Should I become a trucker?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Wade73, Jun 11, 2014.

  1. Wade73

    Wade73 Light Load Member

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    Good point...I'm hoping it would at least be a different rat race:) At least I would have one task, deliver my load on time.
     
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  3. bergy

    bergy Road Train Member

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    70's driver. I understand your point, and the answer of what is smart probably lies within the OP's net worth statement (not asking and don't want to know)

    If things are touch and go, or he doesn't have big reserves, it wouldn't make sense to jump to the unknown unless he truly can't live another second in his current life.

    I think it's human nature for most people to think their job is difficult compared to others. Wade believes his job is stessful and wants the lifestyle of a trucker. Drivers feel their job is stressful, and why would you leave a good paying career to come to the dark side.

    They op has asked if he should do it. I think an even better question is possibly, what are the downsides of trucking so he can make the determination himself.
     
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  4. 70s_driver

    70s_driver Medium Load Member

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    Yea sometimes you will feel like you are the "Star" Rat in this race. Everyone will be gunning for you to keep you from delivering on time.LOL The Government, The Insurance Companies, The Dockworkers, The Police and yea, even the trucking companies themselves. Again I wish you the best whatever you decide.
     
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  5. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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    LOL...1st time for everything pal! I wholeheartedly agree with you on the way that the government is headed...But since Wade is making that kind of money , my advice would be sit tight , instead of throwing all his extra in a 401-k plan etc...get into the Roth IRA's , diversify with precious metals and coins...no need with all the vehicles / products available today to depend on SS and retirement benefits alone....I just wish I would've had that opportunity when I was 41...not starving now mind-you...but I would be very , well off I believe...

    But Good Luck to Wade if he decides to "scratch the trucking itch"....
     
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  6. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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  7. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

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    Your story sounds just like mine before I became a trucker. Do it, you will love it. My big surprise was not having to work my brain at 110% peak level throughout the whole work day. With trucking, I just pick up the load, relax, look at the scenery and women, arrive, and my day is done. The biggest complaint truckers have are not being home with their kids all of the time. Since you have no kids like me, you will always enjoy the adventure. I totally love trucking, I just get annoyed at dispatch giving me really tough runs that run all night sometimes, but if I could control my driving times as an o/o, I would probably be in heaven.
     
  8. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

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    That is what asian women are for.
     
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  9. bergy

    bergy Road Train Member

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    Agreed, and those varying opinions are very valuable if a guy sifts through them objectively. I like to do everything with my eyes wide open, and I suspect anybody considering driving truck would benefit from spending time on this forum.
     
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  10. Wade73

    Wade73 Light Load Member

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    Well not close enough unfortunately. I didn't always make what I make now, and I was young and dumb in my twenties before I started saving for retirement. I like your idea of cutting expenses for sure! Definitely sound advice from a purely financial perspective. I'm just not sure I can wait another 10-15 years to "retire".
     
  11. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

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    In 15 years there won't be a retirement for anyone once China ask for their money back. One thing you will learn about old truckers is that they will complain about everything, so try listening to the good things about trucking instead of the negatives that don't even occur every day.
     
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