Looking to leave stable career to go OTR..

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Hanadarko, Oct 4, 2009.

  1. Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    Hey guys..
    (long post here...)

    43 yr old Married male here...needing some comments...

    I got my CDL-A in 1992 via a trucking school (along with hazmat and stuff) and my life turned in a different direction before I could ever head out on the road...

    Since then, I have kept my CDL current and just went through that TSA background check for my Hazmat as well as obtained a TWIC. I figured they are good things to have anyways. Next is a passport..

    I have been working in the IT field (in health care) so I am slightly isolated from layoffs since people need health care, even if they cant afford it.
    But, I have been working for my current employer for 11.5yrs and have not had a raise ($0) in over 5yrs. Once you max out, they won't give you raises until the position itself rises. 2yrs ago, they actually lowered it $5k - but kept me frozen. I currently have 5 weeks of vacation and decent (not great) health insurance. Its expensive, but what isnt? No chance of any promotion (ever) so if I could be content doing this day-to-day, I guess I would be OK...

    I make very decent money, but have grown tired of this career and job. It has NO growth and so mundane day-to-day that it's sucks going to work.
    Many days I sit and do nothing - waiting for something to need repair. Many people would love that, but its about as much fun as sitting at a truck stop (for days) waiting for a load. That gets really old really fast. I am also on call 24/7/365..

    My daughter got married in August and they actually paged me during the reception even though they knew I was off and where I was at.

    I am married (12yrs) but the kids are gone and married. My wife works FT and makes decent money and we could most likely handle the OTR pay cut with little or no issues..although my 'toy' buying would come to an abrupt end. I own 3 cars and 2 bikes but they are all paid off. The house has 6yrs left on the mortgage. My retirement at work was decimated but I dont know anyone's whose wasn't.

    I found someone on this board that is very similar to me. He too is tired of the IT world and cubical job and applied (and got hired) at a decent company..so I guess I am not alone. Is there anyone else on here that was in IT or making 2-3x what the 1st year OTR driver makes and still jumped into this?

    My MVR is 100% clean. Nothing on it - ever.
    My DAC is 100% clean. (just ran it for fun)

    I applied at one company so far (I was down to two of them, both in my state) - but opting to stay away from some of the shadier companies.

    I have always been drawn to trucking and when I was 16, I used to hang out at the local IH dealer and help some of the techs out....so I think its in my blood and I cant get over the urge to just do this...

    I'm just wondering if this might be a huge mistake. No one can tell me obviously but maybe you guys have some extra insights I might be overlooking...maybe this isnt even a good time to do this, based on the economy. What happens if I end up starting and diesel goes to $5/gal and get laid off...I don't "what if" stuff - but its in the back of my mind.

    Last hired = first fired.

    -JD
     
    kickin chicken Thanks this.
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  3. kwray

    kwray Medium Load Member

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    The problem is you went to school way back when....might need a refresher course. Also you have good benefits where you are and you make good money. Thats something to consider too. Its a tough world these days. You might find yourself taking another pay cut if you change careers in this economy.
     
  4. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    I've been driving for 20 plus years. In that time, my wages have doubled. Yours have done what ??? Tripled? Quadrupled ?

    I maxed out many years ago....with only pay cuts coming at me in the future.

    Many drivers have seen as much as a 25% reduction THIS year alone. With no end in sight as companies continue to cut from the "product/drivers" to save the staff and CEO pay rates.

    It will be many, many years before driver wages recover to 2007 levels.
    It will be even more years, before we catch up to the current cost of living, when comparing year to year data of the past, to present.

    You think your insurance is expensive now? Just wait until you try paying for it when you take that 40-60% cut in pay.

    Chance of promotion ?? Pretty good if I wanted it. But I actually get more sleep than the guys above me. Which is saying a lot in this industry.
     
  5. Biscuit75

    Biscuit75 Road Train Member

    JD, I would honestly say that right now is not a good time to try to break into trucking. Even with having your license and having gone to school most every company is going to want you to go back again due to the lack of experience. Myself, I had 12 years. 10.5 of that OTR and 2 years local hauling gas. I had trouble finding a job after I was laid off. "No recent OTR experience" is what I was told. And that was with 1.5 million miles under my belt.

    You will be sitting a lot. It's unavoidable. I am doing it right now. Wouldn't you rather sit for a few hours at a desk or whatever knowing you are going to be home soon? Try sitting for a couple days hundreds, if not thousands, of miles from home. Add to that winter and cold temperatures are upon us. While you are sitting you would be chastised for idling the truck to keep warm.

    I understand your desire to go out and drive. I would not be one who could take working in an office. But, good pay, job security, 5 weeks of vacation?? You would go to entry level pay, zero job security, and good luck trying to get home consistently, let alone ever think about a vacation.

    My advice would be to stand pat until things turn around. Unfortunately you are up against thousands of people every day who think trucking is the answers for their job woes.
     
  6. Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    Wow. Thanks for the responses guys. I really appreciate these...

    Well I have been doing IT work since 1987. Since then, my pay rates have usually jumped at each job change. Only once did I take a pay "cut", and I did that to earn the experience to move further the next time around. It worked....but sucked back then..

    The problem with me is that I have not been to any IT school or training in 10yrs. So I am falling behind in my current career - going from one of the top 100 to one of the bottom 100. I'm still good at what I do but no longer anywhere near the top. I miss having that edge but my employer hasnt upgraded anything. I am running with the equal of vacuum tubes and 8-tracks (ok..now I am dating myself here)

    I do fully understand I need driver training again. My option would be to attend an IL state certified school ($4k) or sign my life away to one of the companies still training and have them own me for a few years. I don't like the sound of that, but at least initially it's cheaper than coming up with $4k.

    Honestly, I feel in my mind that (with all things considered) this could be a big mistake. But at the same time, I find the need to hit the road overwhelming.

    Maybe I can find someone to hook up with for awhile and see how life on the road is. It might be an option to help with this decision.
    I still need to hit the local truck stops and chat with some guys..

    -JD
     
  7. kajidono

    kajidono Road Train Member

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    Being bored is better than being broke. I wouldn't risk it with 6 years on a mortgage left. Best thing to do right now is stay put until spring, then see how things are. The seasonal local stuff will start hiring then and you might find something interesting around town that pays more than OTR.
     
  8. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I would say suck it up until your mortgage is paid off then go for it. I am assuming your children are grown and your wife would enjoy not having you around the house as much.

    I made a similar move 2 years ago at the age of 50. The biggest thing I missed was the vacation time, expense paid travel, and staying in first class hotels rather than truck stops. I had 4 weeks a year but never used more than 2. Money is about the same to slightly less but I started with a second tier company pulling tanks.
     
  9. Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    the only reason I have vacation is since I never take any...so while 4-5weeks might be nice, its useless if it can't be taken I guess...in my company it just piles up. I can hold up to 10.5weeks of time off but never allowed to take more than 2 at the same time.

    Kids are grown and gone. I think my wife might actually miss me, since I do it 'all' around the house. Cooking..cleaning..shopping..laundry. Why? - Cause I work 530a-130p and home before her. She also teaches class at night (mon-thur) so we eat before class (4pm!) - I also pay all of the bills right now. That would SO CHANGE if I moved into trucking.

    I did get an 'APPROVED' application from Millis today but the last class this year (so far) is too close for me to give my notice. If I didnt have the vacation time built up (and didnt have it to loose) it wouldnt matter as much.

    I hit the local KW dealer today and ran into a Millis driver picking up his truck from a few days off. Been with the company for 2months (solo) and couldnt say more positive things. He is seeing 2500-3000 miles a week but has had a few with 1500, but then those are the weeks he comes home. He loves it and says the company has treated him right and hasnt lied.. gee that all sounds too real to believe eh?
     
  10. ragtopjr

    ragtopjr Light Load Member

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    Only you can decide whats good for you, but personally I think you would be smart waiting till next year to see if the Trucking industry has leveled off before leaving a job which pays the bills to get into a career which may get you free trips to some of the nicest truck stops in America!

    Problem is they dont pay well, and sometimes are not that nice....

    Good Luck
     
  11. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You better make darn sure she is on board with it. More than one marriage has ended because of trucking. You could probably still handle the bills online with an air card and laptop.
     
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