Technician vs. Trucking

The end of this year marks nearly 17 years I’ve been a heavy equipment technician. In 2014 I obtained my CDL A, and leased with success on a dedicated account for a carrier for 3 years. I naturally did not get rich, but learned a ton about what it takes to make it on the road along with money management.
After the account was lost by the carrier, I sold my truck which was pretty much worn out, and returned to the shop spinning wrenches which is my current situation.
My heart has been out of being a tech for a number of years now, but with experience and licensing that I have, it pays well. Recently, I was given an opportunity to buy another truck (outright, on my own with my own money, no lease) and lease onto another carrier (flatbed) It’s self dispatch, and I’m given complete control.
This year I will make about 65k gross. My job is a 6-3, Mon-Fri, no weekends, great insurance and retirement. However it’s an extremely poor environment (steel mill loaders) and large amounts of big brother corporate politics.
I’m looking for opinions. What would other guys do? I’m very much an entrepreneur and driven to do things on my own, yet I watch everything trucking and in today’s world it seems risky at best. Do I sit on the security of what I have now or do I set out on what I really feel I want to do? FYI, I do have a wife and she has been very supportive of either decision I make. She can carry insurance through her employment should I go on the road.

 

I suppose my wording was a little off regarding a worn out truck. It was a great truck, and had great luck with it and half my success was because I did my own work, but it was pushing 1.3 mil on a ACERT cat 13 and I was anticipating an in frame at any time.
Sure I could have done the work for half the cost, but trying to be a full time driver and do major engine work is challenging to say the least.
I’ve heard about a slowdown potential in the future from multiple people. It is loadboard freight along with a handful of agents. They claim I’m in a good area for steel (Michigan) but hard telling till I’m out there.

 

My plan is set up to retire at 62 so 25 more years. I’m 38.

 

I am not maxed out on pay but 3% is the standard yearly increase and they stick to that. I am maxed out with the position itself. There is not a Forman or manager position, outside of relocating across country.