Thinking about getting into the trucking lifestyle.

I have a buddy that turned wrenches(CAT only) for many years and he got burnt out also just you described. He went owner op, and also still kept turning wrenches. Eventually he moved out of Cali and let it go. He only trucks now.

 

45 yrs. old and a tired body; that's pretty common reason so many people change careers. Find the right fit in trucking and you'll be content. Plenty to choose from in Ohio or companies that hire in Ohio.
I prefer not to bash any company on here, but I will add some more names for you to consider. If I were you, I'd strongly consider companies with "driver no-touch" freight and trucks that have APU. APU is "Auxillary Power Unit" which is used when the truck engine is shut down. For example, you shut down for the night and not allowed to idle the truck, so you simply turn on the APU and this gives you power for heat, A/C, computer, television, refrigerator, cooking, etc.
West Side Transport - guaranteed minimum weekly pay of $1000.00. Can earn more, but not less. @DoubleO7 works there and can give details.
Crum Trucking - guaranteed weekly pay of $1000.00
Freymiller - considered one of the best refrigerated carriers and reputation for being driver friendly. Apply for "Restore Program" which is for new cdl grads & drivers with less than 6 mos. experience.
Magnum Ltd. - refrigerated carrier.
Butler Transport - refrigerated carrier.
Nick Strimbu Inc. - refrigerated division. Teamsters. Brookfield,OH
Dutch Maid Logistics - refrigerated carrier. Willard,OH
Schuster - nations largest ice cream hauler;Blue Bunny Ice Cream.
Calex Logistics - refrigerated division hauls lots of produce out of California.
Abilene Motor Express - dry van & some refrigerated. No APU, but can idle. Trucks run 72 mph.
OK, that's a pretty good shopping list. You have plenty of time to do some research and choose. Submit as many applications as you want to then take the offer you prefer.

 

Smart choice on going for your CDL on your own. Relieves you of that obligation to anyone for the indentured servitude. May also want to check out local community college, as most are recognized as reputable & accepted schooling at most companies.

While you are checking out companies, realize some will reimburse your tuition after the fact, if completed at an accepted school.

Started myself at 46yrs as second career, after retiring from my previous job & has treated me very well. 50 now & still alive ( & still half sane)!

This isn't a job for just anybody, as it rarely ever meets anyone's expectations coming in from outside, no matter what they think, or have learned. See it time & time again. But, if it suits you, reward is definately there to be had. You just have to find it. Will definitely have it's bad days, as well...but what doesn't? Overall, wish I would have done this 30yrs ago. Can no longer see myself doing anything else.

If you have the right work ethic & drive, many opportunities to do well. It will be what you make of it.

Do your research & due diligence well before making any decisions, without just leaping in blind....and you will find you can do well.

See above post by our favorite reference guru for one heck of a start for inquiries.

Wishing you the best from a born & raised Buckeye.