Npr on driver shortage... Good info for new drivers

When I came in, I was told I'd have to work some crap jobs but down the road I'd make much more for my time. Eventually I could find a forty-five to fifty hour a week job, and well above average pay. That has turned out to be total BS. I know the kind of job you find depends on the area you live. Around here, you either work twelve or more hours a day, at least five days a week, or you don't make squat. Now with a mortgage, and a child growing into a young adult, it's keep working all the time, or start over in another industry for thirty grand a year. When you've been away from everything else for close to twenty years, you'll have to start at the bottom. There isn't even that many good jobs around here to be had anymore anyway. But I wish someone had told me when I was starting out, to stay away. I would be better to have built this time with another employer, and I'd probably only work forty hours a week. So yeah, I warn people about it this industry. Let's not even get into the way drivers are treated.

 

20 yrs and no pay increase in the truckload sector. It will not change period

 

Used to enjoy that Prairie Home Companion show on there and still listen sometimes at work to NPR.

 

Not everyone has easy access to a school campus. Not everyone has the funds either. I started college twice and dropped out, because the classroom setting drives me insane. I never did any homework to speak of after eighth grade but I still made honor roll every semester until I was a senior, and graduated with a college prep seal. It was all I could do to finish, because I hated it. We have a cookie cutter education system, and not everyone fits in it.

 

It doesn't have anything to do with education. I'm just saying it's never too late to change careers. That's it. Christ sake! I try to say something positive and I'm getting ####ing hammered for it

 

I apologize if you felt I was attacking you. Those types comments strike a nerve with me, often they are coming from people that have a limited view of life. I shouldn't jump to those kinds of conclusions. But again, it can be extremely challenging for people in some parts of the country to change careers. Hope you aren't offended.

 

3.5 years to go and my truck will be paid off ..and I'll be done with otr .

 

No it's probably my fault. My original post probably wasn't very clear.

 

God its nice to see people shake hands here !

 

We're cool.