I'm a potential college dropout, should trucking be a plan 'B' for me?

Yop...........

 

I'm always of the opinion that if you have to ask strangers online if trucking is for you or not, you're heart isn't in it and you probably won't like it.

With OTR there's two things, the job and the lifestyle. The lifestyle isn't great. I personally don't find it horrible like a lot of other people do, but I'd rather be at home than in a parking lot right now. The problem is if you don't love the job, the lifestyle will make it that much worse. It's not a job that you can say, "At least I only have a few more hours of work then I'll be home." You can't go into it thinking it's just another job. Like you mentioned, half the people say how great it is, the other half say how horrible it is. There really is no middle ground. There's no way of knowing which way you'll be until you're out there doing it.

 

No sure thing out here except change and sweat.

 

Sadly that may be the consensus about most industries across America from the people who have spent decades working in their field.

 

I never try to crush anyone's accolades but I read the DP almost everyday and I haven't heard of either of ya.Ha Ha I've never posted a 'reply' on the DP but I liked it better before the Facebook posting change. I drove thru the old base housing a while back, and I kept thinking "I wonder how long before Brentwood looks like this if the economy doesn't turn around soon."
Of course I like the HD, just to long of a drive to work for me.

 

I think I would make every attempt to finish school and get that degree. Trucking is an industry that is like nothing else in this world. You should watch the movie "Big Rig" on youtube and maybe you might see something from a different perspective that could help you make up your mind. The trucking industry is like a high stakes poker game. Anyone can play cards but you need to know more than the rules and the right moves to make. Whatever you choose, don't let anyone discourage you from doing it and when you're in it. The only way to do it is ALL THE WAY. So be sure it's what you want because the trucker life is not for just anyone. Good luck and wish you success in what ever you choose.

 

drive a while,attend college a while.I did it in that manner. It can be done while still single and having the ability to live at your parents.Consider all that HAVE to live at home w/their parents during this barack hussein obama economy. get some experience driving and you'll almost always have a job.

I say go for it now.he has the fever and if he gets into driving,the decision to not return may present itself.Figure it out while still young and have options.

 

Can't say college was a waste of money, but i know a LOT of folks that have spent money on it and are not using their degrees. Me included

 

To the OP:

I just quit a dead end job to start driving a truck. Been doing electrical work for a while now, even hold and unrestricted state electrical license. I also have a degree that I never used. I don't regret my decision but I do have a couple things to fall back on just in case. Make sure you have your ducks in a row before jumping into this. If you don't make good decisions going into this you will wind up deeper in debt than you are now. I have put quite a bit of money into this trucking career already (and so will you but just look at it as the cost of admission if that makes you feel better). Half of the schooling was paid by a grant, but the other half by me. Then there were other fees not covered that came out of my pocket as well. Add in endorsements, passport, etc. and it starts adding up.

What I am saying is, make a plan first then work the plan. If you jump into this without one you will wind up broke and really unhappy because you will blame the trucking industry for ruining your life like many others have. Me personally, I think I will do alright in this industry but that is because it is something I really want to do. I am with KittyFoot, this industry is what you make of it.

 

I don't think that an education is ever a waste of time. It is one thing that can never be taken from you. Whether you realize it or not, you will use some things that you learned while in college regardless of what you decide to pursue as a career. Some people do continue with their education later, but most will never take up the books once they quit. Having a good education is more than just finding a new career. It is also easier to learn when you are young. If you don't care for the degree you are pursuing then perhaps another direction is in order.