Trucking CDL Student, looking for honest input!

I know I'm new to this site and to the trucking life, but I'm not new to the work force. I see everyone whining about how bad it is in trucking and how they say they think trucking is going away. I have to say I have it great right now as far as my paycheck because I'm in the Air Force. However, those that are whining about the trucking jobs don't have to worry about going over to Afghanistan or Iraq for a year like most of us who serve have done. We were away from our families for over a year all for a mere $2K a month. I know the miles are down right now, but I bet most of you will see better mileage by mid June. I'm a republican, but I feel that President Obama will get the economy back on track. I'm sure that the ones that haven't served in the Military will say at least your getting a paycheck, medical and a roof over your head, but what they don't realize is the we go and live in sub standard conditions for a year or more and have to leave our families home and our wives alone raising our children without us. It really sucks in my case because both my wife and I are active duty and we spent two years away from each other at one point in time because I deployed first and 2 weeks after I got back she deployed for a year. I have 13 years of service as of now and I am being medically boarded out of the Air Force in a few months. That sucks for me because I love what I do and I love serving my country. I have given to god, my country and to all of you who have the freedom to come on here every day and complain about how bad you have it. The next time you feel the need to get on here and cry about how bad you have it, just stop and think about all of our Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force troops that are away from their families putting their lives in harm’s way or dying so you can sit in your heated/air conditioned house on your comfy chair at your nice computer complaining because you aren't getting enough miles to make the money you want. Also, for those of you that are under the age of 35 that haven't served your country please go to your local recruiter and sign up for the Military. Sure, you will make better money than some truckers out there, but you will have to be away from your family for 1 year to 15 months before you can come home, that's if you even make it home.

I’m sorry for going on my soap box, but I’m tired of people in this country ######## and moaning about how bad they have it and never give one thought to how bad our soldiers that protect their rights and freedoms have it. I know that most of the truckers/wannabe’s on here are very good people and I know that most of you love your military. For this I thank you. I also want to thank you for what you do every day to make sure that I have the items in the store that my family needs and for the fuel at the stations that I need to get where I need to goandto all of you that drive everything else that makes this wonderful country that we live in great. I’ve wanted to be a trucker since I was a little kid in a car on a road trip asking the big trucks to pull their horn for me as we drove down the road. I chose the military as a career because I wanted to do something that only 1% of our country is willing to do and that is to enlist in the U.S. MILITARY.

 

Unfortunately, many of us do have prior Military. Many of us were never on the front lines. But we're well aware of the sacrifices that are being made every day.

And many of us whine all day, about everything

I'll give you the soapbox back in a minute...I want to use it for a second.

The reality is, regardless of how bad it got for you. Your paycheck was still there. And despite all the negative things we may say about trucking. It's still a good job to have....for those of us who want to do it. And for those of us who kept our heads screwed on straight, and didn't buy into the "credit" driven economy.

Many people we see coming into this industry now, would have never even considered the military OR driving a truck until now. But, you know as well as I do. Enlistment for the military and truck driving jobs, is at a high not seen in almost 20 years.

You're most certainly welcome to try. But just be aware of the problems you will be facing in the next few months. And your medical won't make it any easier for you. It won't be impossible, but it will make it frustrating as hell.

At least you still have your wifes check coming in. Many of the new guys, don't have that.

Here's your soapbox back

 

danc, thanks for the message back. You are right about my wife having a paycheck. That is what makes this so good for me. If the miles are low for a while it's okay for me because our income is still there. I'm not doing this for a "JOB" persay, I'm doing it because I love driving and I've wanted to be a "Big Truck Driver" for as long as I can remember. I respect the hell out of what y'all do and can't wait to join y'all. If for some reason I don't like being on the road, I will stop driving and find something else I want to do. I understand that it's not all lights and glammer, but it's an honest living by some truely amazing people.