Changing diapers

I think your challenge now is to find fun in your job. We'll see you in a few years out on the road when it would be better for you.

 

I'm (or should be) the last one to suggest changing careers is a bad thing. I left a sweet job in the telecom industry and became a driver (We'll see if I make it to 'trucker' status)

There are a few differences between us, though.

I'm 50 and have been married for 25 years.
My family has past experience with one or the other parent being absent for extended periods
My boys are in their teens, and can provide meaningful input for a discussion, and can understand what's going on.
My parents .. well, yeah, they're less than excited - we are all well educated, and the truck driver image is that of .. well, maybe the possessor of a GED. But they supported my decision (in as much as they had any say at all, anyway. They always have let us kids make our own mistakes) (It worked out well, too - ran into them purely by chance a few weeks ago in Portland)
My Wife - again, not excited about it, but supportive. Turn about is fair play - she's a paramedic, and I hate it. Not that being a paramedic is bad - but driving in an ambulance in the city, dealing with gangs - it's dangerous... but it's what she wants to do. (and loves it).

All that being said (for whatever reason), at this point, unless you absolutely HATE your job I'd stick it out. Maybe a lateral shift to OR or ICU. Or admin, but that's probably the last place to go - at least some patience are thankful of the job you do. In admin, nobody is.

So, yeah, consider very very carefully before you take this plunge. Too many people in your life oppose it to treat the decision lightly. From what I've seen here, now is not the time to make the jump.

What you MAY consider, though: Go ahead and get your CDL. See if you can find a local job... um.. "casual" driver. Or talk to a temp driver agency.

Just some thoughts

 

Wilsor - I was that wife. I always just blew it off when the hubby mentioned it. "Maybe next year or in a couple of years," I would say. My biological father (Truck driver/owner/diesel mechanic) passed away and we had a memorial for him...nothing but truckdrivers. He heard the stories and wanted it more than ever. "Maybe later, do you really want to do that?!?" I'd ask. He'd ride with my Daddy (step-dad) and he would be on top of the world.
Back in March of this year I told him to spread his wings and fly. To be honest we were on the verge of going under financially but I couldn't deprive him of his dream any longer. I had him call around. I got on the internet and looked around. He made arrangements to head off to truck driving school after I found out the info that I wanted to know. He called his parents to tell them of the good news to only hear them say how bad it is and how they didn't want him to do it. A couple weeks later, a plant that we worked at for 7 years announced that it would be closing its doors on June 6. Perrrrrrrrfect!!! He called to reschedule schooling to start June 11. One door closed for another door to open. You see....we would have went 6 weeks with just my pay and his 2 weeks worth of vacation. It worked out that he was able to draw unemployment while in school. He went, passed, had his 6 weeks with his mentor and had his first solo run Tuesday night.
There are many dollars to be made out there doing what you do but the question is....Is it worth it not being happy? Is it worth it not living your dream?
If this is truly your dream, you need to have a talk with the wifey. Do some soul searching and shoot for the stars.
The difference here is a job and a career. A job is something you do to make money. A career is doing something you love while making money. I'd rather make $30,000 a year and be happy than to make $75,000 and hate everyday that I have to work doing something that I don't nessessarily like.
Do I regret him being on the road? NEVER..... I miss him and this new life that we are living is sometimes hard. We won't be getting rich from him driving but I get happiness from seeing him live his dream. If his happiness means cutting back on things financially....so be it. He is happy, he is living his dream and I'm one very proud wife! What I do regret is not letting him pursue his dream sooner.

Best wishes in whatever you choose to do in your life. I hope you are finally able to pursue your dream. Set your goal and shoot for the stars and let nothing keep you short of them.