years down the line and that I was sure i'm ready and she needed to be sure she was ready too. Yet here we are. I'd like to believe in permanency in marriage, but the reality of it is, there are two people making decisions- not one.

I don't plan on trucking making me rich. I do plan on it providing me what I need to survive now, and a secure future when I retire. Its going to be work no doubt about it.

I would most definitely consider a O/O situation sometime down the line. I couldn't imagine even considering it in the first three or so years though. I do have a lot of questions about this though I'd like to hear your and others input on.

I hope to do something along those lines. It won't be immediate I don't think but if it seems doable for me once I hit the road I'm going to give it a go.

I am motivated. I need this to work. I think once I really get the ball rolling I will be more confident about it. Its just a LOT to take in at once. So many rules and regulations, thousands of different companies out there to work for, so much day to day unknown stuff. That's why I landed here though, start knocking things down one at a time.

Plan is to move in with mother temporarily. Not an ideal situation for sure. Not that I'm ungrateful. Hoping things will go smoothly though and start making some money. Won't take long for me to get out of there if I don't take too long to get paid. The longer I take, the more difficult its going to be to leave (financially speaking).

No pets for me. I've got a cat right now that I absolutely adore. I'm really attached to him. He will be staying with my wife though (my decision). I need to focus on myself and get my life back on track. Maybe later down the road.

I do like to drive. Truth is, I like to ride too. I can stare out of the window hours on end just watching the landscape change. I guess in some ways that's how I ended up where I am, eh?

I think I have what it takes. I know its going to be a rollercoaster for sure. The first year especially. One thing that concerns me is the extremely high turnover rate of drivers. In my experience working dead end jobs, there is always a reason and sooner or later it makes its way around to me. Be it poor wages, poor working conditions, poor management, miserable coworkers, etc.. That's what I'm concerned with to be honest. I know some people can't muster being away from there loved ones- I get that. And sure, there is companies out there that only see making a profit with no regard who they crush to do so, but still. I just don't want to be one of those wash ups. I guess I am concerned about all of it, but not enough to stop me from pursuing it.

I considered it. Truth is I haven't for a couple reasons. 1). I don't like talking to strangers about my feelings (the irony here has not gone unnoticed). 2). I'm worried about how its going to look on a medical report. Its likely they will recommend I use medication as a form of treatment- some of which could disqualify me from driving. I say that (medications I mean) as the marriage therapist I was seeing had made mention of medications to control it. Really though, my thought process- however flawed it may be- is that I am depressed because I am in a depressing situation. I know some people are depressed and they don't know why. They don't have a particular reason causing their depression. I think those people are fine candidates for medications as it can simply be an imbalance inside that can possibly be corrected. I think my situation differs there. Maybe its denial, who knows? I do honestly believe I can be happy once I'm able to move past things.

My back injuries started about 12-13 years ago. I injured the muscles in my low back. A severe muscle sprain. Every since then, it has haunted me. Then about 2 1/2 years ago I bulged a disc. After two weeks I decided enoughs enough and went back to my regular routine. Two weeks later, it happened again. This time was much much worse. I was barely mobile. Walking even on crutches was very difficult. Sitting up straight was painful. The muscle pain I can usually push back (though it hits me hard later that evening and the next couple days if I really push it), the disc pain is unbearable though. I make an effort to use good posture when I'm lifting and stuff, but like yourself I need to constantly remind myself to keep good posture. I'm starting my walking routine again for exercise. Now that I've got some down time, its doable. Hoping to peel off a few pounds too. Need to keep up the momentum once I get in the truck though. I imagine its really easy to eat junk the entire time your out if you don't plan well and make a conscience effort to eat healthy and do some kind of exercise.

Weight loss is an important goal for me. Like I mentioned above, I'm sure its easier to eat junk food while on the road unless you make a plan. Plus I'd like to save some money so the less expensive junk food I buy, the more money that stays in my pocket. Win win situation.

I do love traveling, that's one of the original reasons I considered truck driving. Riding or driving. Road trips are always a welcomed adventure. So much to see out there. I sometimes wonder if driving otr for years on end will make things less adventuresome though, maybe loose some of its magic. Hope not though.

 

That's a big concern for me. Im not tied down right now to one area as I am in atransitional period and have no signed lease or permanent home. I think I wouldlike my home to be in California, Arizona or possibly Nevada. Out west really.I've considered Arizona and Nevada primarily because of lower cost of living and there are major truck routes running through there,with that said, I would consider New Mexico and Texas as well, but further westis where I am somewhat drawn to.

Is this going to limit me to companies thatare based locally to where I am right now?

If not, can I apply and likely be hired by aplace based in another state entirely from my home residence? Is that normallywhat happens? What are the pros and cons of this kind of situation? I wouldn'tthink it would be too much of an issue as the OTR trucking industry is hoppingfrom one place/ state to another, day to day. Other than home time, is there anythingelse to consider about a situation like this? Possibly tax issues living in one state and being paid from acompany in another state?