Trucking job vs.factory job ??

well let's see. in a factory you will be protected from the weather. you will also be paid time and a half or double time when that comes around. you will work "regualr hours" each week. you can enjoy your weekends, you can make doctor appointments, you can eat,sleep, watch tv all at a regular time. you probably will be somewhat "rushed" for things to get done at the factory at times. you might get christmas parties, birthday parties, comapny sponsored events like a family BBQ, then maybe get to see the July 4th fireworks display.

now, a driver's job. you'll not be protected by the weather. you will not be paid time and a half or double time. you WILL NOT work REGUALR HOURS. you may not get weekends home, or days home. heck, you might be a thousand miles away from home. you cannot make doctor appointments that easily. you cannot eat, sleep, wwatch tv, or even go to the bathroom at regular times. you won't be seeing any christmas parties at your terminal, cuz you'll be trying to get home instead for the one stinking holiday MOST companies TRY to get you home, but they absolutely don't promise that. you will always be rushed, thanks to traffic, 4 wheelers, construction jams. the only july 4th fireworks display you MAY ever get to see is the ones in which the cops are shooting at a 4 wheeler that just robbed a bank................

i'm 50 too, but i now work as a yardman. i wish i had an "inside job", with a more regular schedule than what i have now.............

 

Tough decision you have there.. Well I did the math one day and figured out the hours a driver actually puts in would equal a $9.5 -14 an hour job with overtime... Trucking industry is definitely not getting better but getting worse. Factory jobs specially factory jobs that are automotive tied have their ups and down as in job security... Man I just don't know what to advise you on. Guess it would all depend what trucking company you get hooked up with if I would go that rout

 

In another thread a poster was talking about a plastic plant going South. This is a hard call to make. Pro made some valid points. I see factories all the time hiring at a low rate compared to what they used to be. I now work in a small factory type job. I am in charge of maintenance. The thing I like is that I have the freedom to move around in the plant. I don't feel chained to a machine plus I am paid quite well to do this. I have worked both ends, trucking and now this. I would have to say I like the normal life. I got the driving out of my system. I like the 7-3, M-F even though I often work late due to my job, but I can lead a normal life now. Good luck, let us know which one you decide on.:smt023

 

I would get a piece of paper and write down all the pros and cons. When you see it on paper maybe it will be easier to make the choice. Even the things like your grandchild on your lap. All the little things add up. Hope this helps.:smt023

 

I hear you and totally understand your feelings. Have you done much research in day cab type of work? You would be home every night with a job like that. That would be something to look into if your not wanting to work in a factory. I wish I could give you some good advise but I don't have any for your situation... If I was going to tell you anything it would be, "do what will make you feel happy" money is not everything...

 

I second what Truckerjo said here....

Yes it does take money to pay the bills that's for sure especially with the HIGH cost of everthing.

But, you can't give up your happiness either...That's what makes a person survive in such a hectic world is a good happy attitude.

YOU got to what you are comfortable with.

My husband could never do anything but drive a big ole truck and that's what he's happy doing and loves.
It's a good thing too..I can't imagine driving the years that he has driven so far and NOT being happy doing it.

 

You need to also look at what the factory job is going to be like. Are you going to be on a forklift? Or would you be spending all day on your feet on the concrete? I ask this because this can really break your feet and back down over time.

At the same time, you are already saying you don't like the idea of being away from home. If that is already bothering you, there is a good chance it is going to continue to bother you out on the road. If it is bothering you out on the road, it is only going to make the job that much harder.

As advised above, weigh out the pros and cons of each.

As for the driving option, keep your eyes out for local/regional/dedicated jobs. You might not be able to land one immediately, but it might be an option for you 6 months to a year down the road.