How to Deal With Life on the Road?

If trucking ruins your marriage...

This is no different than any other challenge in life; you can deal with it or run. There isn't much of what works for others, that works for me, when it comes to relationships. Luckily, with the advent of reasonably cheap cell service, you can be in constant communication. So, while you may not physically be there, you can still support your family in a timely manner. That could help in those moments of doubt/loneliness/etc.

My wife and I have made it through the first 10 years(married 28 years), I believe we'll continue. I think some people are predisposed to be paired for life and others are not.

 

When life stresses me out on the road I like to treat my self to some beef jerky.

 

"SMH" all you want... these folks are trying to give you the information you asked for. I was going to do the same but I won't waste my breath.

 

marriages survive by 2 people working on it
their is no magic
my parents will be together 63 years in june
still holding hands as they push their walkers around
but in 1963 they were split up for a year because they were waiting to be fufilled by the other

 

With modern technology it's not all that bad. I'm married, only been married for 6 months but was also driving while we were engaged. I get home every weekend and I will say in my situation that is pretty important. The reason nobody can tell you exactly how it will work for you is because it is all dependent on the two people involved and how supporting, understanding and strong they are. For me I know my wife couldn't handle me being gone for 3-4 weeks at a time but one week is ok. Keep in touch with the phone, especially with smart phones and video calls. Keep the communication up. Also a smaller and more understanding company will benefit you. It's a lot easier to ask for an extra day here or there to be with your family if you're working for a small family company. overall make the best of your time when you're home and on the road and you can make it work

 

As your married, your in a partnership. Weather your home together, otr together or apart from each other you both work for the greater good. As a team.

I was alone out here in the early years, it was rough on me personally, she did her part at the homefront, and admittedly was rough on her too. Now days I drive, she rides. We never go home these days
We just run freight. She takes care of paperwork, cooks in the truck. And makes sure I don't kill myself running miles. She keeps my sanity intact out here. These days it's easier.

What I trying to get across is this. If your both strong in your relationship. You guys will find a way. Use the technology at hand, video chat everyday, talk multiple times, share your day and events with her. It helps.

No matter what, don't sell your soul to the road. Make time for home and hold them to it.

Get her authorized to ride on the truck, take her out for two weeks with you from time to time, she will understand what you go through.

Hope this helps a little, and good luck. Remember, your not alone out here, there lots of good drivers out here in same boat, if your social it passes the time. Keep your cb on. It's not dead. Very much in use by the good drivers.

Peace and safe freight running.

 

I think for yong couple its very very hard to see each other for two days every two weeks. for guys even in their late 30s to be with out a woman for weeks and than you come home for 3 days and a wife is on her . Owner operator is maybe. where you can plan your runs or run close to home. But OTR company driver is very very bad for marriage.

 

Life is what you make of it , have EX relatives that were home everyday that ended up divorced as they tired of each other, my wife / kids were always my # 1 priority they realized I was away working but when I was home it was family time, still the same today.

 

Vegan dude, I got to tell you just do a year or two ... get the experience and then start looking at local work. I did the OTR thing for a bunch of years, the kids were easy to deal with but the dogs and cats didn't like me being away for long, no rides on Sunday for the dogs and no fish for the cats on Friday and neither of the dogs or cats could understand how to use a phone to call me. My wife was also easy, I told the kids to cause problems for her to keep her busy and between her job and the kids, she didn't notice I was gone and when I got back, she couldn't wait until I left.