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

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