I'm Tired

Gladhand, Tim H and CT, you guys are young and the emotional challenges you face today are "building character" for tomorrow. Sure it sounds cliche, but with age comes wisdom. You're gaining so much and the best part is your persistence and positive attitude. All three of you. Same is try for many others here but you three are getting this at a very young age (as opposed to those of us a little older).

Think back to what your original objective was. If it was saving money, take account of how you've done. If it was providing for your family, how's that going? If it was meaningful employment, you're doing it!

Maybe see if you can come up with some small rewards for yourself. I have friends and family that'll drive an hour just to visit with me. I love that time and it recharges my attitude. I stopped at Beckley, WV rest area one afternoon and walked all around that place that's like a museum. Again, recharges the attitude. Sometimes I put in the earbuds, crank up the music and walk for two hours.

Emotions can be tough. You guys are doing great things. People have products and jobs because of you. And WE like hearing from you.

Stay safe and Godspeed!

Almost 47. Not so young. Although single no bills so thankfully no stress there.

Gladhand, I feel ya. Professionally I'm doing awesome right now. But I think that's part of the rub as well. It's similar to when I was in the military.

It's hard to share and or connect with others. Especially if you like that personal touch. We tend to work odd hours, and have varying schedules. "Weekend"? so when we do get home not always someone around to go have fun with. Heck you might be rolling in after 3 weeks on the road flush and flush with cash.. But it's Tues, hard to even find someone to go to dinner with. Then you can get into the mindset of why even bother, I could have stayed out. It's meatloaf night! and I could be making more money.

Which leads to more isolation, and more feelings of why am I doing this.

Or maybe you just need to find one of those nice truck stops that have massage services. Getting the kinks and knots out of your shoulders and neck is relaxing and refreshing.

Maybe im.just.nuts. I don't miss anyone and don't long for friendships and such. I love essentially being my own boss. I love joking with my FM.

probably most of all, I love that I went from near bankruptcy to paying off most of my debt and socking away $8k in 401k.

I love being able to tell dispatch I don't feel like working today which is totally different from a job where management followed you to the bathroom and waited outside the door.

however, I still wouldn't mind finding that special rich man. ohhh but one can dream. lol

There is a book out by Jon Acuff called, "Do Over". He is really good at putting things in perspective and making sure you don't want to jump off the edge just yet career wise. I'm in the opposite boat, I'm looking at going into trucking. I have a good job now, three degrees, but I've hit my career ceiling with this company and I'm looking at taking a leap into a lateral field (currently in supply chain).

Hey buddy, I know EXACTLY where you are coming from. Last month, I hit the wall. I was exhausted constantly, emotionally drained and was entertaining thoughts of quitting altogether. We've been running a month at a time, usually only taking 2 days off at home.

Hubby and I talked about it and agreed that we needed some time off to recharge and get out of the truck mentally for a bit. I had already scheduled 3 days off at the first of July set to come back out on the 3rd.

I went and talked to my dispatcher and just told her what was going on and asked if I could stay home until the 5th. She immediately said of course and even got us home a day early.

So we ended up being home for 6 days, and literally did nothing. We didn't even do laundry until the final day at home. I lived in my pajamas the whole time.

And let me tell you, it did wonders! We came back out on the road and I feel much better. I can actually go back to enjoying my job and the challenges.

So I would recommend this course of action to anyone. Just stop, take a few days off, get out of the truck mentally if not physically and just recharge! Take some time for YOU and what you want to do. Spend time with family, go to a movie, go camping, fishing or whatever your heart desires. Or just simply be lazy and veg out in front of your favorite tv channel (I binge watched Food Network). Whatever works!