Possible Career Change

Hello all! I have been “lurking” around the site for some time now and finally decided to join in with the hopes of helping me make a more informed decision.

First, I’ll provide a little bit of background information as to why I’m considering getting (back) into trucking. Back in the early 90’s I used to drive OTR for a few years. While I was driving, I had the opportunity to travel to every state except for Alaska and Hawaii which is something that a lot of people can’t say that they have done. I quit driving due to some family issues and then the course of my career just led me down a different path. It has been a good path, and a successful path too. But, it seems that trucking is something that tends to get into your blood and at least for me, I’ve never really lost that desire to be out on the road. As I mentioned, my current career has been good and is secure, which of course is one of the biggest hurdles that I am facing with the decision to change. If I were to change careers, I would be taking a very big pay cut, even after the initial training and the first year of “learning the ropes”. So, my question is this: Are there others in the forum who has made the decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a career in trucking? If so, what were the determining factors that tipped the scales to make the move?

I realize that it is a very personal decision, but sometimes hearing from others who have already traveled the road provides some points to consider that maybe I am overlooking, either for or against making a change. Thanks!

Hi Tim, I understand your dilemma about careers. Driving is my second career after construction and I started fresh at the tender age of 66. I was interested in driving long ago but family and circumstances ruled it out. And I was making good money in construction, but my joints were getting troublesome so I finally decided to go for it. I’m glad I did and I love my job. Everybody is different, but the only way to find out is to try.

And this site & forum gives you a real leg up on a driving career.

Welcome to the forum Tim.

I think you might find some similarities in my profile:

G-Town’s Profile & Bio

No one can tell you what to do or advise on how-to follow a path to happiness and career satisfaction.

Many of us in the forum have made trucking a second career of preference and choice. It can be done, and successfully. Top performing driver’s representing this forum are earning upwards of 70k or more. Although it will take time, with focus and commitment you can get to that point.

It’s up to you...deciding what will ultimately provide you happiness.

Good luck!

Welcome. Yes, many of us started this career later in life. I found myself at a crossroads where I could do so, leaving a career as a self-employed business owner. And yes, even at my present income of upwards of 70k, this is still a considerable pay cut from my former career. However, my circumstances afforded me the luxury of taking that pay cut without harming my lifestyle. You just can't put a price on peace of mind, or the freedom that comes with de-stressing your life.

I have no regrets. In fact I wish I'd done this much sooner. Good luck.

Thank you all for your insights and replies. There are a lot of variables to consider and research.

I see that there are now a couple of other similar posts, so I will make sure to follow along.