Any tips for the new kid on the block?

I am in a similar situation to that which you were in when you first started reading this blog. I am in sales right now for an international importer and the day is coming where I too may be out of work -- I'm curious to know how people's wives handle their decision to go to school/OTR and be gone so much. And yes, I'll take a HUGE hit on my income (though with the current economy I'm not doing that well anyway). But, I leave WAY below my means, so we should be able to survive for a year or two until I can get a sweet regional job. Haven't given notice yet, but have been looking at schools. I wish you the best of luck and if you make it before me - ##*king tell me about it.

 

This career is just that a career(life) not just a job..........
You should talk extensively with your (better half)....LOL
This is a life changing situation that will truly affect both of your lives.
With some people, things work out well and others not so well.
The research you have done here will help, but I also suggest sharing it with the other half to help her understand that both of you will be experiencing difficulties in some way shape or form so that you both can be empathetic to each other. Their are some wives here that can help her as well with the moral support.
To go from being home everyday with the normal 9-5 or even the 12-16 hour day of being home for that contact..........things will be alot different.
Good luck to both of you guys............

 

absolutely, the one thing you need to do is discuss this with your wife.. and kids, if you have any.

fortunately for me, we've all had experience with this 'apart' thing, so that's not un usual stress.

I left an IT job as well (or it left me, take your pick), and yeah, took a hit in the wallet. Even so, I'm making enough to catch up the bills we got behind on. In a couple months, even at the piddly miles I'm pulling, we'll be caught up and moving ahead- which is all I want from ANY job.

I've been describing my daily life to my kids, and now they've decided they want to ride with me - which I think is way cool. I've warned them- it's a lot of sheer boredom, but you get to see something new every day. in any event, you have to be comfortable inside your own head. There's not a lot of company out on the road (5 minutes of conversation in line at the truck stop do not count as 'company')

You also need to be able to keep a level head. Not just for those times when some utter moron passes you on the shoulder and THEN cuts you off, waving the single-digit salute at you; but also for those times when it takes you 30 minutes to park your truck when you KNOW it should take less than 5 (to all you drivers I held up the other day at the Medford Pilot, I apologize).

Never be afraid to do the unmanly: Ask for directions. I know, it goes against your DNA, but you CAN overcome it. And you will need to. Trust me.

Call home daily. If you have computers at each end, you can chat via text or via voice (even if your cell phone is roaming or whatever). Daily contact is very important, even to families used to being apart.

Finally, remember: as a job, this sucks. As a lifestyle, it's a hoot!

 

I know this, but 'making very little' all depends on your point of view. I know when I first start out, i will be with a trainer, and make $450 a week for 2 weeks, then a little more then a little more, till i am solo. If i drive 2500 miles a week, i figure i will take home $500/week. That is about what I was making working in a casino. (now i left that, and work at a truck stop making $8/hr...took me 2 weeks to make $500).

For me, i really dont have any 'family'. I have a dog i love like a daughter, which i will have to give up for 4 months-6 months, but as soon as i feel comfortable, shes in the truck with me. (company i am going to work for allows pets) And I wont be paying any rent, so i look at that like 'hey, there is $500-600 a month i can pay against bills of mine, rather than blowing it on rent' (cause i will be living out of my truck 25-27 days a month)

 

Snowman, you just stated my number one reason for becoming a Truck Driver. Rent free is the way to be!


"[FONT=&quot]I believe that someone should become a person like other people[/FONT]"
Travis Bickle

 

Eagle One's wife here: I have a question. What does a man have to do to get a shower and clean clothes at these truck stops? Should he have to fight for one? He is driver training on the road with TransAm. (Didnt go with falcon)He's at a TA Truck Stop in Dayton, Ohio at the moment. And they refuse to let him have a shower. I mean down right hateful, nasty people to him. He also spent $3.00 trying to dry his clothes and theyre still soaked. Im sorry if I sound like Im complaining mind you, I know he's still got alot to learn. But you'd think with all the money these truck stops make off truckers, they'd have a better attitude. Especially seeing truckers are their bread and butter. Then to bite the hand that feeds you? And a person shouldnt have to bully and fight for a shower that costs them $10.00 to begin with. I may be wrong, but I really dont think so. He said he's going to try again, but will wash from the sink if they wont let him have one. Has anyone got any hints or helpful suggestions for his next stop over? Thanks.

 

Eagle ones wife, im not sure whats going on there. Your husbands trainer should have showers on his rewards card from each time he fuels. Most trainers I know of have a card "linked" with another trainers so they each get showers etd. when the other fuels also. Maybe if there is a long line he has missed his name being called? To the original poster, TALK TO YOUR WIFE!!!! I absolutely could not be doing this without her. It is hard enough at times dealing with everything else! Now, to be blunt, if your wife is NOT the kind who can handle things on her own, proceed with caution. You will not be able to handle all of lifes little troubles, you wont be there. And something WILL come up while your gone. As to the money? Well I guess it is all relevant, I too used to make quite a bit more than I am now. But I'm making more today than when I started. So, it will get better. And most of us live beyond what we really need anyway. Not saying you do, but we all tend to think "I have to have this or that". Anyhow, good luck! Relax, have fun. Even the bad days go away!

 

Thanks for all of your support! My class starts in one week. I picked up a CDL book from the library and also picked up the new Joel Olsteen book to give me the right attitude before I get there. I believe if I have a positive attitude and learn as much as I can it will be the career that I have been waiting for.

 

BTW- My wife never wanted me to drive OTR. Unfortunately she knows that I am running out of options to pay the bills. With no college education I would end up making 11.00 hr in a warehouse. I know it will be tough in the beginning but hope it works out after a few weeks. Only time will tell.

 

Good luck! Please keep us posted as to how you and your family are doing.