Is Trucking a bad job?

I always encourage young people to get the education that they can. Better to work smarter not harder. You do have an insight that most don't have before getting into the business so you are already ahead of the game. Plus, you have an "old hand" to keep an eye out for you. Advantages. Good luck to you.

 

I'm attending a local university while driving local, though it's more of a means to stay active rather than a prospect in using a degree for financial gain.

The company paid for my CDL training, which had run at a state tech school. Aren't most grocery warehouses like this, taking newbies? Don't they pretty much take in anybody who has a good driving record while holding proficiency in various warehouse type jobs? Naturally, you'll be in the warehouse just as much as on the road, so it's technically not a driving job.

 

Let me just add my point of view and limited wisdom for what it's worth.
If I had to do it all over again, I would have studied harder in college and emerged with a degree that was useful in today's world.
I think if I had finished college, I would not be driving a truck right now.
Things would be even better if I had someone who could and would put me through college. The financial side of things does has an impact on the decision of some would be college students. So if you have parents offering to put you through or help out with the expense you better grab it and run with it and don't look back.

I guess my main point is, THINK LONG TERM and plan for the future. Just because you may think truck driving is cool and may seem fun from the exterior it doesn't portray the whole scope of things. There is nothing glamorous in trucking and you will not make a lot of money.

Mark my words, you WILL regret not going to college if you pass up the opportunity.
My recommendation if you want to really make good in this world, go get that degree first. Then once you have it, go apply it.
Do your time in a career that yields high income and hope of a REAL retirement not some carrot dangling you get in trucking. Then after 20 years or so. Re approach the idea of becoming a truck driver to see the country and earn a supplemental income while you're still fairly young.
I think 20 even 10 years ago, I would have said something different altogether but now,the way things are in trucking and what's happened in just the past couple of years, spare yourself the heart,head ,and back aches you will face nowadays and not nessasarily in that order.

I'm sure some of you may not agree with what I have said but that's too bad it is what it is.

 

Just want to point out - double-clutching is amazingly different from your standard automobile. I've been driving stick for .. a lot of years. Steering the truck isn't a problem. Shifting isn't a problem. CLUTCHING is a problem. Believe it or not, it's a whole new set of reflexes, and it's actually easier to learn if you've never driven a stick before.

 

If I may be so bold as to insert my 2 cents, I say go for it. You are young enough that if it turns out to be a mistake, you can get out and find something better. I have got way to many what if's in my past that could have been done away with if I would have just given it a shot, so I say go and find yourself. Best of luck to you in whatever you choose.

 

What you have yourself is if you can handle the lifestyle. Driving a truck is the easy part....dealing with the life is another question. Its not a bad life IMO, but that is me. If you think you are ready for it...go for it. Like the other hand said...go to the truck stops and talk to drivers...ask them questions and get all the info you can. If you do go on the road I wish you the best of luck. Their are alot of very good drivers that will help you. on the other hand there is a bunch of ### holes too.