Changing career?

Hey guys, been on here for about a month now and learning a lot about the trucking industry.

I am in Canada and in the process of completing my Class 1 (trucking license) from a driving school (paid about $5000). Before I fully commit to driving and quitting my current job, wondering what people's thoughts/suggestions/recommendations are. Maybe I am just completely crazy to do this. Some of my friends are supportive, while others are scratching their head. My parents are of course supportive but also worried.

I am in my late 30s, I currently have a "cushy" government job, have a university degree, been doing this for about 16+ years, and in my current union job for about 11 years. The pay is average (about $75k before taxes), benefit is ok, pension is great and vacation is awesome (almost 6 weeks).

My 2 main goals are:

1) to get a head financially, currently single but with a great supportive girlfriend, hoping to get marry and have a family in the near future. So I can certainly do lots of long hauls now and switch to locals/short hauls later when the family arrives.
2) to get out of my 9-5 job as it is nothing exciting, lots of politics and it is monotonous. I do love to drive and always wanted to drive (long haul trucks). Mind you, I have not actually done the job yet to say whether I will like it or not.

What are people's input? I have 2 good friends that are currently driving and I have been on runs with them (short hauls only as they have families - 8-13 hrs). Loneliness doesn't bother me, long hours doesn't bother me as I sometimes take on extra work at a different job, a bit concern about the health part as I am a stay fit, fairly healthy individual. I understand in the first year or so my pay will not be very high but I am hoping it will be considerably higher than $75k after.

So to change career or not to change??

Thanks guys!

 

Both my buddies are making more ($92k and $120K)

 

I am young enough, not too concern about a pension at the moment, again just want to get ahead financially for the family thing.