Hi, I'm Ryan And I'm New Here.. Should I Go Over The Road?

Well Ryan, it sounds like you have a big decision in front of you. All I can add is that from my year and a half of OTR driving is that it was one of the greatest adventures of my life. It was also one of the toughest. Trucking is just like that I guess. It's a paradox of sorts. Sometimes you love it and can't imagine doing anything else. Sometimes you ask yourself if you are absolutely nuts for doing what many people are not capable of doing. If I were a single man I would hit the road again starting tomorrow, but alas, I am not. I love being home at night and the happy home I am lucky to have. I'll close with this: Have you ever seen the sun rise over the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah? Ever drive through Flagstaff on I-40 and see the beauty of the desert? Ever cross the Mississippi on your way into Memphis at midnight and see the moon's reflection on the water? Do you want to do any of that? If your answer is yes, then I can tell you that an adventure is out there waiting for you. You will see all kinds of places and meet some very unique people, plus you'll get paid to do it. The experience you gain will have tangible value. Sometimes Ryan, you will never know until you try. Good luck!

Hey Lucky 13 - great hearing from ya!

Ryan, don't forget also that getting into trucking isn't a life sentence by any means. You can always walk away at anytime. Now keep in mind that if you go into with the thought, "Well I'll just do this if I like it but I'll get out if I'm not having fun" then you'll probably be out in two weeks. That first year is super challenging. Many drivers will tell you that getting through that first year is as difficult as anything they've ever done. But you'll learn a ton, you'll see the world from a new perspective, and you'll have stories and memories that last a lifetime even after just a few months on the road.

So there's very little risk in giving it a shot. In your position I don't see why you wouldn't.

And don't be concerned with the anxiety you're feeling. Everyone feels a good deal of anxiety when first pondering the thought of piloting an 80,000 pound building on wheels across this great land. There's always a mix of excitement and nervousness. That's just one of the things you just learn to handle and work through it.

Lots of helpful tips from helpful people. Thanks again! I'm pretty sure I'll be doing it. Just talking to a few more companies to compare them and let the holidays pass and give my employer some notice before leave.