How Do You Know If Trucking Is For You?

I've always wanted to go out on the open road and now I am doing it. I've only been at it for 2 weeks now and all I can say is that I'm loving it. I must admit, there are times when I lose my cool, like making a wrong turn or having trouble backing up. But after dealing with the bull^$#!, I realize that I still love this job and I don't want to do anything else. I know I'm still a newbie and I still have a long way to go but so far with the little time I've been driving, I've already seen so much and every day it's something different. I love the change. Could it be that I have found my calling?

 

Could be! Let's hope so.

 

You've got diesel in your veins.

 

Tell us what you think of it one year from now, if you are still in it.

 

I think you have found your knack if this is how you are feeling. Usually if a newbie hates it right off the bat then that is not a good sign. If you are liking it right now then you have found your calling. Good to hear. You are allowed to enjoy what you do for a living.

 

Hopefully I won't be !

 

To answer your lead question: If you are still doing it 25 years later, and have no, or few, regrets; if you look at the edges of maps wondering what is just beyond; if you are genuinely excited when you can tick of the next state, province, country or county and consider it an accomplishment when you have visited every county in a state, you know that trucking is for you.

Count your achievements, because they become part of you, and part of your history as a trucker, and in a few years time, when you no longer consider yourself a newbie, you will draw on your experiences to be able to give good advice to the new group of wannabees.

And we all lose our cool, no matter how long we've been on the road. Today, I felt my steering axle slipping out from under me (on snow and ice), and I still felt the gut-churning almost-panic as I wrestled to regain control. And we all screw up backing up, from time to time, no matter how good we think we are.

Welcome to the best club on earth. I think you found your calling.

 

I'll tell ya "hobbypassion21", I know how you feel. I still feel it today and I have been out her for just 2.5yrs now. For me though, I grew up with trucking and made a decision at an early age that I would never drive truck. My father did and that was good enough for me. I wanted to be a family man. I never had plans to drive but here I am and now the only regret I have is; that I didn't do it sooner. I absolutely love it brother...more than anything, except my family of course. I have no problem with the thought of actually living out here on the road. Even the most diehard driver will frown at that but not me. If you feel this way my friend, than it is your calling, or at least part of it. Don't worry about the times you get upset, those time will get better. I call them "my minutes of being p-oed". They only last for a minute.

Enjoy it brother, and welcome

SheepDog

 

My hubby (Klingon) was an O/O 20+ years ago - LOVED it - but due to life happening got out of driving, but always wanted to go back. I was the right seat every once and a while and enjoyed it. Now during the 'off' time - our best vacations were when we got in the car (or motorcycle) and just picked a direction... not a destination. Just going until we got to where ever we ended up. NOW life has lead us on the path to go trucking again. This time we will be 'SEMI' retired - LOL - sorry our little joke. Oh we plan on working and working hard - but also enjoying the road under us - and the adventures ahead. The good and the rough. I will report back in a years time - (if I remember) - and let you know if I was right - but for right now 'I know trucking is for us'!!

 

I want to join the trucking industry because it almost garuntees job security. (Even a hospital needs supplies, supplies a Trucker delivered, and I'm not talking about a little van with a couple boxes... Major hospitals have entire shipping lanes for trucks to drop off medical supplies and equipment) No matter where you are, there is always something that needs to be transported to somewhere else.

Also, you have to have a Class A CDL to do 70% of all the jobs I would want to do. Whether part-time or full-time. (because a job may require you to drive a truck itself everynow and then VS 24/7 365, and some require you drive 7-13 days straight) I'll be trucking.

Even if you start to dislike your current field in Trucking, there is always another career path you can do with the same credentials.

If you feel as I do, which it looks like you do, We're going to enjoy it quite a bit.