Starting out at 51

Here's my situation: I am 51. Looking for a new career. Have spent the past 25+ years in white collar, management or consutling type work. Not really hurting for money, although I am far from wealthy, not ready to retire yet.

I am thinking that for my next career, I would like to stay out of an office, and I truly do like being out on the road. Empty nester, stable marriage.

Are there any others out there who were in a similar situation, who took up trucking and can say it was a good move?

 

My man is in the same situation (55) owned and operated his own business for past 25 years, unlike you we are at the point , hurting for money.
He hasn't started driving as of yet but did decide that he did not want to go back into management ,so he chose trucking as our next adventure. Our nest WAS empty but recently Daughter and four grandchildren moved in so we kind of HAD to do something else even though the two of us could have gotten along for quite a while or at least until the economy picks back up (if it ever does).
He leaves on Monday for his second orientation and I pray it works out ..he's really ready to get in a truck.
I'm anxious to hear what others have to say.

 

after spending 20 years in senior management in aviation, and starting over at 45, i can honestly say i've never been happier.....

no dummies knocking on the office door, no endless meetings, spreadsheets, power point presentations to sit through, no whining office staff, never able to please executive management, what can you give me now union members or pressure to meet the p&l numbers each month......

is it a perfect job? no. was it a good choice? for my personality and disposition? absolutely.

do your homework. don't fall for the recruiters used car salesman spiels, the pretty websites, or the flashy ads......

there are good companies and good gigs out there.

i'm home every weekend, got a brand new truck, plenty of miles and above average first year pay with a smaller company that is far from a bottom feeder. very family oriented with a high driver retention and satisfaction rate and the terminal is only 10 minutes from my house.... you won't find that said about maybe 1 in 10 companies on here. they hire students but only from select schools.....and choosing a good school is as important if not more important than choosing the right company

sadly, you live on the wrong end of the country for me to refer the company, as we only run east of the mississippi.....but the point is, there are good jobs out there looking for quality people with outstanding backgrounds......but they don't really recruit......they don't have to.....you have to do the legwork and homework to find the ones in your area.

 

Nothing wrong at starting out at 51 as long as you dont look at it like just a temp job... it may look easy but let me tell you its not... you have long hours all different times of the day and nite for deliveries. crazy drivers..weather that can change in a heartbeat..DOT cops.. long times away from your home and family... you have to be emotionaly tuff in this business... physicaly strong..and your mind has to be clear and anger in check.. remember this isnt the 3000 lb car your use to whipping in and out of traffic.. this is an 80,0000 lb missle that can destroy in an instance... not trying to discourge you just letting you know from a 40 yr vet out here.. Good Luck

 

I hooked my first solo load a few months before my 57th birthday. That was about 18 months and about 200,000 miles ago.

I quit trucking about 5 times a day. Then I get some rest and hit it again.
I got fired from my first (training) carrier, then was hired by the first carrier I applied to. It's a much smaller carrier and seems, after 8 months, to be a good fit for me.

After the years of work experience you've had you probably already know to reduce your expectations and increase you tolerance for aggravation. The aggravation lessens as you learn how this job is done and I don't mean just the driving part. To me, driving a big truck is an art form. Those drivers that do it well are something to see.

Good luck!

 

I can remember being at home alone in the late night hours while the man put in 16 hour days, dealing with late deliveries, disgruntle employees, customers that could never be pleased, the insurance COPS, IRS audits, not being able to complete a job due to weather, all the while trying to keep his cool....... I think he's been well trained..

 

Hey Ralph,

I'm 48 and doing the same thing you're doing. I just got laid off after 20 years in the call center industry. I was tired of the meetings, calls, sitting at a desk staring at a PC all day routine.

I decided to give truck driving a shot. I don't mind being alone, can deal with living in confined spaces and my kids are older. I start training next Tuesday. I can't wait to get out there and see what it's really like.

Go for it!!!

 

I am in the same boat 49 and starting School Monday. After being self employed for 271/2 years . I am giving trucking a shot> I look forward to it.

 

Same thing. Got out in 2001 due to a misfortunate incident.

Laid off after 10 years and got my foot back in the door. Hoping to get back in with a better company than doing household goods. BTW I'm 46

 

I think it was... Hubby 54, I'm now 50... We moved daughter into our house and ran away from home... Been out here just over a year as a team. Is your wife going to drive too?