Big Money In The Desert

" My attitude is that you're gonna go when it's your time, regardless of where you are or what you're doing. Are the risks high? Of course! As with anything in life, no risk, no reward. "

That belief seems to be contrary to the TT philosophy. We regularly discuss safety, healthy diet and lifestyle, making sound decisions based on common sense, etc. If we are destined to just go when our time is up, why wear your seatbelt? I know it was an innocent comment, but I think it can be dangerous to have that idea in ones head. And not just as it relates to trucking.

There are many things we can do to hasten our demise, just as there are many things we can do to prolong and improve our lives. And don't we all try to actually minimize risk so that we get the reward of continued life and bigger paychecks? I don't think anyone with a belief in pre-destination works in any safety department.

One: Not one of those contractors will hire a rookie. Two: We take calculated risks all the time driving that 80,000 missile we strap into every day. Three: I buckle up to avoid a ticket. I drove my entire adult life in NYC not having to buckle up, LEGALLY! They revised that law a few years ago. I even got ticket in other jurisdictions & beat them due to the previous exemption for us taxi, car service & limo drivers not having to. Shoot cops had to wear theirs when we didn't. Four: In terms of hastening our demise or not? My faith is different from many others. True faith means the absence of fear. Healthy fear is different of course but I think of the many people who changed many lives by taking the very risks we're talking about.

On a personal note, if someone is offering me nearly a quarter million a year, nearly most being tax free, and all I have to worry about is getting blown up or shot at? Sign my butt up! I got shot at for free by gangs in NYC!

On a personal note, if someone is offering me nearly a quarter million a year, nearly most being tax free, and all I have to worry about is getting blown up or shot at? Sign my butt up! I got shot at for free by gangs in NYC!

Go for it!

Please just let us know your progress as it evolves.

Well, this thread was treated with more respect than I'd anticipated... thanks guys. Danielsahn saw through me immediately. Indeed, it was an April Fool's joke that fell rather flat. Reckon I'll stick to my day job. Some of you took it seriously, so I'll offer a serious reply of my own: I'm too old and love my wife too much to risk the rewards that have been mentioned. I'll grind it out here for a few years more where it's 1000X safer than over there. Accepting that kind of risk... there's a good deal of selfishness in that decision. Fine, if you're single, but not wise if you're married, and have a wife and/or children dependent on you. Of course we're all going to meet our maker at some point, but no reason to thumb your nose or wave a stick at him and hasten the process. Everyone be safe.

And don't forget the free vacations!

Well, this thread was treated with more respect than I'd anticipated... thanks guys. Danielsahn saw through me immediately. Indeed, it was an April Fool's joke that fell rather flat. Reckon I'll stick to my day job. Some of you took it seriously, so I'll offer a serious reply of my own: I'm too old and love my wife too much to risk the rewards that have been mentioned. I'll grind it out here for a few years more where it's 1000X safer than over there. Accepting that kind of risk... there's a good deal of selfishness in that decision. Fine, if you're single, but not wise if you're married, and have a wife and/or children dependent on you. Of course we're all going to meet our maker at some point, but no reason to thumb your nose or wave a stick at him and hasten the process. Everyone be safe.

If I was single, I would do it in a heartbeat. I have been to 3 combat tours already. What is another with getting paid a LOT better, lol.

Pete B, you are a rascal! Putting an April fools scam up here on April fools day? What were you thinking man?

Actually, it did turn out to be pretty interesting. There must be truth to the overseas gig thing, although very few drivers would or could go. I even learned some things and got the satisfaction of warning my fellow drivers to watch out for snakes in Australia. Maybe I saved a life or two! Lol.

Splitter, you certainly have the right to pursue whatever you think is best. I realize there are a myriad of factors to take into consideration when we make major life decisions. And if you do go, I hope it works out great for you. There are those of us who choose a lifestyle with more risk, and that is their choice to make. This has been the case ever since the first daredevil in history, Medieval Knievel. (God rest his soul)

My point was this: If you were to get killed over there doing something high risk, it doesn't mean you would die over here on the same day at the same time. That "when your number's up" myth is just that, a myth.

Best place to go is Australia where there is a driver shortage.

Wait, SERIOUSLY?!?! That sounds AWESOME! I mean, "Throw me a shrimp and the barby, Shiela. I'll have a Fosters!" Time to relocate the whole famn damily!

Know how many Australians drink Fosters? About ten. Not a polpular brand there. Kind of like Schmitz nowadays here in the US.

Bruce K. I say this with all the respect I have to offer. It's not a myth. I've died twice & am still here. Once drank kerosene thinking it was water. My body was turning colors & I was unconscious according to what I was told. Second was my cousin choked me cause I made him angry. I saw the lights & everything. Yet, here I am typing away. Thank you for all the well wishes but like i said earlier. Never heard back from the contractor.