Help From Veterans Appreciated From One Considering Changing Careers At 61

Greetings. I am new to this forum, and hope you can help me with a possible lifestyle change. I have been a pharmacist since 1982. I have watched my profession deteriorate from an honorable position to a hard-to-find-an-opening occupation which is stress-filled and not rewarding personally for the last fifteen years or so. I personally have always been fascinated by the trucking industry and the equipment for the last close-to-fifty years. I have considered changing careers to long-haul trucking for the last year or two, as my chosen profession, as financially lucretive as it may seem, no longer holds my interest. I guess, I'd like to know, am I not alone in this apparent mid-life crisis? I am also well aware that every occupation has plusses and minuses to be considered when making the change. So not totally ignorant in considering this change. Personally, I am sixty-one and in very good health despite being a little overweight. I come from very healthy stock, hereditarily-speaking. I seek only reasonable guidance from those who have been involved in the trucking industry for a while, and I'm prepared to weigh the plusses and minuses suggested by you veterans in making my decision. Biggest negative I've observed is that it involves a lot of time away from home. Since my wife doesn't really care if I'm around or not, that is a hurdle that's not difficult to surmount. Thank you in advance for your wisdom and thoughtful suggestions.

My brother did a job change at 61 and I did it at 63....tho I had driven previously after getting out of the Air Force (88-92) at 36 yrs old. My brother was single and when I went to get my CDL , I was married to a Traumatic Brain Injured husband that was going into a nursing home. He fell, broke his hip and hit his head. The hospital didn't scan the hit on the head and he was bleeding in his brain. He died shortly.

So I am a widow with no real ties at home, except some goats that will be sold this year. It's a good job with some annoyances, but 14 yrs in the Air Force taught me to deal with that kind of stuff.

Laura

I was nearly 60 when I started driving just over four years ago. I retired from the military in 2012.

This lifestyle is exciting and lonely, easy but difficult, monotonous but rewarding. Those that are self starters will find success, just as those seeking adventure, and find some excitement with the unknown will. It is what you wish to make if it, but it is unlike any other occupation that I can think of.