What would you do if you can't do CDL job any longer, and you ain't young no more?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by TallJoe, Jun 26, 2022.

  1. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I don’t think I’d enjoy the Office side, or the Garage side of Trucking. When I’m done, I’m done. Probably get a job that I care absolutely nothing about. Something I’m not worried about losing. Certain amount of freedom in that. I’m certainly not going to jump through a dozen hoops, trying to convince anyone what a great Team Player I am. No tolerance for the dummied down process of interviews, designed by Corporate Offices. It’s either walk in, get the job, or move on. Ain’t got no time for games. Lol.
     
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  3. jethro712

    jethro712 Medium Load Member

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    cdl instructor at a training school? maybe help some coming into the industry. we all know some need it.
     
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  4. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    My Dad did that, didn’t pay much. He enjoyed it though. He only lived a year after getting off the road. He had been a Trainer for the last 10 yrs. He was easy going and very patient, in his older days. My Uncle tells of him screaming at him when he was 15, and my Dad was 19, trying to teach him how to drive. Lol.
     
  5. CAXPT

    CAXPT Road Train Member

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    I never really replied to this part of the question, so here goes. :)
    Unless you've only driven OTR exclusively, there's a problem to your question. Most jobs I had (especially prior to CDL) were in addition to the main job requirement, being something physical or as part of the job. Using specialized equipment to load ordnance, transport that ordnance, troops, etc in the military. Hauling tanker for a local brewery, dump truck trailer for the spent grain, a rail car moving vehicle and a manual back up winch. Reefer to deliver dairy products to retail outlets. Walking floor trailers for unloading at a landfill, or a dump. Using a dump, flatbed, plow/salting equipment and heavy equipment (Dozer/Backhoe/Excavator, etc) for construction jobs. Flatbed, van and intermodal for OTR. Van for local parts delivery.

    The point here, is that there were a lot of other skills accumulated along the way in life, besides just driving that covers that time span frame you mention. I'm now well past the age you point out, in fact I retired from one job at 51, and then went OTR for the next approx, 14 years. That's just my driving jobs, I also had to become a certified Water Distribution Operator twice (let it lapse, then went up another level and renewed), a state certified Auto/Heavy Truck Mechanic. Also took courses for programming, but mostly self taught. Journalism and broadcasting in high school and some college. Might I add, I have ADHD, so most of these things were to keep me occupied. :)

    Now, I'm still driving but starting to do small engine repair for personal use now but maybe for professional use as I may do that as a side job or full time if I can no longer drive or spend long periods standing.... :) The point is, if you are only a one skill person, and I've known many who were stuck just doing one thing and were dependent as hell on only doing that job and watching them crash and burn when it ended for them...truck drivers don't seem to be that way. If they are, it's their own fault for not having any interest other than holding a steering wheel, so the answer should be, anything you want to do, that you are physically and mentally/educationally capable of doing. It just depends on your interests.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2022
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  6. Kshaw0960

    Kshaw0960 Road Train Member

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    Yes many times. I will admit…. I messed up here once. We had 2 customers and the names are almost exact with 1 letter difference. I got to the customer (the wrong one) and pallet jacked 20 skids off. About 3 hours later I get a call (from the correct customer) saying they never received the product, and then it hit me. Had to go back, pallet jack the 20 skids back on, then unload them at the correct place. At the time I was doing about 9-13 trailers per day so I just got mixed up in the rushing.
     
  7. hookster359

    hookster359 Light Load Member

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    This is an interesting subject as I am getting ready to retire from running heavy equipment in 3 months. I have always drove truck in the winter months when I was laid off from the construction gig and just figured I would go back on the road but things change in life and I have a 16 year old son that I need to be home with. It is interesting reading the different ideas that have come out on here. I have to find something to do as I can't just sit down and do nothing. I've thought about driving a tour bus or finding a local gig driving truck where I could be home every night and maybe only work 4 days a week. Anyway I will keep reading this article and see what all comes up.
     
  8. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    I love to cook and the wife loves to bake so maybe take a flyer on a food truck or maybe competition bbq.
     
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  9. cuzzin it

    cuzzin it Road Train Member

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    Chinatown, do you get a referral bonus if i go ?
     
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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    lol..NO.
    If I had a knack for writing, I'd go and take the family. That's a wonderful opportunity.
     
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