Counting the days until I'm a truck driver

A lot of people retire and go trucking. Then again a lot of people quit or are forced to quit (down sizing or plant closes) and then step out. Some even leave medical jobs (doctors) because they get tired of all the malpractice insurance and other expenses and pressures and go trucking. Many people have many reasons to go trucking. Most go because it has been a life long dream and they feel like they are in a rut. You seem to have a good plan. Hang in there!

 

I did it. In fact I'm retired twice now. But I retired from the military and was only 36 when I got out. But I went right into a great job only after 6 months after getting out. I had verifiable OTR experience when I was in the service. Mostly from a second job that ran 7 southeastern states which helped alot. I opinion is always wait until you retire before you start another career. You'll have the extra money that will help so you won't be force to sign on with the first bottom feeder. Plus you can still find employment driving at the age you'll be when you retire.

 

I would venture to say that retire/part time/taking it easy kind of jobs are limited nowadays, and getting harder to find.. Its all about maximizing your trucks in order to make it anymore so they can't afford to let somebody taken it easy out on the road.. Example: Crete used to hire a bunch of retire's and let them just take it easy.. Well about a year ago they gave pink slips to all who was not getting an average of around 2200-2500 a week...

 

How old when you start trucking?My advice is if you are over 65-forget it.I taught at a state run program for a short time and can`t beleive the ages of some of the people wishing to drive a truck.The school was happy to take their money(as well as foreigners before 9|11).Older folks reaction time,eyesight,etc. allwork against them in this profession.Makes me nervous thinking about it.Not trying to kill a dream.If you want to drive,buy a motorhome,You worked hard enough to earn it.

 

Why? Maybe it is a life long dream. Why not pursue it? I know many older drivers that have done it all their life and I talk to other ones that just started. You work your whole life and retire. Either kick back and enjoy it or follow your dreams from your youth.

 

Thats a good age to start living a dream.I`m just saying that its been my experience that people waiting until they are in their mid-sixties to start trucking,shouldn`t.If you are a life-long trucker I say work as long as you can pass a physical.Thats alot different than a 65 year old rookie.I work with a driver now who is 75 years old.He started driving 30 years ago.He is healthy as a horse,unloads his own truck regularly,can jump out of the trailer and does his own minor repairs.I hope he is still driving 10 years from now BUT if he were 65,in the same condition,I would discourage him from driving.(Although he`d probably smack me,lol)

 

after reading in another thread what your job is,I say quit now and start your dream now.Don`t know the particulars of your retirement pak but it can`t be worth 10 more years of all the B.S. that goes with your job.