Rant: The 5-days-in-a-row workweek is arbitrary and my body doesn't agree with it

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by gone4truck, Jul 26, 2021.

  1. gone4truck

    gone4truck Bobtail Member

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    Jun 13, 2021
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    I found that, for myself, working 5 days in a row takes its tool on my mental and physical health. I do not feel alive; instead, I'm a drone working 5 days straight, yearning for the weekends to get a break from the routine.

    I decided to go "part-time" and only work 4 days in a week, 2 days in a row.

    Mon-Tue

    Off Wednesday

    Thur-Fri

    Off Sat-Sun

    I love being a local truck driver. But even so, working 5 days in a row was making me hate my job: I was burning out. I don't think we are meant to focus solely on one thing for long periods of time, even the things we like and enjoy.

    With my new schedule, I love going to work. I come in refreshed, energetic, with a good mood. Even working 12-14 hours shifts don't take its toll on me.

    Wednesdays, my mini-weekend, it's a "Me day". Get up late, make tea and a bowl of ramen. Watch youtube, browse reddit. Lay in bed and just chill, take naps. Go to the gym...or for a hike...or a bike ride. Do some light cleaning at the house, whenever I want and for how long I want.

    Sat-Sun, my big weekend, I do fun family things with my wife and daughter. Go to the zoo, the water park, eat a restaurant, visit friends/family, etc

    Previously, when I was working 5 days in a row, I didn't have the energy to do anything on my off days. My weekends were mostly to recover from the days I had just worked... and to get mentally and physically prepared to do it again the next week.

    To conclude, there is something magical for me about only working 2 days in a row. The 5-in-a-row workweek is arbitrary and my body doesn't agree with it.

    Drivers, you do you: do what is best for YOU, find your balance and set boundaries with your employers.
     
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  3. Hazmat Cat

    Hazmat Cat Medium Load Member

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    I didn’t read all that but I only work 3-4 days a week.
     
  4. bzinger

    bzinger Road Train Member

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    Heck why not just do 2 day workweeks and 5 day weekends lol.
     
  5. gone4truck

    gone4truck Bobtail Member

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    I'm not there yet. One day thou...lol
     
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  6. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    I say they should just pay you to sit home. Why have to actually work for your paycheck.
     
  7. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Meh i go stir crazy without my 6 day work week. Tried a 4 on 3 off week and it drove me nuts. To each their own
     
  8. Trucker61016

    Trucker61016 Road Train Member

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    So basically working is hard on you?? No wonder we got people sitting at home and staff shortages....people dont wanna make the sacrifice of working 5 days.....
     
  9. gone4truck

    gone4truck Bobtail Member

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    Jun 13, 2021
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    Might wanna work on your reading comprehension. I said working 5 days in a row was hard on me ;)

    But why stop at 5 days...why not be a good boy and work 7 days a week? lol

    I find it intriguing the way you worded that --- "make the sacrifice" --- whatever the hell that means. Sacrifice health and wellbeing for extra $$$? You do you, I do me. How about that? No need to be a judgemental prick.
     
  10. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    If it wasn’t for the plant breaking down, I’d have worked 2 weeks in a row, if it hadn’t been for 1 day off the following weekend, it was 9 weeks.
    I used to go out when I was OTR 4-6 months before I’d come home for 2-3 weeks.
    27819954-EDBC-43E9-AC8D-909CF1E58A2B.png


    Says it all.
     
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