Am I Crazy? Need Advice

If you decide to get out, go with hazmat/tankers. There's a couple of hazmat/tanker drivers that post on here that make over $100K, but it takes about two years experience to work your way into those jobs.
As a new hazmat tanker driver you can make $65K easily and many quickly move on up to $70K-$80K.
One military vet with several years in just left active duty and joined the reserves/national guard then went with Groendyke Transport pulling hazmat/tankers.
Here's a few hazmat/tanker companies that will hire you as a new CDL graduate. Some websites have "experience required" but that's now changed.
Trimac Transportation
Groendyke Transport
Superior Carriers
Tidewater Transit
SVTN
Schneider Bulk

 

What he said,do 10 more years and get that check.l promise you,when your my age you will regret if you dont

 

That check is a pretty big reason. Believe it coming from us: Many drivers would give their left nut (or whatever) to be in your place right now.
The job market and work force have changed so much that anything can happen and often does. Trucking is a vague industry. Don't trust it. Retire and go play in the highway later. C-17 loadmaster? Dude, you're crazy. For sure.

 

Half way to a government pension? I realize it's easier said than done, but you're a fool if you don't suck it up and do ten more. I went through this a couple years ago with a very good friend who wanted to cash out and buy a truck.

Get that pension then come play monkey-behind-the-wheel.

 

Yeh. 10 more years. You get good free money, som3 healthcare and then can get into trucking to figure out its probably not for you.

 

Anyone making "$54k AFTER taxes"
Has got to be really messed up to want to come into trucking. Isn't that like $150k a year?

 

the only guarantee in trucking is their are absolutely no guarantees. Also most all regional routes are with a catch. You don't run regional the freight originates in that region.

 

Ok so put your 18% to 28-35k. 28 if you're bad at planning or if you pick a low freight company. 35 if you start at a low pay rate but, plan well, and get consistent freight. Then 40 the following year if youre smart. Then, you move to 50-60 gigs, hopefully you will be home more. You can skip the 28-35k job if you find a small fleet to train you and that pays percentage.