Need Advice From Owner Operators Please

Hi @Midnightrider909, unfortunately quitting my career isn't an option for me. I have a tremendous amount of respect for you all. But, I also have aspirations of my own. I've worked hard to make it in my career and I don't think it's necessarily wrong for me not to want to give up my career for my S/O's. I respect your wife's decision to do so, that is a selfless act. I believe that my S/O and I can make this work, but we both unfortunately have demanding careers so we have to do something. I support his dreams and want him to be successful, but I don't think trucking would be a great move for me. Thank you. I appreciate your feedback!

 

Hi @Thatonenewguy, can you tell me more about your experience as an O/O. My S/O "failed" at it the first time around, which was not too long ago. I know he probably just wants to make it as this is all that he has and wants.

 

Hi @Midnightrider909, you're right. Because of the hours we both work, the only real time I have is sleeping. I realize we need to do something just wondering how to make it work with both our demanding careers.

 

Yes @Midnightrider909, I love my career. I couldn't dream of doing anything else. Because I am corporate, I just don't understand what fully goes into it. We discuss it but it is not my world so I don't understand everything. I just know the hours that he's putting in to "make it" I don't want to make it all about me and be selfish. I want to support his dreams and want him to be successful. I think at times he may be equally frustrated with my time constraints. Just trying to find a middle ground. Even if I didn't have a day job, I don't think I'd want to be with him 24/7. When I get some time off, I want to go out for the day to support him and find out how it really is. He's willing to make time for me but I don't want him to be fatigued putting himself and others at risk.

 

Hi @G13Tomcat, I think that would be a great idea. We talked about me going out for a day with him. I just really want to support him.

 

Hi @Sharky88, we live in Tennessee. He is regional so he drives to a couple of states, the neighboring states. I do know that. I will admit I don't know everything, but he does help me understand. I believe he hauls the trailers. I'm sorry, he told me but I can't remember. I absolutely knew nothing about trucking before meeting him. This is all so new to me right now and I am trying to learn because I am generally interested in what he does and I want to support him.

Thanks for your comments about the industry being fluid and changing. He told me this as well so we try to take plans by ear. I will give him credit when we make plans, we keep them. As I initially stated, I was happier with him as a company driver, because his schedule was a little more predictable. He had more time to see me and talk to me. But, he wasn't happy in that role. I knew from the beginning that he wanted to become an O/O again, but I really wasn't prepared for what that entailed. He works a lot of hours as do I in my career.

He confides in me about a lot of things, but I often wonder how he maintains all of this. He has his truck payment, then I believe he's responsible for fuel and everything else (taxes, etc). It just seems to be a lot on one person (we live separately). I have my own bills and he has his. This seems to be a lot of money. I believe he got depressed when his previous O/O attempt was unsuccessful. I want to be there for him. I know that he wants this to work out for various reasons and I want the same.

I just try to encourage him and tell him that I believe in him. I would like more time but since it's the beginning, I don't really want to stress him. There's been times where I've sacrificed time so he can get a good nights rest as I think it's important not to endanger him or anyone else.

Is there anything that I can do to try to make it easier? I am being his support. If he needs help with the administrative end, I could help there if it takes stress off of him.

I respect his entrepreneurial nature and realize that he has to make it happen and nothing is guaranteed whereas I just show up to work and get paid.

I just have a tremendous amount of respect for all of you in the trucking industry.