Truck Driving Jobs

Malaki86 · #11 08-24-2007, 12:42 AM

I gajeeated da fith graed at the yung aje uf 9teen.

silvan · #12 08-24-2007, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor427

silvan
Thank you for a very honest reply but I'm sorry to see that you're so unhappy as a driver and with your life in general.

It's not so much that I'm unhappy as that I am plagued by what ifs.

It all goes back to my childhood, man. I don't think I'll ever outlive it.

I've spent most of my adult life, above all, making DAMN sure my own children don't have any reason to have the same hangups I do.

Mountain Flyer · #13 08-24-2007, 04:36 AM

I spent twenty years in Police work, and also have two college degrees (albeit they are both Associate of Science; I don't have a batchelor's but a couple semesters would fix that)... I learned to haul flatbed freight as a teenager working in my Dad's lumberyard. I then did twenty years in Police work, and after leaving that field, kicked around for a year or two before buying a truck and learning to drive it.

I am driving truck because I want to. I like the challenge, I like being my own boss, and I like being able to take time off when I want to, without begging my boss for a day off. I like the independence and freedom. There are things I don't like... but all in all, having spent my time working for people who were either crooked or stupid (or both) I am doing this... for ME.

And as to my education, or lack thereof, I have no problem telling other truckers my education level or my former career. Ironically, most truckers and cops are cut from the same cloth. We may cuss each other, but the same personality traits are common to both occupations, in my opinion. My education has helped me with the business end of my job ( I am a one man show, like Steve Booth and many others on this forum, running my own authority and one truck) as well as giving me good people skills to deal with shippers and the like, which has helped me get repeat business.

Trucking isn't for everyone, and I would not be doing it if I hadn't made some poor career choices, but inasmuch as I AM doing it....... I am enjoying it! 8)

mapleleaf_1 · #14 08-24-2007, 11:30 AM

I have a university education and degree. I worked for years in the banking and law firm areas before I finally decided to pack it in and do what I've always loved to do, and that's drive truck. It was a shock to family and friends at first but they support me 100% now that they know I'm happy with what I'm doing.

Uturn2001 · #15 08-24-2007, 01:36 PM

I have a HS diploma, and I also have 1 1/2 years of college. I am also a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) which means that I have 5+ years of training/experience/education in the mental health/social services field and am qualified to work as a residential case worker or vocational rehabilitation caseworker in the state of Illinois. Almost as good as holding as bachelors degree. Sad part is that 6 months after earning this I experienced terminal burnout in the field.

Rabbit one · #16 08-24-2007, 02:33 PM

Some collage,Owned a small business for over 18 years, after burnout needed to be able to get away and think. I just love the life of being out from others thumbs all the time.

golfhobo · #17 08-25-2007, 02:27 AM

Delete

Professor427 · #18 08-25-2007, 03:23 AM

I didn't grow up wanting to be a Trucker. I kinda "fell into it." But, like everything else I've ever done..... I have succeeded at doing it WELL, with a minimum of bitching! It is an "operational" type of job. I am given a task to do, and my company gives me TOTAL control of getting it done. And, I have YET to fail to be on time! I am compensated well enough for my time, and I don't have constant "supervision." I make my OWN decisions of which route to take, where to fuel, and when I take a break! I don't know how much more I could ask for! I am well RESPECTED by my company.... and KNOWN "personally."

I think the above comment expresses it best why someone with post-secondary education would enjoy truck driving. I also think it reflects why others (friends, family, former professors) would question it; it's an "operational" type of job, not one that utilizes your intelluctual side but rather one that is just personally satisfying. And that is the point I often struggle to explain to outsiders; why I still enjoy driving a truck when I could be working in a "professional" field.

To be honest with you.... I thought your question was a bit "condescending." If a man can DRIVE his truck.... I don't feel that his education is a matter of concern, nor should it be a matter of public record! I DO understand your reasons for asking it..... but, it shows a certain lack of "sensitivity."

I don't know why you feel my question was insensitive or condescending; I never attacked anyone because of their level of education, corrected minor grammatical errors in their comments, or insinuated that having a post-secondary education made me or any similar driver superior in any way. This question was based on getting feedback on how people felt about their own situation, and how it affected them. I think the responses to date have been very honest and highlight the positives of trucking for a living.

golfhobo · #19 08-25-2007, 04:55 AM

Delete

whthorse · #20 08-25-2007, 07:28 PM

My husband always says he went to UHK aka University of Hard Knocks.
He has been in a truck since he was 3. He has been driving since 14 soloed @ 15 and driving legaly since 18. He never finished High School. He has always felt his training in this industry was the best (by his Dad) and those that went to truck driving school were il-trained and il-prepared for the realities of the business. He has no need for any type of degree nor any desire to get one. His selfesteem is just fine without one. :asta: