My Thoughts So Far.

I've been solo for a little more than a month at this point. I miss home and my wife. Not a suprise. My biggest challenges right now are backing and clock management. Backing will improve with time and practice. Clock management is another story. Finding what works for me is a challenge. I think I want to get to a point where I run about nine hours a day and run on recaps. The challenge comes with the variety of loads. I'm sure as time goes on it will all come together. I have a friend who said it took him about nine months to get to where he likes it. I'm not worried about it, it's just part of being a rookie.

I enjoy my showers. We use Pilot/Flying J for fuel, so that's where I get most of my showers. I'm trying to eat better and motivate myself to walk more. Trip planning is getting better. I find I can drive for hours without stopping. I love the satellite radio in the truck. This country is beautiful and I love being a paid tourist.

To wrap it up. I love trucking. I love being the biggest beast on the road. I love the adventure. I only wish I had thought about this years ago. At 50, I wish I could have started this at 20. I would have been a nomad trucker. If you think this lifestyle is for you, I say take the chance. Live your dreams.

That's an awesome rundown Big Scott and we're glad to hear you're enjoying it! I started at 21 and lived the nomadic lifestyle for the better part of 15 years. It was pretty awesome.

You're only 50 so you have a lot of years out there to enjoy it. Things will definitely get a bit easier over time when it comes to your driving skills and time management. It really does take a long time to get good at this career. Your first year you'll improve dramatically, but it really won't be until you're out there about 3 - 5 years where you'll really hit Ninja Status and you'll know this job inside out. There will be a lot of subtleties you'll pick up over the next few years, little things that add up to a big difference for you.

So kick back and relax and keep your focus way down the road. This job never gets easy, so learn to enjoy each hour of each day as much as possible. In the end that's what it's all about. There will always be a thousand things to be happy about and a thousand things to complain about. Focus on the positive and count your blessings. Over time you'll learn to enjoy this job more and more.

Thanks Brett. You and this site are huge inpirations for this style. It's awesome out here. I look forward to the improvements as time goes by.

Happy dance!! You are doing fantastic! Stay positive. And all will work out.

I sucked at backing...and even until recently didn't feel quite "good" about it. However, I'm finding I'm much better than I ever thought I was. So it does get better with time.

I just got in a TIGHT spot and this other guy said "wow, you did that without a spotter. I needed someone to guide me in!" Felt good.

I too wish I would have started years ago. Would have a ton of money saved by now. But I'm happy now ;)

Keep truck truck trucking along ;)

I stay positive even when frustrated. Also, my wife helps me stay grounded. I try to share on here as this site was and is a huge help to me. I hope my contributions help others. When deciding if this coice is for "me", having all these real life experiences to learn from can really help.