Away from kids question

One way to look at being away from home trucking is to think about our men and women in the Armed Forces. I know many of you have served and I myself have deployed twice, but when you think about them going a year or more with out seeing their loved ones then being gone a week or two seems like nothing. When you think you are feeling down about not getting in, think about how many of them that would glady swap places with you for better home time! My hat is off to all of you brave men and women serving our Country. God Bless!

 

Going on the road & gpoing to sea on a Sub....on road is better you have a phone & fresh air.......

 

I didn't come to trucking until at almost 48 years old I realized I needed a fallback career. I had spent over twenty years as a photographer in an area that was devastated by digital. I have an eight year old daughter who was five at the time and no desire to be gone from home. We are a very close family so I won't kid you, this has been very hard. In my case I looked for guarenteed hometime. There are companies that have fleets that quarentee hometime like 7/4-7/3, 14/7 etc. That is what I went for. I'm still looking at making $30-$33k a year and being guarenteed 9 days a month at home. We also have an unlimited time plan on my cell phone.

 

You're in Texas and familiar with the oilfields . Ever consider hotshotting ? There's plenty of work close to home . Get your own authority and be your own boss . The money making potential is a lot better . Google "Overdrive small truck big service " for info . You don't need to restrict yourself to Texas but if you are under 26,000 lbs. GVWR you don't need authority to work intrastate in Texas .

 

Just have lots of communication and when you are home try to have a "small" to do list and a "big" time with family.
I am in a simular situation. We are loosing our home in a few months and I have regretted giving up my CDL-A 5 years ago. My husband drives OTR so after a lot of prayer we've decided I'd get my CDL-A again and we'd team for a year or two. My parents are going to take my 2 girls while we are on the road. Its been a difficult decision but I've said the same about the military families where both parents are serving. Also, your kids will get to see you where a military parent is gone for a very long period of time. We are also looking to have a company with a rider policy.
They will understand and look forward to when you come home.

 

I have 3 young kids. Been looking for a different job since I started this one. I am miserable.

 

Very sorry to hear that. I hope you find something that works for you.

 

Thanks. Problem is, Michigan's economy is quite possibly the worst in the country right now. I got 25 applications out for various jobs and have heard NOTHING.

 

Boughtout,
From your screen name I assume you took a buyout from one of the big three. Are you working for watkins shepard at this time? I'm trying to find a little info regarding w/s out of detroit area.