Possible New Driver

You're right, we don't know a thing about your current situation. No way we could. That being said, if other companies are paying more, why not go there?

As for why we're still here, there are many reasons, I suppose. Me, I would love to get back into IT, but I've been out for awhile and technology has passed me up a bit. That, and there's no way I can afford to change careers without a major upheaval at home. Also, as I said in my previous post, I still love what I do, for the most part, but I've had years to adapt with the ever changing environment. That, and I've learned to ignore a lot of the garbage out here.

For the others and why they keep at it, I can't say, but, I imagine it's pretty close to the same set of reasons that I have, among others.

As for toxic work environment, coworkers and company; if you decide to come out here, just wait. You ain't seen nuthin' yet.

 

Well, now that's a whole other kettle of fish. If you truly believe it'll be therapeutic and better for you and yours, then at least do tons of research and listen to the advice of the veteran drivers that are giving you solid ideas before making a move. Whatever you do, don't go anywhere near any of the mega-carrier training companies, no matter what a smattering of cheerleaders tell you. They are a bad deal and will sour you to the whole thing in very short order as well as break you. Trust us on this.

EDIT: Let me add this; not knowing what your skillsets are at your current employer, if you can move those to another job, do so. There was a time I'd have been first in line to welcome you to the truckin' biz, but I find it hard to do that in good conscience these days. Believe me, I'm trying to help, not beat you down.

 

I get this, but please try to keep in mind that you have a wife and kids now. It's not about you anymore.

 

My 4 yr old son came up to me while I was packing my truck Sunday.

"daddy, are you going home now"

"I live here buddy, with you and mommy and your brothers and sisters"

"no you don't, you live on the big truck in Michigan"

I left a career for the"free open road too" like alot of us. What a stupid selfish prick I was.

I'd take a toxic office for the rest of my life to erase those moments.

OP, driving can make good money but that's what you'll trade for it.

 

Don't forget these guys vote as well and are the future of our country lol

 

Why am I still here?
I am 43 (not many fields I can start from 0 at this age),an immigrant,for 12 years in this country.
Wasted a lot of time in my life and now I am trying to make up for it money wise.
I have degree in banking from my c.o.o and could work in a bank here but I would have to start as a teller and it pays $11-12/h and you won't even get 40h/week.Driving a truck I can make teller's weekly wage in one (obviously more than 8 hours) good day.It takes toll on me though.Physically and mentally.And I will quit driving by the end of the year.Either that or I will only drive 6 months in a year and the rest will be spending in my c.o.o or some third world country.
Basically will be semi retired.This is the plan anyway but we will see.Plenty of foreigners do that.
There are drivers who love driving,I enjoy it sometimes too and I think I am an OK driver but I don't want to do it till the end of my life.Basically at this point I put my life on hold but every other day I question this decision.
You think you are underpaid?
Yesterday I was on duty for 13 h from 5am till 6pm and made $200(before taxes ofc).Admittedly I only drove 300 miles but I am selling my time and I don't think yesterday I got good price for it.
I forgot to add that I drive for an OO and I have freedom unheard of in big companies.I probably wouldn't last 3 days at any mega.

 

My friend, you have more in common with the American born trucker than most would probably admit. Well, minus the leaving the country part lol...