New Trucker Missing Home.

Hi y'all. So I've been solo for about a month and a half, and it's been going pretty good for the most part. Pretty much what I expected. I have a wife and 2 little girls 4 and 5 at home and I have been able to get home probably a lot more often than a lot of folks. My problem is how do you deal with life going on back home while you're away trying to make a living? This change is one I wasn't quite prepared for. And I'm starting to have second thoughts about my choice to drive otr.

You made the decision to drive for a reason...don't lose faith in the decision. From my time in the oilfields I can just offer the advice to stay in contact as often as you can. Let he kids tell you about things going on..be excited for them because kids won't or sometimes don't know how to tell you that it is hard for them too. Remember why you chose this and if the reason is still solid..shed a few tears in the sleeper if you have to but don't lose sight of the big picture. I hope this helps in some way.

Thank you Mindfreak. I try to keep my eyes on the prize but.... well I really wasn't prepared for how difficult it really is.

Become good friends with Skype. Also think about starting a blog and post pictures and a little story about your day so your wife and kids can experience a little of your life with you. You can also set it up where they can post on the blog too so you can get a look at their daily life.

Just a couple tips!

Thank you chickiemonster those are some awesome ideas.

To help them have her buy a map of the USA, and EVERYNIGHT when YOU Shut down, call them and tell them where you are at, so they can place a pin or something on the map to follow where you are going. Also if you have the capability Chickie mentioned a blog but you could also do a personal VLOG for just them, or you can post it to you tube or FB for others to follow. I was only on the road for a week (long story for another time) and I have a special needs son, So when I entered a new state, I would buy a little magnet for the fridge, with the state on it, and they would also pin on the map where I was. My Son's MOST prized possesions are the goofy little magnets daddy bought OTR. He loved going to school and updating his friends where in THE USA his dad was driving his big rig. LOL...The hardest part is to FOCUS. When your behind the wheel you have to not think about them, concentrate on getting your freight down the road safely. Then when you STOP CALL AND SAY how much you miss them and love them. And like they said be excited when the kids tell you stuff, even if it seems mundane.

Be safe driver Hoping one day soon I will be able to get on the road again

Hi y'all. So I've been solo for about a month and a half, and it's been going pretty good for the most part. Pretty much what I expected. I have a wife and 2 little girls 4 and 5 at home and I have been able to get home probably a lot more often than a lot of folks. My problem is how do you deal with life going on back home while you're away trying to make a living? This change is one I wasn't quite prepared for. And I'm starting to have second thoughts about my choice to drive otr.

You have all had such great ideas. I truly appreciate it.

I call at least once a day and try to vidoe call once a day as well. I find out how my wife's day has gone and tell about anything interesting in mine I take a tone of photos and send them back to her. My wife has a map on the wall at home and shows my daughter were I am every day. You going to miss things will you are on the road, birthdays, anniversary, holiday s, etc. My wife and kid, don't worry about the date of things we celebrat when I come home. My wife runs the house will I am away and when, I come home I don't second guess her or try to take control. Remember communication, and don't forget why you are out there, it always helps when you and your wife have a comment goal. It's not easy but can be done. Good luck.

I call at least once a day and try to vidoe call once a day as well. I find out how my wife's day has gone and tell about anything interesting in mine I take a tone of photos and send them back to her. My wife has a map on the wall at home and shows my daughter were I am every day. You going to miss things will you are on the road, birthdays, anniversary, holiday s, etc. My wife and kid, don't worry about the date of things we celebrat when I come home. My wife runs the house will I am away and when, I come home I don't second guess her or try to take control. Remember communication, and don't forget why you are out there, it always helps when you and your wife have a comment goal. It's not easy but can be done. Good luck.

Thank you. I think that's the part I'm having the hardest time with. Missing important days. Not being part of those memories for my girls... and my wife. This is definitely the hardest part about driving. My wife and girls went camping/fishing this weekend and my girls caught their first ever fish.... missing these types of things is hard .

I wish there was a way to make things easier. I think we will adapt a little easier(I hope our family but never know), I spent 22+ yrs as a firefighter/medic and missed TONS of Birthdays, (ACTUALLY ONLY Reason I was there for my OWN Daughter's birth was because I had to bring in an infant in full arrest to the hospital where my daughter was born not 2 hrs later) Christmas, Holidays, they KNOW you love them and soon they will understand WHY you are doing this. My kids understood that DADDY had to be away to HELP others. No truck driver's don't rush into burning buildings, make split second life and death decisions. BUT IF THERE WHERE NO TRUCK DRIVERS, my last 4 Engines would never have gotten delivered. MY TURN OUT GEAR would have never been delivered. VITAL Medical supplies Hospitals need.. BROUGHT BY SEMI's I wish MORE people would understand WITH OUT THE BIG RIGS...THIS COUNTRY Will come to a Screeching resounding HAULT....Remember why you are out there and be as much a part of the family as you can be. Drivers TODAY have A LOT more technology available to them then truckers in the past. Skype and Face time, Face Book, Cellular devices. Have momma show the kiddos what daddy does. Watch trucking videos. Go to the stores and show them the big rigs in the back delivering things, "This is what daddy does" And Reach out to your brother and sister drivers out there. They are here to help.

Sorry to have rambled sometimes my fingers type faster then my brain registers

I call at least once a day and try to vidoe call once a day as well. I find out how my wife's day has gone and tell about anything interesting in mine I take a tone of photos and send them back to her. My wife has a map on the wall at home and shows my daughter were I am every day. You going to miss things will you are on the road, birthdays, anniversary, holiday s, etc. My wife and kid, don't worry about the date of things we celebrat when I come home. My wife runs the house will I am away and when, I come home I don't second guess her or try to take control. Remember communication, and don't forget why you are out there, it always helps when you and your wife have a comment goal. It's not easy but can be done. Good luck.

Thank you. I think that's the part I'm having the hardest time with. Missing important days. Not being part of those memories for my girls... and my wife. This is definitely the hardest part about driving. My wife and girls went camping/fishing this weekend and my girls caught their first ever fish.... missing these types of things is hard .