A harsh reality?

There's got to be other types of work around. When I'm gone for even a few days my 3 year old acts like it's been forever.

 

The little ones seem to cope fairly well if you use technology to keep in touch. Our little "cricket" is a pro at putting on the ear piece and walking around talking to Gpa and he is gonna be 3 years old this month. We chat often, take pics and send them on the phone, and now that we have a new lap top for the truck we can web chat at night.

When Gpa comes home he is never a stranger....it takes WORK to keep the kids involved but it can and does work. Trucking OTR is not a job, it is a way of life and most people dont realize it until they are in debt to a CDL school or have signed the papers to be a slave to some company that paid for their training. My hubby has been OTR for the last 7 years, driving for 26 and NO he was NOT OTR when we got married almost 8 years ago.

It can work and it can be a great way to support a family BUT it is not easy at times, there are lots of cons to be sure. It's up to the people involved to make it work. There are days ya just wanna rip your hair out and then there are the great days too. As for the mother of your child...thats a tough one; you know her better than anyone here so you have to use your previous experiences with her to make choices now.....just use the head/common sense the good Lord gave ya. Maybe she really is being nice and just offering you a place to crash for a couple of days. On the other hand maybe she just wants money; I am sure after a "visit" or two you will know her motives.
Getting DEPRESSED is not the norm; the better informed a driver is about the life they are getting into the better their outlook. Heck yeah there are times EVERYONE gets depressed and hates their boss/job/dog/wife/hubby/life in general the individual has take the bull by the horns and know that tomorrow will be a better day. I do KNOW having a great support system at home make the job easier, and communication is the answer.

 

It sounds like you are already having second thoughts about this career. From someone that has endured this job for 16 years already, my advice to you and anyone with a young kid/family is find another way to make a living! This job kills families and relationships. Your loved ones, especially the kids need you more than the money. Take a 2nd job, deliver pizza, get a newspaper route, but stay home!

As to depression, I bet it is a very common problem for OTR drivers. We are just to proud to admit it or get help for it. I know it is an ongoing battle for me and I drive local and go home every night!

Sorry if this offended anyone, but it was the truth as it happened _me. This job is a soul stealing, family killing, dead end job that will ruin more things than the money you WONT MAKE can fix!!!

 

You do not have to go out for weeks at a time. There are flatbed companies that will get you home almost every week. That is why I went with Maverick. I have only missed two weekends in 6 months.

 

maybe you should try and find a local job

 

I won't do OTR any more. Nothing wrong with it, if it fits your lifestyle. It simply does not fit mine. I actually enjoyed the time I drove OTR. I could give you a big sob story about how it took us 8 1/2 years to have kids and all those struggles, but it simply isn't a sacrifice I am willing to make at this time.

If you like it, go for it. Some people might say it makes that time together more special. Then there's my dad. He drove OTR all of my life. I was glad he was gone...