Comments on: Comparing Career Paths: Truck Driving Versus A College Degree

By: College Joe

College Joe — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 04:33:44 +0000

I completed my electrical engineering degree and owed a total of about $5000.00. Yes that is only $5K. To accomplish this I had to work while I went to school and of course is was a very tough think to do. I have never been unemployed and have opportunities in just about every industry. The reason I found this site is because I am thinking of investing some of my accumulated wealth to start a trucking company. I own homes and property. I am not trying to bragging but trying to make a point here. I’d suggest that one should seriously think about a college education. College will not make you smarter – but it will provide skills that others are willing to pay the big bucks for.

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 09:03:54 +0000

Oh, no question the college experience is an amazing experience. But is that what you’re there for? To some degree – almost anyone would say “yes”, myself included. But in the end, it’s about having a great career that suits you well and pays a wage you’re happy with. I think the author was simply trying to point out that trucking can be an awesome career and that universities are not the only option out there.

By: JIm

JIm — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 06:10:41 +0000

There is much more to a higher education than income numbers. It’s an incredibly enriching experience in many ways that aren’t apparent until you’ve been through it.

By: Carl

Carl — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:27:25 +0000

Thanks everyone for input.If you dont already know I’m back on road again. so maybe see you all out there.

By: Jennifer..Former trucker and current college student

Jennifer..Former trucker and current college student — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:19:40 +0000

Hello Carl,
At first appearances, your article seems based on fact but I must bring your attention to the fact that you left out several details. Your hypothetical scenario left out the fact that your truck driver has missed many birthdays, anniversaries, showers, home cooked meals, barbecues and trips to the lake just to mention a few. I know because I’ve been there, missed that. Oh and then there are the fun encounters with DOT and struggling to run legal and avoid tickets while trying to explain to your dispatcher why it’s a bad decision to run 1,500 pounds over gross hauling beef out of Texas. I just do not want anyone outside of trucking to think that living the lifestyle of the truck driver you described is that easy. My husband and I have both been driving about 14 years and we do not own a home nor have we EVER owned a home since we started truck driving. You also did not mention the looks you’ll get in a “nice” restaurant if you go in to eat and haven’t showered for a few days and you know as well as I do that showering every day is a fantasy. A damn good one but still a fantasy that does not happen often. Add to that the unavailability of facilities such as gyms and grocery stores (unless you’re lucky enough to find a Walmart that won’t tow your truck) just to name a few. You also did not mention that the life expectancy of a truck driving is must less than the average citizen due to lack of exercise, regular check-up’s, stress, poor eating habits and of course, accidents. All this must be taken into consideration when weighing the pro’s and con’s of one occupation over another. Yes, your truck driver HAS to consider early retirement because unless he is able to somehow stay in great shape and not let the stress affect him, his first heart attack will surely ground him…that is if it doesn’t kill him. Just my two cents worth.

By: Major

Major — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 02:38:19 +0000

Thanks for writing this detailed contrast between college degrees and truck driving careers. I think you make several valid points.

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:28:18 +0000

I can’t argue with a word you said – I totally agree. I especially liked:

“However, education is not confined to the walls of a classroom. Reading books will produce the same effect. And people who are geared toward success will probably achieve it whether thier education comes from a classroom or by other means.”

That’s so true. Well said.

And I agree with the idea of having a “backup” career of some sort – one is never enough. Life changes in a hurry sometimes – it happens to everyone. Having more than one career can be a life-saver in an emergency or just a nice option when you want a change of pace. Can never learn too much.

By: Rick Huffman

Rick Huffman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:56:12 +0000

Very true. A college education is not a prerequisite to success, but it usually allows one to navigate the path more easily. Also, if you compare the turnover rate among truckers to the turnover rate among, say, computer network engineers, you’d be looking at an industry-wide turnover rate of around 130% for the truckers, and less than 20% for the engineers. All I’m saying is that a college education is more likely to put someone into a position where the lifestyle is manageable. I don’t think anyone would argue that trucking is a tough and demanding lifestyle with a high failure rate and merciless odds. Speaking as someone who did go to college and chose to go on the road after spending 20 years in another career, I can say that, at the very least, having an education just makes the world we live in a more interesting place to be. However, education is not confined to the walls of a classroom. Reading books will produce the same effect. And people who are geared toward success will probably achieve it whether thier education comes from a classroom or by other means. But all things considered, I still think college is still the best game in town. In my case, it gives me the option to stay on the road… or not.

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:14:41 +0000

Ahhh….do not forget the other trade schools – welding, mechanics, electrical, etc. There is also the self-taught realm available nowadays over the internet. I’m making a living as a web developer now and never spent 5 seconds in a classroom for it – learned it all myself online for free – learn as you go. I think back in the day the college route was the ticket to anything you wanted. Nowadays there are a lot more options available.

By: Rick Huffman

Rick Huffman — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:11:36 +0000

The kudos of the trucking lifestyle would only hold true for those who do not mind the necessary sacrifices… i.e. being away from home on weeks upon end… or only being home for a very short (trucker’s) weekend. For those who would desire a more normal life with a decent paycheck, there is no substitute for a college education.

By: Carl Smith

Carl Smith — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:58:51 +0000

I appreciate everyones intrest and hope to be of help.I’am hoping to publish short book by this summer.Even though some of what i say is a conflict of intrest to where i work.I still try to keep a happy medium.

By: Carl Smith

Carl Smith — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:56:05 +0000

Youre welcome IKE.
I try to help out give a good judgement even if i’m not always right.

By: Ike Kendrick

Ike Kendrick — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:23:46 +0000

Thanks Carl for a very well written and entertaining piece. “Being happy or successful in life is not about a title or a piece of paper. It’s about making wise decisions that can make your life smooth and stress free” Amen!
-ike