Prime Inc. rejected my application because I was fired from US Xpress in 2016

That's a really great question! Especially considering how hard it is to find employment during this COVID-19 pandemic situation.

However, the main reasons I want to leave my job at NYSDOT are a lack of decent pay, (even remotely) satisfying work and respect.

My net pay for 40 hours last week (after taxes, health insurance and union dues) was $487.68. This is a job that requires you to possess and maintain a CDL (A or B) in order to stand out in 90-degree weather with a "STOP"/"SLOW" paddle, annoying traffic. After spending the last 3 years at this job, I honestly don't know if I can will myself to do it for another 30.

The pension from this job pays 2/3rds of the last 3-year salary average. If did well for myself at the DOT and managed to retire with a pay average of $70,000 for my last 3 years of service, my pension would be about $46,000 per year. Based on the numbers I calculated (which may be incorrect), this is a similar amount to the interest that a 401K would yield performing at 7% yearly after 30 years (with $10,000 in annual contributions, company matched to 3%). Those numbers might be wishful thinking in this pandemic era. Still, 401Ks are portable, and don't require a person to stay with the same company. If I ever left truck driving, I could take it with me... all the way to my final career destination as a Subway sandwich artist.

 

This is really awesome. Props to them. It takes a lot of discipline to plan your own retirement. However, based on their story it seems like it could be worth the effort (for those with a lot of willpower).

 

I have similar worries as well... to the point where I'm not even considering SSI as a probable source of income when it's time to retire in 30-35 years (I'm 33 right now). Kudos to you for building a life for yourself which allows you to avoid drawing from Social Security early!

 

You're right. That's something I haven't considered. As much as I dislike my current job, it does give me a lot of freedom to pursue secondary sources of income (in the summer anyway). Thanks for the insight.

 

Darn you for being so reasonable! Every point you've mentioned is true. This is what the little voice in my head keeps saying... but at the same time, 30 years is a long time to perform work you dislike. Overall, based on the responses I've received in this thread, I'm strongly considering the "bird in hand" method. Thanks for your input!

 

It's really cool to know that a driver on this board had a reason to pass through the tiny town of Hancock! Were you here to refuel at the "Old Bat Factory" convenience store?

I didn't even know that Wagner had their own flatbeds. I'll have to look into that. I've applied to a few other trucking companies, like Wilson Transport and Swift (yeah, I know), just to put some feelers out there. However, I'm starting to have more and more second thoughts about my decision to get back on the road. Long distance truck driving has been the only job that I've ever truly enjoyed, but it would be financial suicide if I went out there just to get fired for another accident.

 

I might end up doing just that. Thanks for the input!