What Do Companies Mean By 'Home Time'?

First of all, let me dispel this idea in your head:

I've been mostly a stay at home mom, taking care of everyone and a house. I was never good enough. I lost most of my self esteem, ending up believing that maybe I was indeed good for nothing.

The notion that a "stay-at-home" mom is "good for nothing" is absolutely ludicrous.

Frankly, I believe that's just a myth propagated by the femiminst movement to make a woman feel like she is inadequate unless she assumes a traditionally male role in society... But that's another discussion for another time...

The point is, mothers who stay at home and raise children have arguably one of the most important (if not the most important) jobs in the world. And a man is absolutely blind and foolish if he doesn't understand that.

You raised 2 members of the next generation. You sacrificed so much of yourself to care for them and nurture them, to teach them and train them and make sure they would turn out to be productive members of society. And not only that, you ran the entire household too. That's like being the owner and manager of a small company, 24/7. It's no small task, and you should never feel inadequate, because you accomplished something truly great. So there's that.

Now having said that, since it seems money isn't your primary concern (you just want to make a "decent" wage), and clearly "being home as much as possible" is, then you're already looking in the right place as far as regional/local jobs. But you have to be willing to sacrifice one for the other. You can't get hung up on the pay if it seems low. You need to keep your eyes on your priorities and understand that your first job is probably going to be a steppingstone to something better.

I have more to say but no time, I'll finish up my thoughts later...

Thank you, Persian.....I wish I could easily remove that dark shadow that's been in my head for so long....but after years of being told that you're not useful much and that no one else would ever want a woman like me....you live every day doubting yourself. I know deep down what I am....and it's none of those nasty things I've been told. I hope one day someone will see the woman that I am and want what I have to offer. And I have a lot to give to the right person. For now, I'll just pursue this goal and get me out there on the road. :)

RV says:

but after years of being told that you're not useful much and that no one else would ever want a woman like me....you live every day doubting yourself. I know deep down what I am.

My wife spent 20 years in a previous marriage having to listen to similar garbage. Then she got brave and moved out.

Her story has sensitized me to similar situations. Rebelliousvamp, reading nearly all your posts here, I never felt you would be less than excellent - you have a plan and a way to do it. And you have the ability to make it real.

You've raised your kids whom you love very much. Let that deep down girl, who knows what you really are, come out, you will be making things happen in your, and your kids' lives.

(After reading your last few posts here I just had to say something.)

Thank you Errol. :)

I in no way meant u couldn't do it. I just want u to know what u are in for going in So you can know whether it will make you happy. Regional is not always meani ng you will be home. My friend drives regional for another company y and it pretty much means east of Mississippi for him. He's not home anymore than I am.

I applaud u. I also want to say that building your self esteem is very important. .. especially if you want to try this. It can be a grueling experience. And make u doubt yourself. Hell.. I still can't back up. I was doing so good and was happy to dock until I realized I was in the wrong door. Talk about deflating lol.

Personally. . If I ws in your sitation.. I might look into driving a bus or limo Locally. I love driving... I put this off because I was afraid of the backing. I thought about driving a tour bus cause I love to travel and they are filled with funny old people and stay in hotels every night. .. but there are bus drivers in cities that are union and make good money or take people to local casinos that might keep you home everyday.

Also there are truck companies that are class b that pay decent but ate more local. As a woman... you might be able to look into a local program called women in transition. It gives women resources and helps find you places to pay for schooling and gives job placement. Many local colleges have chaptera . If you have any sort of disability that prevent you from previous work there is vocational rehab that will pay for schooling..so will unemployment if you qualify.

I looked at roehl cause they were close to me. The pay was less than prime.. and the messages I saw about the home time said that it was not as good as people thought. Like 14 days on and 2 days off or something... but the recruiter told thw they would be home every weekend.

Someone here could probably speak for them

Good luck in whatev er u decide

I went through Roehl's school. It is top notch. I was a driver trainer in another arena for 25 years and I know a little about training. They were the pioneer to some degree of better home time. My trainer was a 7/7 fleet and loved it. You do slip seat but it's a concession. After raising 4 daughters I'm not sure I would want to be away from my 16 yr old that much. And no its not a trust issue. Its the fact at that age they have so much going on emotionally and physically they need guidance despite them thinking they don't most of the time. A regional or dedicated if available in your area would be your best bet in my opinion. Jb hunt has tons of those where you get home on the weekends. You may look at intermodal as well. Those drivers mainly work during the week. I just gotta say this too. Being a homemaker and mother is the hardest thing you will ever do in your life. My wife went through many of the things you describe and felt the way you do. I spent 3 yrs proving to her differently. trust me she has the hardest end of our relationship. She is a wonderful mother and wife and always juggles all the crazy stuff in our lives. I get too just sit on my behind all day, lol. You sound like your mind is in the right place, you just gotta find the proper balance for you. Keep diggin and you will find a company that fits you.

Thank you, PJ! :))

But.. it is a completely different way of life. Don't expect to be home for at least six weeks from the time to first get there. After that, your home time is dictated by your trainer until you get your own truck. after that, it is four weeks driving, then four days home.

I am thinking down the road (after I have been driving for a bit) that I might put my things in storage and terminate the lease on my farm to save money. How would "home time" work then? Could you tell your dispatcher where you would like to park for 4 days, lol? That is actually the perfect amount of time for me then I will be itching to get back to work!

But.. it is a completely different way of life. Don't expect to be home for at least six weeks from the time to first get there. After that, your home time is dictated by your trainer until you get your own truck. after that, it is four weeks driving, then four days home.

I am thinking down the road (after I have been driving for a bit) that I might put my things in storage and terminate the lease on my farm to save money. How would "home time" work then? Could you tell your dispatcher where you would like to park for 4 days, lol? That is actually the perfect amount of time for me then I will be itching to get back to work!

Hi and yep...you can take home time anywhere in the country.. I've bounced around and taken.home time all over.I usually don't care tooich about the dates but I'm always home before any date I give.

Lots of people will visit their adult kids and grandkids all over the country. ;)