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

How about being a piano player in a Nevada cathouse?
That’s what my parents think I do for a living.

 

I was journeyman refinisher/woodworker.
I'd most likely be doing that still if economic priorities of modern society hadn't shifted away from the repair or refinishing of real wood furniture to IKEA or big box throwaway stuff.

But change happens. And like trucking in the 70s and the 80s, you need to change with it or get left behind.

 

That's a pity that another requiring skill and knowledge, classic trade is on the decline.
I have a great deal of respect for these crafty trades which, unlike trucking, demand some apprenticeship time and ropes learning. I mean for at least a few good years. To be an expert in something takes time and experience...
This trucking profession does not have it. Too many shortcuts are allowed.
Of course, knowing about truck and engine repairs is a great skill too which combined with owning a truck and operating it is a great advantage on the cost saving side but this is hardly a prerequisite to become a CDL driver or even not enough to discourage complete laymen from purchasing a truck.

 

One of my coworker's dad retired from a large local GM dealer. Was a transmission specialist.
Could probably rebuild one in the dark.
He left a dozen yrs ago when the design and build process, and technician rates, made it cheaper to replace rather than repair.

 

Well, having a CDL is a requirement for many diesel tech jobs so that could be a way for a driver to transition into a trade if they were tired of driving and wanted something that actually uses brain power to accomplish.

 

I see many older Home Depot employees milling around the store. I’d probably do that.

 

I still have about ten years to go. But when I get there on top of my retirement plan. I'm going to start a big market garden and grow specialty crops to sell to restaurants and at the local farmers markets for my poket money and my personal produce needs.

 

I lost my ability to pass a DOT physical last year due to vision issues, so I got into the office at the same company. I am now an assistant to Recruiting and Driver's Services, but will be taking over managing one of the local divisions here soon. I passed my DOT physical a few weeks ago (It's a requirement to keep a CDL in good standing in our office) and could go back out on the road now, but my kid is only 4 and loves having daddy around. That cemented my choice, as my local gig has long-since been filled and I don't feel like going out 4-5 days per week anymore. I get to hang out at the yard, BS with drivers, fix their issues as they arise, and lead a generally fulfilling life. No, the pay isn't what I was making while living in the truck and I have to pay for fuel commuting to work now, but to me its worth it at this stage in life.

Who knows... maybe when my kid is older my wife will want me out of the house again. LOL

 

Spend $4 a week. $2 on Powerball and $2 on MegaMillions. Win a Gazillion dollars and buy an island.

 

I'd get an office job with my carrier. I type fast, and I'm by the book.

I think at this point, I'd also like to learn some coding or something and try freelancing that in some capacity. I've gotten into tech quite a bit.