Thinking about starting a career in Trucking. Is it for me?

Good afternoon, everyone! I want to start out with saying I have never been behind the wheel of a rig before. I grew up around the industry with my grandfather driving truck for many years. Now, my father in law is a truck driver of over 26 years and is wanting me to get my CDL to work for his small trucking company(I would be the 3rd truck in the company.)
I am 24 years old with a clean driving records/criminal record. I have had one moving violation over 3 years ago which shouldnt be a huge deal. I was wondering what it is like? If working for my father in law is a good idea? working for a small company a good idea? And what to expect. I have read many of the threads out there and I still feel very uncertain about getting into the industry. I like having space, or alone time, but how is it really being all alone for weeks at a time. I have a wife and 2 step children at home as well. She grew up with her father gone all the time so Im sure it wouldnt be a huge issue? I would most likely be running Monday thru Friday and be home weekends if not a little more home time depending on where I go. I have contemplated having my friend/former roommate team drive with me but he is uncertain of how he would like it. His father is also a truck driver and grew up around it. Is teaming up a good option?
Basically, I just really want to know if its for me. If driving a truck is really that hard to get used to? Or if trucking is still a good career path to take? I have a feeling I would really enjoy travelling the country. Thank you for any information you guys can provide me!

 

This is very likely a great idea. Tell us a little about yourself... what are your other options looking like?

You've got a very good opportunity to get into the industry and skip quite a few steps in the process while potentially being taught to run the business the right way. The long term outlook on trucking is mixed, but it's mixed for most occupations honestly. We talk a lot about the risk of automation in trucking on this forum, but there are literally thousands of other occupations that are much closer to the blade than we are right now... Physicians included!

I'm not a trucker so I can't really comment on the emotional and physical aspects. I'm just your friendly neighborhood broker who likes giving people career advice and really understands the business of trucking.

 

Nobody can tell you if it’s for you. Everybody’s different. All you can do is give it a try.

 

I would recommend against it.

 

Thanks for responding so quickly guys. I appreciate that! Well I am currently working at an office job in front of a computer. That has been my main job occupation since I started working. My family and I are living paycheck to paycheck and I have had enough of not being able to fully support my family the way I would like to. I am honestly ready for something new, something more challenging. I know there are a lot of new drivers out there who know nothing about the industry or how it has changed over the years. Ive talked with my father in law a lot about how much change has occured in the industry and it blows my mind how much change has occured. I just want a career I can feel proud of.

 

Yea I have read a lot into the automation trucking stuff and I thinks it is ridiculous to say the least. Idk how anyone could trust a robot to drive on the highways!

 

I can tell you I'll probably never do anything else. Sounds like you've got a couple decent connections. If you're father in law has his own authority, you can improve your future prospects by befriending some brokers and shippers here and on fb.

 

Why do you say that exactly?

 

I have a few friends that drive for bigger companies and they say sometimes its really hard to get in the good miles. Or hard to keep a consistant paycheck. I feel like I do have good connections so far and that could possibly work in my favor,Right?

 

How long have you been trucking? Is it enjoyable?