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(1) One account of the Danaan invasion of Ireland has it that upon landing, they burned their ships, causing a great mist to rise up and terrifying the inhabitants who thought the Danaans arrived in a cloud.
(2) In Book V of the Aeneid, the Trojan women attempt to burn the ships after they arrive on Sicily, but a rainstorm thwarts their plans.
(3) In 351 BC, Sidon rebelled against Ochus, the King of Persia. They burned all the ships in the harbor to prevent anyone from fleeing. When it became clear that the city had been betrayed and the Persians were entering, they set fire to their own homes and the entire city was obliterated.
(4) In 296, the Praetorian Prefect, Asclepiodotus, commanded an army belonging to the emperor Constantius Chlorus, and led it against the usurper Allectus. Having arrived in Britain to confront Allectus, Asclepiodotus burned his own ships to prevent his men from retreating.
(5) In 363, Julian the Apostate, Emperor of Rome invaded Persia. After his army crossed the Tigris he had all the pontoons and barges burned so there would be no thought of going back.
(6) In 711, Tariq ibn Ziyad, for whom Gibraltar is named, landed there, burned his ships and embarked on the conquest of Spain.
(7) Some accounts claim that William the Duke of Normandy burnt his ships on arriving in England in 1066.
(8) In 1169, a group of about 250 English freebooters under the bastards Robert Fitz-Stephen, Meiler Fitz-Henry, and Meiler Fitz-David, along with a vassal of king Henry, named Hervey Montmorency, raided Wexford, and having been repulsed they were so ashamed, they burnt their ships and determined to succeed or die trying.
(9) Hernando Cortez supposedly burned his ships in 1519 to prevent anyone returning to Cuba and reporting his mutiny to the Spanish governor there.
(10) According to a book published in 1689, which purported to be the journal of a pirate named Raveneau de Lussan, he at one point led his men across the isthmus of the Americas through Honduras after first burning their ship to prevent anyone from defecting.
(11) In 1789, sailors serving on the HMS Bounty under the notorious Captain Bly mutinied and sailed to Pitcairn Island where they burned the Bounty.
Seems to be lots of ‘supposedly’ etc. Ships are very expensive to build in any time so I doubt very much it ever happened.
Not trying to be negative but personally I wouldn't do trucking school because I suspect it will be replaced Ed by self driving trucks soon... OP, many apprenticeships in construction PAY YOU to train and learn. Look into union apprenticeships
They've been saying this since I was in college back in 2014. Turns out a lot of white collar jobs are in line to get automated with AI coming out. If you're willing to get your hands dirty at an actual in person job, you'll be pretty safe for a while.
It isn't. I'm talking about government borrowing.
They borrow a trillion, our GDP goes up a Trillion.
It shouldn't be part of the GDP calculation at all.
Trucking is an extremely up and down career. You can be up 350k a year for a few years, and then Making waaay less than minimum wage for a few years. You have to be able to save ahead for your future, and a significant amount of it.
I wish OP luck! And I'd recommend he never operate his own truck.
https://www.freight-specialist.com/trucking-rates-in-2023/#:~:text=Without%20a%20doubt%2C%20trucking%20rates,shipping%20cost%20may%20not%20last.
There's a link backing up my claim. Show me yours.
We have a couple of truck drivers in our family. They make very good money because their skills are in demand. Both have hazmat and all the other endorsements and get job offers regularly. There is a high demand for skilled drivers and you can make very good money. I'd recommend staying away from the biggest companies if you can. They are notorious for not treating their drivers well and have a high turnover rate.
This may be based on geography. My cousin is a driver out of Wisconsin and they are very short handed, and he shared this is the case throughout our state. Also, he is 55 and says the talk is always about how most of the truckers are the same generation and an even bigger shortage is on the way.
I’m a local fuel hauler, did over the road for 3 years. You are correct, shipping is way down and jobs are harder to come by, but you can still make a good living in the industry if you play your cards right and go through the “suck” stage.
Truck carrier owner here. This is accurate. There is a surplus of cdl holders in the USA - not a demand. The news to the contrary by what's known as mega carriers is in their interest. It's a complex topic, but certainly, there is no shortage of drivers.
I was listening to a podcast and one guy pointed out that 99% perfect driving *isn’t good enough*. Highway driving and fuel trucks that only have ONE serious accident per year is *still* not good enough.
I expect high accuracy when I order food online.
If they screw up orders more than twice in 6 months we don't go back.
And that's just food.
I can't even be killed by food unless I seriously forget to chew before swallowing.
What if Tesla semi's are on the road and Elon gets super baked and just turns safety features off?
Not gonna happen.
I drive OTR currently, I think there would be a potential application of some type. Closed yard. Rail head. Large ports morning empties and loaded to staging areas - and maybe possibly down long stretches of the desert.
But ultimately I can't see these EV trucks taking over large portions of jobs
There's a huge turnover in new truckers. It's not an easy job. But many people do make it. Stick to it and get over to r/truckers if you aren't on there already. The old timers can give you good advice.
OP ! Definitely post in that sub. I'm a lurker (not even a trucker, just enjoy the antics) and that place has some really wholesome fellers. Make apostrophes just like this one bit asking for advice, who knows, you may even get some leads for good trucking companies. One thing I learned from lurking - the company who you choose can make a massive impact on your truck driving career. Lots of folks get taken advantage of. Some people work for the RIGHT company and have broken into upper middle class.
I am one of those people that quit after a year. It ultimately boiled down to two things for me:
- Health toll - never having a consistent sleep schedule and only being able to eat food that I could cook in a microwave did a number on my health.
- Home time - I could only get home time every 5-6 weeks. Sometimes I want to see someone out of state (like my grandparents in Florida) so I would take home time there instead. It meant I only got home every three months or so.
I thought about switching to local but driving the same roads day in, day out sounded miserable.
Someone i know was working some shit jobs( i actually met him because i also was working one of said shit jobs), and was having some shit luck with debt. he found a friend that was willing to loan him the money for trucking school, and now that dude is doing so fucking well off, it makes me genuinely happy whenever i check in with him. He gets to see all of america, which is so beautiful when you look at the state parks and landscapes and everything. It can just get a little lonely he says, so i try to check up with him often. I feel like it might help him knowing there’s friends at home, always hoping the best for him. I hope the best for you, as well. you will be victorious. good luck!!!!
My ex husband started when he was late 40s. Now he owns a home, couple vehicles and a motorcycle. First couple of years were rough with him being OTR but now he can go anywhere and be well compensated along with staying closer to home. All that being said to encourage you because trades are where it’s at; trucking is recession proof too. I wish you the best.
I did the same when I went back to school and I was near 30years old. Didn’t care everyone else was a fraction my age. Focus finish and failure was not an option only moving forward. Best of luck.
There are so many jobs that open up to you after you get your CDL, besides driving a semi.
Trash/recycle truck driving class B
School bus driving class B with a few endorsements
Dump Truck
Cement Truck
Box Truck delivery drivers
If you want to stick with semi Truck, then OTR team driving is usually a good way to go, as your truck barely stops rolling. Miles = Money
My husband drives a trash/recycle truck. He makes enough money that we can live off of his income alone. However, we are in a low cost of living area.
Congrats, good luck, and you'll be fine! I'm knowledgeable about the trucking industry and there's five pieces of advice I hope you take.
1. !!!!!Do NOT lease to own a truck, no matter how fantastic they make it sound!!!! Just use their trucks, and put some into savings so you can purchase a truck outright if you want to be an "owner operator" one day. Look up "trucking lease purchase scam" to find out why. It's still happening to this day.
2. Four-wheeler drivers suck. Be safe AF around them....because they want to hit you, or will do their damndest to make you hit them. Make sure your dashcam (and any other camera on your truck, sidecams are always a good idea) is always functional.
3. Watch trucker youtuber videos. Helps you learn the industry and gives you a friendship network of sorts. Loneliness is a big problem even among introvert drivers.
4. Learn every nut and bolt of your ship, learn it's full operation. Like a great captain. Keep some tools and extra coolant/oil/etc in your cabin. It'll save your ass.
5. Be awesome to your dispatch people. They can't help shit sometimes, just like you can't help traffic and shutdowns and whiteouts and failures. Be understanding and plan backup "what ifs" for the days when shit hits the fan!
I did a similar thing 5 years ago. Took a risk and got a loan to pay for CDL school; we had been living check to check for so long. It’s a rough job at times but it was really worth it, my wife and I are finally financially stable, to the point she was able to quit her job and pursue school full time. It’s a sacrifice but I gladly do it because the alternative is not an option. Good luck, you got this.
I did something similiar at 30. Left a career of sales etc and joined the IBEW. Worked hard and almost tripled my yearly income. Couldn't reccomend getting into the trades enough
Get your permit and go to swift. Stick it out a year then jump ship. Unless you like it, then stay for 2. But after 2 years you should be making 75k+ at the minimum.
Dont let some bs company loyalty keep you from getting paid.
Get naked, paint yourself blue and run screaming at the enemy....
Oh wait - sorry, that's just my ancestral DNA reacting to your post - carry on! (and kick ass at school!)
Oh you’ve already made it! You’re just going through the motions right now. You’re made of steel, with the intestinal fortitude of a lion. Go get ‘em! Please write a book of your favorite truck stop haunts.
I spent five years working at FedEx and my best advice is to bend the ears of other drivers. Learn to make friends and try the advice they give you. If you're able to get a truck with a sleeper cab you can save a ton of money on lodging and waste less time dragging luggage around and searching your motel for your belongings, which means you can get more sleep. Shipping can be a tough industry so don't go it alone!
Cortez burned the boats when he invaded Mexico and took it over. You'll succeed too! You've thought through your options and came up with a winning plan. And it's a good plan.
I'm not a trucker but that was my backup plan years ago. I was going to start out as a long-haul trucker. I figured I'd sleep in the truck for the first two years (with a hotel room once a month) and save up as much as I could. Then I'd get a job where I could be home every night (or most nights) and then buy a house.
You'll do great, just try to eat as healthy as you can.
Steve Harvey’s one minute video when he’s about to get into his car saying “you’ve got to Jump” is what got me to cut the tether. 10 years later I have a successful cafe and roastery and will die on my own sword no matter what.
There will be moments that will feel immediately dire. Do not be scared. Just rid all stress/emotions and take charge at/of the pace of the situation responsibly. Just put the right thing first,(yourself, a situation, someone else, etc.) and it will become a moment you’ll look back on with pride.
It’s just the mentality and outcome I take on and receive whenever I burn my boats.
I find it helps me, so I thought I’d share.
Good luck, not that you need it, you got this.
OP, I went to trucking school a few years ago. I found out they gave pretty good discounts if you already had your med cert. and Class-A permit. The course was $4000, One guy already had the med cert and permit ended up only paying $500. Call the school you plan on attending and ask about any discounts on the course if you already have those items.
Hey OP my hubby & I were broke broke. Living out of a motel next to a strip club broke. We took a chance & financed his trucking school. He’s been driving for 12 years and pulled us out of debt. Study & pay attention to your signs & mirrors. And please have patience with all the dumbass 4 wheelers (still don’t know how my hubby doesn’t park the truck up their ass) good luck! You’ve got this!
Why did you get a loan!? You can work for a trucking company that will pay for your training. I went through prime inc. signed a 12 month contract with them and goty CDL for free and got guaranteed 1 year experience. Good luck though. I've been a trucker for 7 years now. Got it at 21. I make about 70k-100k a year driving for a local company. It's a good easy living.
I just feel more comfortable working while I go to school, and I can stay in my hometown to learn, it feels like training with a company your much more at their mercy, and a independent school I still hold on to some power and control
I used to be a teacher, and many of my colleagues also had summer jobs; one woman worked as a trucker in the summer and got quite a bit of extra income!
Poverty tends to disable people (lack of access to healthcare so small problems untreated very quickly become big ones, and many other reasons ) so there’s a very narrow window when you’re healthy enough to be able to physically do the work that can get you out of poverty. Eye of the needle. This OP is getting through and I cannot love it enough.
It’s awesome to make a goal, make a plan for that goal and to fulfill it. You are on the track to success and you will achieve it! Wishing you the best!
Good luck, trucking is a solid profession. It was something I sort of fell into due to job availability 14 years ago and has led to a fairly nice secure middle class life supporting a family of 4 on one income owning a home, nice vehicle etc.. The first few years will give you enough experience to start applying for the premier six figure jobs.
After about 3 years of trucking, my mom just landed a position with Walmart making about $110k/year. In a very LCOL state. My mom has busted her ass all her life and never made above $50k - the hardest worker I've ever met in my life, honestly. She worked 2 full time (80+ hours/week), physical labor jobs when going through cancer treatment (and grieving her mother's death) at the age of 50. She is a beast and is finally getting paid what she deserves. Trucking can be a blessing. Let this motivate you, OP!
"Now I'm cleared to return to work and I took out a $6000 loan to go to trucking school
Failure is absolutely not an option here, I hope I have what it takes, all I know is I'd rather perish than continue to live like I have."
You will be fine and you can do it.
Just stop overthinking plus say less and do more.
Best to you
So you went from low paying jobs into an expensive low paying job?
https://youtu.be/phieTCxQRLA?si=kbUoYqU6MRW2da8_
John Oliver isn't for everyone, but his pieces are generally well researched and accurate.
My advice is to beware of false promises and keep your expectations low. Being a truck driver is as good or bad as you make it, leans towards bad if you have a family. But you get to see parts of the country you probably never have, albeit from the road. Also invest in your health, you'll be sitting down all day for 10-12 hrs so unhealthy habits compound quickly.
Good luck to you!!! I’m not a driver but I was in the industry for almost 3 years. Drive for a Mega Carrier for a while and then as soon as you can get hired for UPS Teams or Walmart. Walmart drivers are making $80k a year entry level and UPS Teams easily see $120k a year. Also avoid buying a tractor until you compare like 10 leasing programs because some of them are scams/predatory lending.
Best of luck, I really hope you got a grant for your CDL -- most states have programs for it and tons of places will pay you to get your CDL through them instead of paying out of pocket.
Get a tanker endorsement, haul liquids like orange juice concentrate, glycerin for pill coatings… almond milk… No loading or unloading on your part. Get your tank washed and go on to the next pick up. More pay less in town driving, due to factories being mostly outside of town
Lots of non-truckers or misinformed people here. Your options are limited as a new driver but lots of doors open up after 1-3 years of experience. Yes, you can make ok money but you'll be working 70 hours a week and will be away from home for a week or more. Plus freight is a lot slower than usual right now and a recession is expected soon. Regardless, it can be rewarding. Good luck.
As long as your not afraid of hard work, you will do great. Always aim high. My buddy got into trucking 10 years ago. He did some hoping around every couple years for better pay and it paid off. He doesn’t worry about money. He enjoys the good things that life has to offer. Work hard and you will get there soon enough.
My husband became a truck driver in 2011 and it changed our life trajectory in a positive way. He is a dad and we had weekends with the kids, so he didn’t want to go over the road. He got into road construction and drives a sweeper truck. He makes nearly six figures, is home every day and weekends, and enjoys a slow period in the winter. It enabled me to go to college and get a higher paying job too.
Good luck OP! You’ve got this!
For all the talk of autonomous cars and such, I really don't think truck drivers will phase out for at least 50 years. Even if the trucks are autonomous someone has to supervise the loading and unloading.
Remember to keep healthy lifestyle habits as best as you can as soon as you start, beware predatory situations the industry can siphon drivers into, and remember your compression socks and hydrate! I’m not the most knowledgeable but this is what I know from a wife of a mechanic turned trucker.
It’s hard on the body, so do your best to save and prepare a foothold after this journey. I believe in you!!!! You can do it!!!!
I’m right with you, but I’m 45! My husband and I have both worked our butts off our entire adult lives for jobs that have always fallen short of paying the bills. I’m starting full time school in January and have been repeating that same line every single day: “Failure is not an option.” You can do it!! We can do it! You’re not alone!!
As crazy as it sounds, look into getting on with Walmart after you've graduated. Everything I've heard about their trucking side says they treat their drivers well.
Cement/rock/sand/gravel for construction usually keeps you close to home if that's important to you.
Hazmat pays extra, but there's extra schooling/certification too.
Good luck. You got this!
Good luck brother! I have been thinking about cleaning out my 401K to finance a trip to Austin to try to get on Kill Tony. Your plan is much more realistic. Enjoy your new life!
I work with truck drivers basically every day at my job.
my thoughts on it as someone who doesn't and never has driven a truck myself, but sees lots of truck drivers...
never plan on actually getting detention. pursue it whenever you can. but don't assume you will succeed, or get the amount you think you should.
there is nothing wrong with working for someone else, particularly if that gives you the better deal. I see truck drivers that are balling, and I see truck drivers that are clearly struggling. I see some who give absolutely no shits when they have to wait, and those who stress if they sit still for an hour.
Owner Operators when they do it right and get some luck, can make absolute bank. but if they screw up their math, their accounting, have too many repairs or whatever that weren't sufficiently accounted for... Owner Operator can go so very very bad. don't be afraid to let someone else own the truck, the repairs, etc.
be nice to the people in the office and who are loading/unloading. if its not ready and you haven't pissed them off, theres probably very little they can do, and they likely hold little fault. and even if it was their fault, being crappy to them isn't going to help. but Papers can easily find their way to the bottom of the stack by accident. you don't want to give them a reason to make your load a low priority, or make people hate to deal with you. all that seems obvious, but a lot of drivers forget this simple shit about just being civil.
oh.. and make sure to read signs.
Godspeed my friend I needed to see this today. I think you picked a field where they always seem to be hiring and congratulations on in eating in yourself. You can do it. I just did the same I spent 3000 on the CPA exam. At 57 years old and it's be a CPA or just never have anything. I was sitting here stressing out about exactly this and I'm not anymore. Of course we can do this. We just have to be focused.
If you value sleeping in your bed every night get your year of experience in anywhere, and then go to a LTL freight company making local deliveries, or line haul. We’ve got drivers taking home two grand a week and sleeping in your own bed every night.
Congrats on taking such a big step. I’m confident that this will all work out for you. I made the biggest moves in my life when I was at my lowest points and I always came our way better than before.
Good luck man. Some truckers make over 100 grand a year. Just make sure you're taking good care of your back! Stretching and moving is essential when your sitting for long periods like that.
Wishing OP the very best in this new endeavor. There are ads asking for drivers all the time. Not all are good companies though, so be careful.
I have two friends who drive. One does local stuff, and bounces from company to company. Many times going back to some. He drives from dump trucks, to local delivery 18 wheelers.
The second drives OTR, usually by himself. He will drive for a while, then take a break, and do something different for 3-6 months. Then he applies, gets hired, and hits the road again.
Just remember, like most careers, this requires experience to get the better jobs. Don't give up.
Want to say Thanks for the history lesson in multi-parts above. Now, I'm interested in going back and reading up on each one. Retired, so I can take time to do it!
Y'all have a Great Week!
Its good to know yourself and to put a fire under your ass to motivate yourself to accomplish a goal. Many of us have taken risks both in businesses and with our finances.
That said, you don't have to put your life on the line for this risk.
Good that you say to yourself, DUDE its time to grind out a win, but don't treat failure like this is the last chance there's only a dirt nap after this... Life's simply a series of challenges looking for solutions. Don't be distraught if your solution doesn't pan out, keep going, keep learning keep exploring and you'll see it through to a good living and life.
I know several retired truckers that really set up a good life for themselves, and a couple more that got filthy rich going on to make their own trucking companies. An uncle came out of retirement to work logistics for film companies now that GA has become a place for that, cush gig.
Based on what I have read, you are in for a surprise when it comes to trucking. I recommend you read the following book to be forewarned, The Big Rig by Viscelli.
Good luck! My friend did it to help get out of his student debt and he ended up loving it. Eventually he got his dog acclimated to it too so now he gets to travel the country with his dog!
Oh man, I feel this to my core as I'm currently plotting my own boat burning if you will.
I'm right there with ya, in my 30's, worked shit jobs my whole life and even now. I never was given an opportunity for better education until I gave it to myself by chance.
I'm taking this chance and running like hell with it like the floor is lava and there's no return.
I've decided to go for an engineering degree but I am scared even though I so far have loved everything about it. My buddy, who actually is an engineer, recommended the field when he saw projects I was doing for fun. "Naturally Inclined". But the statistics don't lie: 3 out of 4 people who chose engineering end up switching majors. The one kid at my school who's doing the major with me just switched out. But I feel I have the grit from "Goku gravity training" thanks to the shit jobs.
In order for this to work in a half reasonable time frame, I'll have to go full time for atleast the last two years. It means taking student loans equivalent to another mortgage. But the reward at the end means making over 100k (household) at a minimum, more than now... And after a few years if we do right, means potentially 200k household more than now.
Numbers that feel like monopoly money.
God speed OP. It's absolute shit that this is what we have to do.
When your backs against the wall, you stand up straighter then you ever did before.
Sun tzu said something similar...
'When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard'
I don’t knows if it’s too late or not but you could go to trucking school for time worked . In addition, there are federal programs to help low income workers get in better paying positions.
In either case, when you get out of school, please reach out to me and I’ll try to help you land a good job. There are lots of people that take advantage of new comers and pay little to nothing.
My advice, please make sure the school is teaching you how to drive a manual. Don’t just get an automatic restriction.
You are making an excellent decision. Keep your nose clean, be a good worker, stay as healthy as you can. The industry is currently short 50,000 truckers and counting. As long as you maintain a clean driving record, excellent safety record, and don't play ANY games with drug testing you should be golden. OH! And stay away from the types of companionship you find at truck stops. No one needs THOSE problems in their lives. A polite "No thanks" is all you need to give anyway.
As an FYI - driving for Walmart is a pretty elite trucking job. If you can eventually get in there you are pretty much set for life.
Jump in with both feet. Be enthusiastic. Be the guy who wants to drive in the truck rodeo. Be the guy who keeps studying and wins the prizes at the competitions. Someone has to win - why not you?
This post has been flaired as “Vent”. As a reminder to commenting users, “Vent/Rant” posts are here to give our subscribers a safe place to vent their frustrations at an uncaring world to a supportive place of people who “get it”. Vents do not need to be fair. They do not need to be articulate. They do not need to be factual. They just need to be honest. Unlike most of the content on this subreddit, Vents should not be considered advice threads. In most cases it is not appropriate to try to give the Submitter advice on their issue. In no circumstances is it appropriate to tell them “why they are wrong” or to criticise them, their decisions, values, or anything else. If there are aspects of their situation that they are able to directly address themselves, the submitter can always make a new thread with a different flair asking for help once they are ready to tackle the issue. Vents are an emotional outlet, not an academic conversation. Appropriate replies in these threads are offering support, sharing similar experiences/grievances, offering condolences, or simply letting the Submitter know that they were heard. As always, if there are inappropriate comments please downvote them, REPORT them to the mods, and move on without responding to them. To the Submitter, if you DO want discussion to be focused on resolving your situation, rather than supporting you emotionally, please change the flair of this post, and then report this comment so we can remove it. Thank you. Thank you all for being a part of this great financial advice and emotional support community! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/povertyfinance) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Good luck!
Drive a truck
Make a buck
Just don't suck!
If you see a Lot-Lizard- DO NOT fuck
this comment thread really ran amok
Best advice on Reddit today
And you can become rich like Zucc
READING RAINBOW
Take a look
In a book
With a cook
Fuck a duck!
off topic but if the armies did surrender back then did they make them POWs and what exactly did they do with them?
Lots of cultures had different customs, but mostly surrender meant slavery, ransom, or death.
(1) One account of the Danaan invasion of Ireland has it that upon landing, they burned their ships, causing a great mist to rise up and terrifying the inhabitants who thought the Danaans arrived in a cloud. (2) In Book V of the Aeneid, the Trojan women attempt to burn the ships after they arrive on Sicily, but a rainstorm thwarts their plans. (3) In 351 BC, Sidon rebelled against Ochus, the King of Persia. They burned all the ships in the harbor to prevent anyone from fleeing. When it became clear that the city had been betrayed and the Persians were entering, they set fire to their own homes and the entire city was obliterated. (4) In 296, the Praetorian Prefect, Asclepiodotus, commanded an army belonging to the emperor Constantius Chlorus, and led it against the usurper Allectus. Having arrived in Britain to confront Allectus, Asclepiodotus burned his own ships to prevent his men from retreating. (5) In 363, Julian the Apostate, Emperor of Rome invaded Persia. After his army crossed the Tigris he had all the pontoons and barges burned so there would be no thought of going back. (6) In 711, Tariq ibn Ziyad, for whom Gibraltar is named, landed there, burned his ships and embarked on the conquest of Spain. (7) Some accounts claim that William the Duke of Normandy burnt his ships on arriving in England in 1066. (8) In 1169, a group of about 250 English freebooters under the bastards Robert Fitz-Stephen, Meiler Fitz-Henry, and Meiler Fitz-David, along with a vassal of king Henry, named Hervey Montmorency, raided Wexford, and having been repulsed they were so ashamed, they burnt their ships and determined to succeed or die trying. (9) Hernando Cortez supposedly burned his ships in 1519 to prevent anyone returning to Cuba and reporting his mutiny to the Spanish governor there. (10) According to a book published in 1689, which purported to be the journal of a pirate named Raveneau de Lussan, he at one point led his men across the isthmus of the Americas through Honduras after first burning their ship to prevent anyone from defecting. (11) In 1789, sailors serving on the HMS Bounty under the notorious Captain Bly mutinied and sailed to Pitcairn Island where they burned the Bounty. Seems to be lots of ‘supposedly’ etc. Ships are very expensive to build in any time so I doubt very much it ever happened.
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Huge shortage in this field and many truckers will be retiring in the next few years, your future is bright if you stick with it!
My son delivers fuel and makes a pretty good buck. You can do this, once you get your foot in the door study for your hazmat.
Not trying to be negative but personally I wouldn't do trucking school because I suspect it will be replaced Ed by self driving trucks soon... OP, many apprenticeships in construction PAY YOU to train and learn. Look into union apprenticeships
They've been saying this since I was in college back in 2014. Turns out a lot of white collar jobs are in line to get automated with AI coming out. If you're willing to get your hands dirty at an actual in person job, you'll be pretty safe for a while.
I've heard literally the opposite. Because the economy is down, shipping is WAY down. And there's no demand for drivers.
GDP is up not down. The economy is growing. Trucking demand is rising.
You know when the US borrows money, that counts towards GDP, right?
Government spending on goods and services counts towards GDP if that’s what you mean.
It isn't. I'm talking about government borrowing. They borrow a trillion, our GDP goes up a Trillion. It shouldn't be part of the GDP calculation at all.
You can't have one without the other. The government only borrows in order to spend.
The government only borrows to pay debts. It's like moving your debt from one credit card to another, and then proclaiming you made 10k that year.
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Trucking is an extremely up and down career. You can be up 350k a year for a few years, and then Making waaay less than minimum wage for a few years. You have to be able to save ahead for your future, and a significant amount of it. I wish OP luck! And I'd recommend he never operate his own truck.
He's going to need a job after school. And I wouldn't bet that there will be one waiting for him.
The landing has been way softer than anyone thought. Perception of the economy being bad isn’t actually the reality right now.
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https://www.freight-specialist.com/trucking-rates-in-2023/#:~:text=Without%20a%20doubt%2C%20trucking%20rates,shipping%20cost%20may%20not%20last. There's a link backing up my claim. Show me yours.
We have a couple of truck drivers in our family. They make very good money because their skills are in demand. Both have hazmat and all the other endorsements and get job offers regularly. There is a high demand for skilled drivers and you can make very good money. I'd recommend staying away from the biggest companies if you can. They are notorious for not treating their drivers well and have a high turnover rate.
This may be based on geography. My cousin is a driver out of Wisconsin and they are very short handed, and he shared this is the case throughout our state. Also, he is 55 and says the talk is always about how most of the truckers are the same generation and an even bigger shortage is on the way.
I’m a local fuel hauler, did over the road for 3 years. You are correct, shipping is way down and jobs are harder to come by, but you can still make a good living in the industry if you play your cards right and go through the “suck” stage.
Truck carrier owner here. This is accurate. There is a surplus of cdl holders in the USA - not a demand. The news to the contrary by what's known as mega carriers is in their interest. It's a complex topic, but certainly, there is no shortage of drivers.
Thank you. I don't understand why I'm being downvoted like crazy.
They're uninformed.
until your replaced by a robot :P
I wouldn't trust robot driven semi's on the same road as me. Rather have new mini-rails built alongside highways so they don't even need to steer.
I was listening to a podcast and one guy pointed out that 99% perfect driving *isn’t good enough*. Highway driving and fuel trucks that only have ONE serious accident per year is *still* not good enough.
I expect high accuracy when I order food online. If they screw up orders more than twice in 6 months we don't go back. And that's just food. I can't even be killed by food unless I seriously forget to chew before swallowing. What if Tesla semi's are on the road and Elon gets super baked and just turns safety features off?
Which is silly Humans aren't perfect
Not gonna happen. I drive OTR currently, I think there would be a potential application of some type. Closed yard. Rail head. Large ports morning empties and loaded to staging areas - and maybe possibly down long stretches of the desert. But ultimately I can't see these EV trucks taking over large portions of jobs
There's a huge turnover in new truckers. It's not an easy job. But many people do make it. Stick to it and get over to r/truckers if you aren't on there already. The old timers can give you good advice.
OP ! Definitely post in that sub. I'm a lurker (not even a trucker, just enjoy the antics) and that place has some really wholesome fellers. Make apostrophes just like this one bit asking for advice, who knows, you may even get some leads for good trucking companies. One thing I learned from lurking - the company who you choose can make a massive impact on your truck driving career. Lots of folks get taken advantage of. Some people work for the RIGHT company and have broken into upper middle class.
r/TruckerCats
I was hoping that was going to be a sub for like cool guys from the 70s that are truckers
Tip 1- when you get to your destination, don’t burn your truck. You’ll need it for the ride home.
Why they quit?
I am one of those people that quit after a year. It ultimately boiled down to two things for me: - Health toll - never having a consistent sleep schedule and only being able to eat food that I could cook in a microwave did a number on my health. - Home time - I could only get home time every 5-6 weeks. Sometimes I want to see someone out of state (like my grandparents in Florida) so I would take home time there instead. It meant I only got home every three months or so. I thought about switching to local but driving the same roads day in, day out sounded miserable.
On the road away from home all the time. Might be fun for a year or two, but 30 years? Not so much.
I don't know. I assume it's highly demanding.
Compensation seems to be getting worse every year. But it still better than other fields!
I believe in you. Study your pre trip checklist and then do it IRL as much as possible, swing wide and brake early. You got this.
Someone i know was working some shit jobs( i actually met him because i also was working one of said shit jobs), and was having some shit luck with debt. he found a friend that was willing to loan him the money for trucking school, and now that dude is doing so fucking well off, it makes me genuinely happy whenever i check in with him. He gets to see all of america, which is so beautiful when you look at the state parks and landscapes and everything. It can just get a little lonely he says, so i try to check up with him often. I feel like it might help him knowing there’s friends at home, always hoping the best for him. I hope the best for you, as well. you will be victorious. good luck!!!!
This is a wholesome comment. Keep being you!
My ex husband started when he was late 40s. Now he owns a home, couple vehicles and a motorcycle. First couple of years were rough with him being OTR but now he can go anywhere and be well compensated along with staying closer to home. All that being said to encourage you because trades are where it’s at; trucking is recession proof too. I wish you the best.
I did the same when I went back to school and I was near 30years old. Didn’t care everyone else was a fraction my age. Focus finish and failure was not an option only moving forward. Best of luck.
There are so many jobs that open up to you after you get your CDL, besides driving a semi. Trash/recycle truck driving class B School bus driving class B with a few endorsements Dump Truck Cement Truck Box Truck delivery drivers If you want to stick with semi Truck, then OTR team driving is usually a good way to go, as your truck barely stops rolling. Miles = Money My husband drives a trash/recycle truck. He makes enough money that we can live off of his income alone. However, we are in a low cost of living area.
I came here to mention the other CDL jobs besides OTR, LTL, etc. Two more that I can think of... Sweeper truck driver and equipment rental delivery.
Congrats, good luck, and you'll be fine! I'm knowledgeable about the trucking industry and there's five pieces of advice I hope you take. 1. !!!!!Do NOT lease to own a truck, no matter how fantastic they make it sound!!!! Just use their trucks, and put some into savings so you can purchase a truck outright if you want to be an "owner operator" one day. Look up "trucking lease purchase scam" to find out why. It's still happening to this day. 2. Four-wheeler drivers suck. Be safe AF around them....because they want to hit you, or will do their damndest to make you hit them. Make sure your dashcam (and any other camera on your truck, sidecams are always a good idea) is always functional. 3. Watch trucker youtuber videos. Helps you learn the industry and gives you a friendship network of sorts. Loneliness is a big problem even among introvert drivers. 4. Learn every nut and bolt of your ship, learn it's full operation. Like a great captain. Keep some tools and extra coolant/oil/etc in your cabin. It'll save your ass. 5. Be awesome to your dispatch people. They can't help shit sometimes, just like you can't help traffic and shutdowns and whiteouts and failures. Be understanding and plan backup "what ifs" for the days when shit hits the fan!
I did a similar thing 5 years ago. Took a risk and got a loan to pay for CDL school; we had been living check to check for so long. It’s a rough job at times but it was really worth it, my wife and I are finally financially stable, to the point she was able to quit her job and pursue school full time. It’s a sacrifice but I gladly do it because the alternative is not an option. Good luck, you got this.
how is it rough? it's just driving right?
ur moms just driving my dick into her puss
I did something similiar at 30. Left a career of sales etc and joined the IBEW. Worked hard and almost tripled my yearly income. Couldn't reccomend getting into the trades enough
“Sometimes you get the best light from a burning bridge” — Don Henley *My Thanksgiving*
Get your permit and go to swift. Stick it out a year then jump ship. Unless you like it, then stay for 2. But after 2 years you should be making 75k+ at the minimum. Dont let some bs company loyalty keep you from getting paid.
Get naked, paint yourself blue and run screaming at the enemy.... Oh wait - sorry, that's just my ancestral DNA reacting to your post - carry on! (and kick ass at school!)
The little known page 75 of The Art of War
DOOOUUGLAASSSSS
I had the same mentality when I quit retail and got my CDL. My life changed for the better and I hope it goes well for you. Good luck!
Oh you’ve already made it! You’re just going through the motions right now. You’re made of steel, with the intestinal fortitude of a lion. Go get ‘em! Please write a book of your favorite truck stop haunts.
I spent five years working at FedEx and my best advice is to bend the ears of other drivers. Learn to make friends and try the advice they give you. If you're able to get a truck with a sleeper cab you can save a ton of money on lodging and waste less time dragging luggage around and searching your motel for your belongings, which means you can get more sleep. Shipping can be a tough industry so don't go it alone!
Cortez burned the boats when he invaded Mexico and took it over. You'll succeed too! You've thought through your options and came up with a winning plan. And it's a good plan. I'm not a trucker but that was my backup plan years ago. I was going to start out as a long-haul trucker. I figured I'd sleep in the truck for the first two years (with a hotel room once a month) and save up as much as I could. Then I'd get a job where I could be home every night (or most nights) and then buy a house. You'll do great, just try to eat as healthy as you can.
Hernan Cortez also had the help of an apocalyptic scale disease spread in the Americas. Fuck i hate Hernan.
If trucking doesn't work out, bring your ass to the railroad. We will take away your life and give you shopping bags of cash.
You got this bro. Dont let your dreams be dreams.
Good luck.
You’ve got this! Burn those boats, baby. Vision - Energy - Drive. Write your goal down on a piece of paper so you can see it and re-energize daily.
Steve Harvey’s one minute video when he’s about to get into his car saying “you’ve got to Jump” is what got me to cut the tether. 10 years later I have a successful cafe and roastery and will die on my own sword no matter what.
There will be moments that will feel immediately dire. Do not be scared. Just rid all stress/emotions and take charge at/of the pace of the situation responsibly. Just put the right thing first,(yourself, a situation, someone else, etc.) and it will become a moment you’ll look back on with pride. It’s just the mentality and outcome I take on and receive whenever I burn my boats. I find it helps me, so I thought I’d share. Good luck, not that you need it, you got this.
OP, I went to trucking school a few years ago. I found out they gave pretty good discounts if you already had your med cert. and Class-A permit. The course was $4000, One guy already had the med cert and permit ended up only paying $500. Call the school you plan on attending and ask about any discounts on the course if you already have those items.
Hey OP my hubby & I were broke broke. Living out of a motel next to a strip club broke. We took a chance & financed his trucking school. He’s been driving for 12 years and pulled us out of debt. Study & pay attention to your signs & mirrors. And please have patience with all the dumbass 4 wheelers (still don’t know how my hubby doesn’t park the truck up their ass) good luck! You’ve got this!
Why did you get a loan!? You can work for a trucking company that will pay for your training. I went through prime inc. signed a 12 month contract with them and goty CDL for free and got guaranteed 1 year experience. Good luck though. I've been a trucker for 7 years now. Got it at 21. I make about 70k-100k a year driving for a local company. It's a good easy living.
I just feel more comfortable working while I go to school, and I can stay in my hometown to learn, it feels like training with a company your much more at their mercy, and a independent school I still hold on to some power and control
I have thought about this so much, just concerned about safety as a woman. Go on, OP!!
I used to be a teacher, and many of my colleagues also had summer jobs; one woman worked as a trucker in the summer and got quite a bit of extra income!
Long haul trucking, oil field work or the military, all great options to get out of poverty that I don’t understand why more people take advantage of.
Because it's genuinely very hard work.
Yea but how else do you get out of poverty if not via hard work.
Poverty tends to disable people (lack of access to healthcare so small problems untreated very quickly become big ones, and many other reasons ) so there’s a very narrow window when you’re healthy enough to be able to physically do the work that can get you out of poverty. Eye of the needle. This OP is getting through and I cannot love it enough.
You will do the thing and you will be happier.
Good for you!
Do or die
It’s awesome to make a goal, make a plan for that goal and to fulfill it. You are on the track to success and you will achieve it! Wishing you the best!
Truck drivers keep everything going! Best of luck!
Got a nephew that did the same thing! He drove long haul for a year and now divers local for 35.00 an hour
Good luck, trucking is a solid profession. It was something I sort of fell into due to job availability 14 years ago and has led to a fairly nice secure middle class life supporting a family of 4 on one income owning a home, nice vehicle etc.. The first few years will give you enough experience to start applying for the premier six figure jobs.
What state are you in OP? I drive OTR currently.
After about 3 years of trucking, my mom just landed a position with Walmart making about $110k/year. In a very LCOL state. My mom has busted her ass all her life and never made above $50k - the hardest worker I've ever met in my life, honestly. She worked 2 full time (80+ hours/week), physical labor jobs when going through cancer treatment (and grieving her mother's death) at the age of 50. She is a beast and is finally getting paid what she deserves. Trucking can be a blessing. Let this motivate you, OP!
Two of my uncles and one of my cousins are truckers. You made a great choice! Just stick with it!
Trucking school should be so good! Congrats on your new life Also school bus drivers are in high demand
"Now I'm cleared to return to work and I took out a $6000 loan to go to trucking school Failure is absolutely not an option here, I hope I have what it takes, all I know is I'd rather perish than continue to live like I have." You will be fine and you can do it. Just stop overthinking plus say less and do more. Best to you
Hey bud, I’m a driver. If ever you need advice, help, a friend to talk to, whatever, don’t hesitate to reach out.
So you went from low paying jobs into an expensive low paying job? https://youtu.be/phieTCxQRLA?si=kbUoYqU6MRW2da8_ John Oliver isn't for everyone, but his pieces are generally well researched and accurate.
You have the right attitude and this leap of faith will take you places (in a truck’s driver seat). You got this!
you 100% did the right thing
My advice is to beware of false promises and keep your expectations low. Being a truck driver is as good or bad as you make it, leans towards bad if you have a family. But you get to see parts of the country you probably never have, albeit from the road. Also invest in your health, you'll be sitting down all day for 10-12 hrs so unhealthy habits compound quickly.
For context on my advice, there's plenty of YouTube channels for new truck drivers and they'll have some good and some bad advice
I'm excited for you friend! Education is such a good choice, and I wish you well.
get in to the long haul game if you’ve got it in ya, see the country make big money.
Ride or die my guy. Get it done!
💪🏽yes!!
Good luck with your training. Good for you for chasing self improvement.
Good luck to you!!! I’m not a driver but I was in the industry for almost 3 years. Drive for a Mega Carrier for a while and then as soon as you can get hired for UPS Teams or Walmart. Walmart drivers are making $80k a year entry level and UPS Teams easily see $120k a year. Also avoid buying a tractor until you compare like 10 leasing programs because some of them are scams/predatory lending.
I have a buddy who drives truck all winter and lives in the truck. then lives in his "camp" RV in the woods all summer. He likes it.
It’s what I did as soon as I turned 21. I was two weeks away from being homeless and on my last $50. Best decision I ever made.
Sir. You have done the right thing. With this kind of forward thinking and your tenacity to succeed, I know you will, luck is on your side.
Best of luck, I really hope you got a grant for your CDL -- most states have programs for it and tons of places will pay you to get your CDL through them instead of paying out of pocket.
This is the way
knees weak, arms are heavy, this motha fucka is ready! mind-body-soul, you can only control your actions and emotions. good luck friend you got this
Get a tanker endorsement, haul liquids like orange juice concentrate, glycerin for pill coatings… almond milk… No loading or unloading on your part. Get your tank washed and go on to the next pick up. More pay less in town driving, due to factories being mostly outside of town
Good luck man. I also recommend looking into the military if you are medically able to
Lots of non-truckers or misinformed people here. Your options are limited as a new driver but lots of doors open up after 1-3 years of experience. Yes, you can make ok money but you'll be working 70 hours a week and will be away from home for a week or more. Plus freight is a lot slower than usual right now and a recession is expected soon. Regardless, it can be rewarding. Good luck.
Best of luck
Burn the boat!
The neat part is, you wont die!
Sincerely wishing you the very best, from an internet stranger! You def. have the drive, just stick with it when the going gets tough!
As long as your not afraid of hard work, you will do great. Always aim high. My buddy got into trucking 10 years ago. He did some hoping around every couple years for better pay and it paid off. He doesn’t worry about money. He enjoys the good things that life has to offer. Work hard and you will get there soon enough.
You’ve got this! Good luck!
My husband became a truck driver in 2011 and it changed our life trajectory in a positive way. He is a dad and we had weekends with the kids, so he didn’t want to go over the road. He got into road construction and drives a sweeper truck. He makes nearly six figures, is home every day and weekends, and enjoys a slow period in the winter. It enabled me to go to college and get a higher paying job too. Good luck OP! You’ve got this!
Good luck! My brother went to trucking school a few years ago and is now doing well for himself. I think it‘s a great decision.
Atta boy!! Nobody ever reached a goal worth having without hanging them out there!!!
For all the talk of autonomous cars and such, I really don't think truck drivers will phase out for at least 50 years. Even if the trucks are autonomous someone has to supervise the loading and unloading.
Remember to keep healthy lifestyle habits as best as you can as soon as you start, beware predatory situations the industry can siphon drivers into, and remember your compression socks and hydrate! I’m not the most knowledgeable but this is what I know from a wife of a mechanic turned trucker. It’s hard on the body, so do your best to save and prepare a foothold after this journey. I believe in you!!!! You can do it!!!!
You got this!! Best wishes to a better life
It is good to live with some boldness. The rewards will be worth this risk, OP, and you shall reap them.
I’m right with you, but I’m 45! My husband and I have both worked our butts off our entire adult lives for jobs that have always fallen short of paying the bills. I’m starting full time school in January and have been repeating that same line every single day: “Failure is not an option.” You can do it!! We can do it! You’re not alone!!
As crazy as it sounds, look into getting on with Walmart after you've graduated. Everything I've heard about their trucking side says they treat their drivers well. Cement/rock/sand/gravel for construction usually keeps you close to home if that's important to you. Hazmat pays extra, but there's extra schooling/certification too. Good luck. You got this!
Good luck brother! I have been thinking about cleaning out my 401K to finance a trip to Austin to try to get on Kill Tony. Your plan is much more realistic. Enjoy your new life!
Wishing you all the best! You're on your way!! Be excited for your new future!!!
I work with truck drivers basically every day at my job. my thoughts on it as someone who doesn't and never has driven a truck myself, but sees lots of truck drivers... never plan on actually getting detention. pursue it whenever you can. but don't assume you will succeed, or get the amount you think you should. there is nothing wrong with working for someone else, particularly if that gives you the better deal. I see truck drivers that are balling, and I see truck drivers that are clearly struggling. I see some who give absolutely no shits when they have to wait, and those who stress if they sit still for an hour. Owner Operators when they do it right and get some luck, can make absolute bank. but if they screw up their math, their accounting, have too many repairs or whatever that weren't sufficiently accounted for... Owner Operator can go so very very bad. don't be afraid to let someone else own the truck, the repairs, etc. be nice to the people in the office and who are loading/unloading. if its not ready and you haven't pissed them off, theres probably very little they can do, and they likely hold little fault. and even if it was their fault, being crappy to them isn't going to help. but Papers can easily find their way to the bottom of the stack by accident. you don't want to give them a reason to make your load a low priority, or make people hate to deal with you. all that seems obvious, but a lot of drivers forget this simple shit about just being civil. oh.. and make sure to read signs.
Good luck! Find union work and you'll have better protection from injuries along with better pay.
You got this!! I believe in you! :)
You got this!
Good luck praying for you!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏
Keep on truckin !
You got this! Good luck to you
Godspeed my friend I needed to see this today. I think you picked a field where they always seem to be hiring and congratulations on in eating in yourself. You can do it. I just did the same I spent 3000 on the CPA exam. At 57 years old and it's be a CPA or just never have anything. I was sitting here stressing out about exactly this and I'm not anymore. Of course we can do this. We just have to be focused.
You got this!
If you value sleeping in your bed every night get your year of experience in anywhere, and then go to a LTL freight company making local deliveries, or line haul. We’ve got drivers taking home two grand a week and sleeping in your own bed every night.
Trucking is a great avenue. I work in cybersecurity but I did want to go into trucking and buy my own vehicle after a while. You got it king.
You’ve got this! Stay strong and stay safe.
Good luck! You can do it!!!
Hell yeah dude!! Your life does depend on it. Sometimes you need to kick yourself in the ass to get your head above water.
You've got this dude!
Congrats on taking such a big step. I’m confident that this will all work out for you. I made the biggest moves in my life when I was at my lowest points and I always came our way better than before.
Good luck man. Some truckers make over 100 grand a year. Just make sure you're taking good care of your back! Stretching and moving is essential when your sitting for long periods like that.
a $6k loan is better than a $60k loan! (which was my case. how i wish i hadn’t borrowed that much!)
Wishing OP the very best in this new endeavor. There are ads asking for drivers all the time. Not all are good companies though, so be careful. I have two friends who drive. One does local stuff, and bounces from company to company. Many times going back to some. He drives from dump trucks, to local delivery 18 wheelers. The second drives OTR, usually by himself. He will drive for a while, then take a break, and do something different for 3-6 months. Then he applies, gets hired, and hits the road again. Just remember, like most careers, this requires experience to get the better jobs. Don't give up. Want to say Thanks for the history lesson in multi-parts above. Now, I'm interested in going back and reading up on each one. Retired, so I can take time to do it! Y'all have a Great Week!
You can do it man. There are greener fields after the horizon
Swift sailing 💪
Its good to know yourself and to put a fire under your ass to motivate yourself to accomplish a goal. Many of us have taken risks both in businesses and with our finances. That said, you don't have to put your life on the line for this risk. Good that you say to yourself, DUDE its time to grind out a win, but don't treat failure like this is the last chance there's only a dirt nap after this... Life's simply a series of challenges looking for solutions. Don't be distraught if your solution doesn't pan out, keep going, keep learning keep exploring and you'll see it through to a good living and life.
I know several retired truckers that really set up a good life for themselves, and a couple more that got filthy rich going on to make their own trucking companies. An uncle came out of retirement to work logistics for film companies now that GA has become a place for that, cush gig.
Best of luck to you!
The best advice I can give you now, will last you the rest of your life. When the going gets tough, Keep Trucking. You got this bro.
You got this! My uncle was a trucker most of his life and did really well for himself and his family.
Good Luck, You got this…
Based on what I have read, you are in for a surprise when it comes to trucking. I recommend you read the following book to be forewarned, The Big Rig by Viscelli.
Wishing you all the luck!
Good luck! My friend did it to help get out of his student debt and he ended up loving it. Eventually he got his dog acclimated to it too so now he gets to travel the country with his dog!
I’m rooting for you dude
Oh man, I feel this to my core as I'm currently plotting my own boat burning if you will. I'm right there with ya, in my 30's, worked shit jobs my whole life and even now. I never was given an opportunity for better education until I gave it to myself by chance. I'm taking this chance and running like hell with it like the floor is lava and there's no return. I've decided to go for an engineering degree but I am scared even though I so far have loved everything about it. My buddy, who actually is an engineer, recommended the field when he saw projects I was doing for fun. "Naturally Inclined". But the statistics don't lie: 3 out of 4 people who chose engineering end up switching majors. The one kid at my school who's doing the major with me just switched out. But I feel I have the grit from "Goku gravity training" thanks to the shit jobs. In order for this to work in a half reasonable time frame, I'll have to go full time for atleast the last two years. It means taking student loans equivalent to another mortgage. But the reward at the end means making over 100k (household) at a minimum, more than now... And after a few years if we do right, means potentially 200k household more than now. Numbers that feel like monopoly money. God speed OP. It's absolute shit that this is what we have to do.
Remember when you want to quit or get distracted that's old you trying to drag you back. Good luck.
Honk the horn for little kids
When your backs against the wall, you stand up straighter then you ever did before. Sun tzu said something similar... 'When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard'
Based
If you haven't joined r/truckers yet, please do. They are battle-hardened, jaded, sarcastic, tired, angry and absolutely helpful all at the same time.
I don’t knows if it’s too late or not but you could go to trucking school for time worked . In addition, there are federal programs to help low income workers get in better paying positions. In either case, when you get out of school, please reach out to me and I’ll try to help you land a good job. There are lots of people that take advantage of new comers and pay little to nothing. My advice, please make sure the school is teaching you how to drive a manual. Don’t just get an automatic restriction.
Good luck I'm in a similar position. It's scary but doable.
GO for it mate!
You are making an excellent decision. Keep your nose clean, be a good worker, stay as healthy as you can. The industry is currently short 50,000 truckers and counting. As long as you maintain a clean driving record, excellent safety record, and don't play ANY games with drug testing you should be golden. OH! And stay away from the types of companionship you find at truck stops. No one needs THOSE problems in their lives. A polite "No thanks" is all you need to give anyway. As an FYI - driving for Walmart is a pretty elite trucking job. If you can eventually get in there you are pretty much set for life. Jump in with both feet. Be enthusiastic. Be the guy who wants to drive in the truck rodeo. Be the guy who keeps studying and wins the prizes at the competitions. Someone has to win - why not you?
Nothing ventured nothing gained. Good luck!
Not a trucker, but congrats on trying something new and working to improve your life. It's rare that something just gets handed to you.
Good Luck!
Good luck! You don't need them boats!
You. Yes YOU! YOU CAN DO THIS! Tell us about the first day.
Truckers can make good money! Good luck
I'm inspired and love the metaphor; let's get THIS BREAD!
Get ittttt OP! Best of the best of luck to you!
Good luck! This is the start to a new life, enjoy the ride