Question About Career Choice

I have a question for truckers. I have been laid off the last 6 months. Today I was offered a job in my career field (information technology) starting at 58K.. These past 6 months I have been researching trucking and have always wanted to do it. These 6 months have me drained financially and first year trucking wages aren't that great from what my research has told me.

If any of you were in my shoes would you take a job in your field or take the risk and go trucking?

I have a question for truckers. I have been laid off the last 6 months. Today I was offered a job in my career field (information technology) starting at 58K.. These past 6 months I have been researching trucking and have always wanted to do it. These 6 months have me drained financially and first year trucking wages aren't that great from what my research has told me.

If any of you were in my shoes would you take a job in your field or take the risk and go trucking?

Had you said somewhere in there that you "really, really want to drive truck because of the challenges it provides, the places you get to travel to and being your own boss on the road", but you didn't...

To me, that speaks volumes! Maybe you should consider your tech field.

I have a question for truckers. I have been laid off the last 6 months. Today I was offered a job in my career field (information technology) starting at 58K.. These past 6 months I have been researching trucking and have always wanted to do it. These 6 months have me drained financially and first year trucking wages aren't that great from what my research has told me.

If any of you were in my shoes would you take a job in your field or take the risk and go trucking?

Had you said somewhere in there that you "really, really want to drive truck because of the challenges it provides, the places you get to travel to and being your own boss on the road", but you didn't...

To me, that speaks volumes! Maybe you should consider your tech field.

I am a nomad at heart and hate the office... anyone who has been in the office knows that it is hell. I wish truckers were paid what they're deserved. Makes it hard to do a career jump

It really is about doing what you enjoy. The pay in trucking isn't worth it if you don't enjoy the travelling and the lifestyle in my opinion. But I would imagine the same goes for any job. There can be certain aspects of it that make it not worth doing. If you hate the office but trucking doesn't pay as well as you had hoped then maybe there's a 3rd career option out there. Your pay in trucking will likely top out around your latest job offering but that's going to take a few years to reach.

Heres an idea...If you went back to work in the IT field and started taking Weekend classes at a Community College or a Driving School for your CDL-A you could save up some money, be ready for the next round of layoffs or just simply walk away anytime you wanted and start driving via a Company Sponsored Program...

We are in the same type situation I can go back into my chosen field and make more money while trying to dodge the next round of layoffs or I can pursue my desire to be a OTR Trucker knowing I'll never make as much money as I can being a cubicle drone but I'll have a lifestyle and freedom that a 9 to 5 can't provide...

As long as you accept that it's a Lifestyle Change why not try it

Mr. W,

I was a Network Engineer for 15 years with the last 7 years working my way up to be the IT Director of a hospital. When i got laid off due to budget cuts i also asked myself if i really wanted to face the lack of stability in IT against looking for a more stable career. I personally chose trucking for the stability, insurance(for my family), and the sense of adventure. I am so happy that i made the career move that my only regret is not making the move many years ago. Good luck in whatever decision you finally make.

I would also wonder how your situation would be being gone a lot from home or being able to be home everynight with a great paying job. From the info I have gathered with trucking you really have to haul ass to make that kind of cash in the trucking industry.

Sounds like that is a tough decision for you. Write a list of pros and cons...weigh it out. I have no idea how much research you have accomplished, but I would dig some more. If you are married, I highly recommend you and your wife sit down and discuss it..because she will be your BIGGEST support while you are gone, especially through training! Training is extremely tough, but it has to be in order to make you the best and safest driver possible. Also, your wife or SO should get involved and understand this business as well. BECAUSE, it is not easy either side of the fence!

Good Luck to you in whatever you decide to do!

#PeaceOut!

~Free