Perhaps you’ve been giving a truck-driving career some thought. It’s a tantalizing idea, getting paid to drive across America’s highways.
Or maybe you have a loved one who drives for a living and you find yourself wondering what their days and nights on the road are like.
There are many misconceptions about this line of work, but what is it really like? Read on to find out.
It Can Be A Lonely Life
Trucking does at times live up to the stereotype that it’s a lonely business. If you have kids or a spouse at home, the time spent away from them can be difficult.
However, if you’re an introvert by nature, it could be the perfect job for you. No chatty co-workers, no demanding customers. Just you, your truck, and the open road.
If you love someone who drives a truck, it’s important to check in with them regularly when they’re on the road. Give them a call to help pass the long hours (speakerphone and Bluetooth have done wonders for truckers’ morale).
Gifts for truck drivers are a nice way to make sure your loved one has a memento of home while they’re away.
Even if you work just an 8-hour day, there’s a good chance you’re spending the night in some far-off city before heading off to your next location tomorrow. In most situations like this, the truck driver will utilize a semi truck mattress located in their cab to sleep and get ready to drive the next day.
You Have Job Security
Even in a struggling economy, truck drivers are always needed. From the food at your grocery store to the clothes at your local mall, those goods arrived via truck.
Once you become a truck driver, there will always be a job for you, even if you need to move or switch companies.
Although you may not get rich from being a truck driver, you’ll find that almost all trucking employers offer good benefits packages.
It’s Not All Open Highways
Many people romanticize truck driving, assuming it’s a stress-free job. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
Sure, there are plenty of hours spent cruising and singing along to the radio; however, there is also getting stuck in traffic, parking your truck in tight spots while other cars honk at you, and running late for deliveries due to unforeseen circumstances.
A truck driver must learn to handle the stress effectively and not let it get under their skin.
There’s No Boss Over Your Shoulder All The Time
Although truckers do have bosses, they don’t have to deal with them all day every day. There’s no micromanaging in this industry. As long as you drive safely and get to where you’re going on time, no one will give you any trouble.
You Do Actually Have to Deal With People
Although there are long stretches of alone time, truckers do need interpersonal skills to deal with their dispatcher and customers.
Truckers need to communicate with their dispatcher regularly to update them on their arrival time and then coordinate with customers once they arrive.
It’s important to remember that truckers don’t really get paid to drive; they get paid to deliver goods to a customer.
It’s Hard on Your Relationships
There are plenty of workaholic types that still come home to their spouse and kids every night. Truckers aren’t always afforded this luxury.
Even if you work just an 8-hour day, there’s a good chance you’re spending the night in some far-off city before heading off to your next location tomorrow.
Being away from home this much isn’t just lonely, it puts a strain on your loved ones as well. You may find that you’re missing important moments that you can’t get back, especially if you have kids.
Final Thoughts
There are pros and cons to this unique profession. It’s not for everyone, but if you love to drive and don’t mind some alone time, it could be the perfect fit.