Get This Damned Headset Off Of Me!

Hey, truckers. I'm a 30-year-old tech support guy in serious need of a change. I'm a disciplined minimalist who thrives on solitude, and think that life on the road would suit me right down to the ground. The more I learn about trucking, and the more I envision myself as a trucker, the more I think I'd be silly not to make the jump. Most of the world would probably consider me insane, but I can hardly think of anything sexier than driving for hundreds of hours with only audiobooks, podcasts, and maybe a dog for company. I've been slowly filling a two-terrabyte hard drive with audiobooks from the library in anticipation of the day I become a trucker. I feel quite lucky that what I want so badly is something that most people don't find appealing, because that means I won't have to compete as much for it as I might otherwise.

I guess that's about all for now. Nice to be here.

Welcome Dan.

I understand your enthusiasm and can relate. This is a different lifestyle and most certainly will be a culture shock for you at first. You will be able to get a good idea of what you will be getting into by researching this site.

Welcome to Trucking Truth. It's cool, here.

Never been one to run with the crowd. Not going to start now.

-mountain girl

Trucking is not an easy lifestyle. And just to burst your bubble a bit more. You won't get rid of the headset. Since as a professional driver you have to have a hands free device to talk on the phone while driving. But i do understand where your coming from. Before I became a driver I spent 14 years as a correctional officer in the Oklahoma DOC. I went from being surrounded by people to being completely alone once I upgraded to solo. talk about your culture shock. I keep in regular contact with several drivers though.

I wouldn't call it sexy, but otherwise sounds like you're on track. Once you get through the training period (CDL school, OTR training), it'll be a lot like you envision. But, for the first 6 months or so you're going to be learning so much and using all your concentration for the job you're performing. I listen to a lot of Coast To Coast AM, but I can tell you, when traffic is heavy, weather is bad, or I'm going to a customer I've never been to before, I have to re-play parts of the show, or usually turn it off all-together. Sometimes it may be a day or two before I can finish it, depending on what the days have in store.

As regards the headset, I don't wear one. The radio in the truck has bluetooth, so I use it for phone calls, and for streaming audio from my phone. I had a single-ear bluetooth I used for a while, but the radio is easier to hear, and my ears are not inhibited from hearing noise around me (sirens and such).

Welcome! I gave up a career in IT as well. Good luck to you, sir.