Truckers are one of the most essential components of everyday life and are prominent in so many sectors of industry including retail, automotive, manufacturing, food and dining. The lifestyle of a trucker has an element of glamor in it that attracts many young drivers into the market. For example, truck drivers get amazing opportunities to tour various parts of the nation, while developing stellar driving abilities. However, as with all careers, there are upsides and downsides to a career in trucking, which is the highlight of this article.
Advantages of a Career in Trucking
The first major advantage of a career in trucking is that the supply and demand is in favor of demand. Jobs are very easy to locate due to very high demand and minimal qualifications are often necessary to snatch them.
Yes, the days can be very long and arduous but if you think about it, all you’re really doing is driving – and for just that you can make yourself a handsome income without every really burning out. Many first-timers make up to $45,000 their first year and $55,000 their second. Furthermore, you don’t have any other expenses to worry about, so you can save up quite a bit during your years of work in the business. No automobile payments, utilities, insurance, or even rent – and some businesses allow you to take your truck home, so you may not even require a car!
By signing up with a reputable company, you will also be well taken care of in terms of equipment. Many trucks are rarely more than 3 years of age so they may feel like brand new.
Most truck stops are also open 24/7, so there will always be a wide range of fun people you can meet and talk to. So, we’ve covered a few of the upsides, now let’s move onto the downsides.
Disadvantages of a Career in Trucking
Probably the biggest disadvantage of the trucking lifestyle is that it can be in one word a “family-killer.” Long haul truck drivers spend as much as 3 weeks on the road without seeing their friends and families. This nomadic lifestyle can be very appealing if you’re single but is disastrous if you have a family. You will meet many strangers and interesting people along the way.
Furthermore, your friends and family will go on with their lives – and those lives no longer involve you! This means that there may always be a “warming-up” period to go through every time you see them again.
Many truckers also find it difficult to stick to a healthy diet while on the road, as you are continuously limited to low-nutrition restaurants or fast-food options on route. Although, with time, you may find new, favorite restaurants along the way, which can make dining out more fun – especially when repeating certain routes.
There is no need to ever look down on the trucking lifestyle as the advantages often outweigh the disadvantages. Don’t worry what people’s opinions are these days on the trucking lifestyle. If they only had a chance to experience what you experience, there lives would only be enriched.