Advice

Hello Truckers I want to become a truck driver but my family and friends are trying to talk me out of it. Honestly has anyone regretted the careers choice of becoming a truck driver. How do I explain this to my parents?

Since your at least 21 I would assume that your an adult right? Regardless of your age your still their kid and it's their job to guide you in what they think is a good direction.

Simple truth is best. Just tell them. Sometimes you just have to smile and nod with what they are saying but do your own thing.

What you are experiencing is not a unique thing. Many people have had the same type of support or the lack there of from their family.

Sure there have been many people that have regretted it over the years. Trucking is not for everyone and unfortunately there is no way to know if it's for you unless you give it a try.

As to how to tell them and make them understand? Well time to put on your big girl pants and simply tell them then proceed accordingly.

I think most people here will say they don't regret it, if for no other reason than that most here are still driving. From my understanding the mega-carriers have orientation classes of 100+ twice every week. So apparently plenty of people do regret it.

Give it a go just to keep people from giving you unasked for advice.

- Brandon

Some people who will discourage you from trucking, have no idea what the job actually entails. Most just think that you sit behind a wheel all day, and look through a windshield.

We do those things, but we also overcome a LOT of adversity. This job suits a lot of people, not because it is easy, but because it offers constant challenges. If you can face the constant challenges, and still make on time delivery, for most drivers, that is where a lot of the personal satisfaction comes from.

Some of your family members might not be proud to call you a truck driver, but I guarantee you that if you make it in the industry for just one year, you will be proud to call yourself a truck driver. Especially so considering the high attrition rate at truck driving school, and the attrition rate during orientation for most companies.

Some of your family members might not be proud to call you a truck driver, but I guarantee you that if you make it in the industry for just one year, you will be proud to call yourself a truck driver.

Well said!

Yeah, the guys are right. It's quite common for people to be less than thrilled or even appalled at the idea of someone becoming a truck driver. After all, trucking has been looked down upon in our society for a very long time. But it really is a unique opportunity for the right person. I literally have the brains to be a rocket scientist but my decision to drive truck for 15 years was one of the best decisions of my life. Those years on the road were priceless to me. The travelling lifestyle suited me perfectly. I had a ton of fun, made solid money, and did a job I knew was making our society an easier and better place to live.

If you think trucking would suit you then go for it! Even if you give it a shot and it's not your thing you're still going to gain valuable experience, knowledge, and life lessons from it all. It takes very little time or money to get through the schooling so the risk is minimal.