I've decided to go back to school.

You're on the right track with this wisdom, driver.
Headed in the right direction, I'd say.

 

www.teach12.com

 

This is a great thread. I don't like all the negative aspects of comments made on truck driving. There are people who have physical handicaps, some have mental issues, others are incarcerated, some with medical issues, and on and on. You can either sit around in a pity party, or you can make the most of it - some how. We are all inspired by stories of people who over came obstacles - some very great. I don't think driving a truck is all that great an obstacle. I am grateful for the opportunity I have in trucking. I will take the advise given here in this thread and make the best use of my time.

Before anyone jumps on me - I do not yet drive. I will be starting with a company very soon - and will be attending their school. I am an older man, and have many life experiences and know how to make the best of most any situation. I have been an Iron Worker, Navy Seabee, small business owner, union sheet metal worker, and a real estate appraiser. (Not in any particular order). I intend to finish my working life as a driver, and achieve one of my "Bucket List" items.

Regards to all

 

True words...i enjoy reading your posts.

 

Great thread indeed..truly there is much time to be learning about yourself and outside subjects..i love all the time alone out here. Ive always enjoyed solitude very deeply..trucking may be a very frustrating and stressful gig, but i find there is more good than bad to come out of it, if we all use our downtime wisely. They say, The Journey IS The Destination. Driving a truck is not just driving a truck, often i find myself focused on what is at hand, but also stimulated by introspection. Audiobooks are my new interest aside from learning guitar. I love what trucking has to offer when i choose to mind my own..its crucial learning time out here for a month or more at a time. Im glad others see it that way...�H😊😊 . e

 

A friend of mine told me, "get something out of driving" it has stuck with me as i find it to be a critical motive to do so..all the time gone from friends, family...etc. If your using it for a means to an end, make sure you make it worth your time. There is plenty to do in a 14 hour day.

 

A degree is never a waste of time. If you ever get to where you cannot drive you will have something to fall back on. With stricter D.O.T regulations and laws concerning Truck Driver health many drivers are finding themselves looking at the retirement line without retirement funds. Education is always a good choice no matter what. It only takes one major mishap and your truck driving career is done. Wouldn't you feel more secure if you had a back-up plan ?? I have two degrees and working on a third and I still am considering getting back on a truck. However, when they say I can't drive anymore then I can go get a hum drum job that will pay the bills.

 

A degree is not a fail safe, as some of you think. If you get a degree in IT (for example), drive for 8 years and then try to get an IT job, you're going to be in for a rude awakening. It would be no different from getting a CDL and then waiting 5 years before taking your first driving job.

If you want a degree, get something that relates to the industry. Something like business management would work.