Help me to understand...everyone else does.

That makes two of us. I never got involved in the office politics of trucking, simply there to do a job as best I can and go home. Sure, I have made a few real friends along the way, usually like minded folks. Gossip is a cancer that eats away at an organization from the inside out and has no place in out life.

As for peer pressure, that goes along with my deep belief that most humans are afraid to be alone -ever! How many times have you sat in the furthest back seat in a restaurant or other public space, no one around, then the next person that comes in has to sit right next to you? Worse yet when they then decide to strike up a conversation. I sat away from everyone for a reason!

Most people seem to feel a strong need to be part of something bigger than themselves, suppose that is why religion is so popular. Life is bigger than any one individual and for many they can't handle that simple fact so they seek approval from everyone around themselves. I don't understand peer pressure, never fell prey to it, but then I never felt the need to follow the other kids leads.

Hell, if I couldn't learn from the good people on this board I wouldn't even be here, it sure is not for the arguing and name calling that goes on.

 

Its taken me 10 years in the workforce to start realizing that its not worth listening to others. Its not worth hopping jobs for a few dollars a month more. If you like the job and it pays the bills, ignore the morons, keep your opinions to yourself and just enjoy your time on the job. A job is never more stressful than when you let the dummies and their BS get into your head.

 

What I've noticed the most about drivers over the last few years is that their two greatest loves are 1. driving in general, and 2. complaining about the company they work for.

I realize that it's human nature but I haven't met many company drivers that claim to enjoy their jobs. Everybody loves their work, they just hate who they're working for.

 

Maybe there's more to the story she hasn't shared with you?

Humans really are sheep and share very similar behaviors. It's evident even in traffic patterns on the road, lines in stores etc etc. Schools also help foster this mentality. Think about what most schools actually "teach" kids. Don't be different. Repeat everything we tell you. Never question authority. It's a recipe for walking dead. The following video says it all.

 

Exactly what I was getting at. As for why I would allow someone to talk me out of something, I've been there. And regret it everyday. When I was 18, I wanted to go west and work on the harvest crew. Mom and Dad had every reason in the world not to. So I didn't go, and kick myself every time I think about it.

A buddy had an older Pete he wanted to sell me, and could have gotten me a pretty nice gig where he was leased on. (He bought a new truck) My wife said no. The price was $7500, and it had a fresh rebuild. I knew the truck well, and while it wasn't perfect, it would have served the purpose well. But despite all my whining and pleading, she said no. Just last month she admitted she should have let me buy the truck.

But I've learned those lessons. Now I do what I want. I live MY life.

 

I’ve been that guy. I have gone into a restaurant, only one other guy in there . I walked right up to him and asked if I could join him,
Had some really good conversations that way, even learned a thing or two.
Some people are just friendly.
My Mom taught us not to be like everyone else.