Should I become a trucker?

Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this response! I have to admit, being an owner operator is very inticing. I definitely need to get the driving part down first which will be tough enough as it is. Once I do that and begin to understand the business, I will have a better idea whether it makes business sense. It sounds like from what little I've read, that it is harder now more than ever to survive as an independent due to government regulations and large trucking companies undercutting competition on price. I would love to do it, if I thought I could make it!

 

Not to get too political, but I think social security will be there, but with reduced benefits that start at a later age. I cannot imagine it going completely away. In any case, that's besides your point, which I think is that it is financially stupid for me to make the move. I totally agree!! Your last sentence sums things up perfectly. Is doing something financially stupid, worth the risk of potentially doing something you might love? If I knew I would love it, I would do it in heartbeat. But I don't know it. I could hate it. I don't know. I could keep doing this type of job for 5 or 10 or 15 or 20 years, but is the additional income worth the cost......

 

Ok, since this is anonymous, I don't mind sharing net worth: $250k including retirement, savings and home equity. Not enough to retire with current expenses. I would definitely sell my house to reduce expenses, so that gets me alot closer, but still not enough. I would not want to retire yet anyways. In any case, even with reduced trucking income, I think I could make the economics work and still retire at some point. Yes, the downsides of trucking would be helpful.

Here is my list so far:
1) Money
2) Living out of a Truck
3) Never home
4) Solitude.
5) No sleep schedule.
6) Dispatchers make your life miserable. Ask you to drive when you are tired, etc.
7) Health issues

What others are there?

 

Thanks for the advice Tony! The financial part of me says sit tight for 5 or 10 years too. Reduce expenses, plow money into retirement vechicles. It's the smart thing to do.

 

Thanks for your words of encouragement NashGuy! It sounds like you understand the pace required to operate in the business world these days. Insane! I wish I could adequately explain. Anyways, the description of your day sounds like exactly what I need right now. By the way, what did you do before becoming a trucker?