I have a tough decision to make, and need y'alls opinions.

[C. Harlan]

Ok, I am going to lay it down plain and simple, and not drag the story out.



I have been working for the city for 3 years now, and no one is making any progression. It is frustrating, but the benefits are good, real good. A friend just bought 2 Peterbilt 379's, both extended hoods, with all the bells and whistles, and told me that if I could find a decent company to make money for both of us, he would let me have the truck to drive. I am looking to run regional (Tx, La, Ok, NM, Ar) or just plain Texas only.



I used to drive a truck, and made alot of money doing it. I quit to go back to school. I make decent money now, but it is not even half of what I used to clear in a week, after taxes and all.



My question to you guys, is would you quit the city job, should you find a good company to lease on to, and go all for it, or stay with the same old monotonous routine, waiting for advancement? I am really torn on this subject, so need serious input. Help me out guys!



-Chris-

 

[mberry]

Life is too short for anyone to decide what you should do. Having said that, I am only going to pose some questions.



1. Do you have kids? How much time will it take away from them if you go back to driving a truck?



2. Do you have a wife/Significant Other? How do they feel about it?



3. How old are you? Retirement from a City job should be pretty good.



4. How much is it going to cost your family if you leave the City? Insurance etc...



5. Is this only about money?



Not trying to make up your mind for you at all. Just trying to give you something to think about that you may not have already considered.

 

[guava]

I went through a similar choice. I'd maxed out my pay/benefits and had no more choice in what I could do. (it was civil service) For me it was a matter of waiting till others retired before I could go any further.



Things that helped me decide were:



Money and Time. Having family, I wanted more of both.



Retirement. What was going to be there in the end. I was able to take my PERS retirement and move it. Managing it myself or with guidance, I can make it grow MUCH MUCH faster than what the government would do.



Benefits. Its worth shopping this one around. I don't know what the cost is or whats offered. I price shopped this once and found significant cost differences from state to state for the exact same plane. For a truck driver who I think could put any state they wanted as a residence, this could be a big benefit.



Figure out why you got out of truck driving before. Had to be a reason for taking the cut in pay. I've thought about trying truck driving just for the fun of it but I couldn't do it.



good luck

 

[Todd T]

DITO to MBerry's comments and would like to remind you of rising fuel costs. Can you sustain at todays rates?

 

[loncray]

Triple ditto to MBerry's remarks. At this point, I wouldn't spend any more time away from my wife and child for triple the money.

 

[Cummnzpowr]

White Line FEEEEVER!

Chris . . Tell CPS to shove it! Go drive truck again,we are still young and aren't married,no kids and nothing to tie us down every night at home. Besides, i think you'll have MUCH more fun with a trashy CB radio at arms length all day then some tools and some breakfast tacos :-laf . . BUT, if you are seriously worried about the benefits then, stay. . otherwise keep on truckin' Oo.

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

Another important question to ask yourself - Are you happy doing what you're doing, or would you rather be doing something else? If you're not happy, it isn't worth it.



Jim

 

[Forrest]

Stay there! I'm coming from a job security standpoint. Great bennies & job security is a thing of the past in corporate america. The city, county & state jobs are often boring, but steady.



Boredom can be taken up by starting something up on the side, that won't get you fired.

 

[C. Harlan]

Well, the job security is a good factor. There are several factors, like:



I work nights. It has had a big impact on my other job, as well as my social life and dating life. I cannot attend school in the evening, because I am stuck at work. I am 25, single, have basically no bills, and just acquired a new woman, who is really understanding of the whole situation. I used to enjoy coming to work, but not anymore. I have been in my department as a "mechanic trainee" and have yet to do any wrenching. They only let us do tires, and oil changes. It sucks from my standpoint. the other thing is that I will probably be stuck on nights for at least 10 years. Not good... A friend and co-worker just resigned Monday after 22 years of hard work and dedication. He told me that he was just fed up with all the BS and new management. I am feeling the same way, and just feel I should seek better opportunities elsewhere. As far as the fuel costs, I am going to be running the truck for a friend, so it will be him paying for the fuel, not me. I am looking into some companies, and would like to get something like Fedex Ground, or Parkway Transport. . I will not be picky, but I will keep you guys informed. Thanks for the replies, and I am still trying to make some choices.....



-Chris-

 

[Dl5treez]

Busting truck tires for 3 years is enough to make anybody hate their job. :-laf



I had a gov't job for awhile; quit to go back into plant maintenance. Good benefits are fine & all, but many times the security of a gov't job can be outweighed by the politics and general "hurry up & wait" factor that type of employment brings. Definitely hear where you're coming from about not getting anywhere. The next youngest guy in our department was 12 years my senior, and 7 of the 10 others had kids older than me... ... . It was awkward being a "peer" to them, and while I was just uncomfortable many of them were resentful. It wasn't a fun work environment.



My biggest question is why did your friend buy two relatively expensive trucks without having at least a decent lead on good money hauls? Seriously, if you're gonna have to do the legwork to keep your truck, and maybe the other truck, busy, you should get more than driver pay. Does your friend plan on taking profit off your ride? Is he going to take enough for him to break even from an owner's standpoint and give you the rest? I could be way off base, just wondering.



I did the trucking thing for awhile--never full time just relief driving here & there for people as needed during my days off. It's fun to do, but can be a big load of stress full-time, especially this day & age with insurance, taxes, fuel costs, new HOS reg's, tighter shipper requirements, etc. Trucking in 2005 is not what is was in 1999, and it sucked then.



Are you going to get flat rate, per mile, hourly, etc? Not to sound like an *** or rain on a parade but driving for a friend can quickly go down the crapper if too many variables are left open-ended, especially if you're gonna be the one finding the work for the truck(s).



However, if you can get a good steady haul and not have to run your *** off to make liveable coin, THERE AIN'T NO FEELIN' LIKE PETERMOBILIN'!!!!!!!!



Well, except for a W-900 but we won't get into that debate here.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Chris, I was right there also at 25(1990) making 12-15K a year on the side so I could Farm just like I always wanted to, wheat was $2. 00 a bushel, cattle were ok if you had the time and money to invest in them and the oil field (second job) was going south fast, that's when I bit the bullet and joined the Navy, so here I am at 50K+ a year and just short of 6 years from drawing a pension..... even though it's not huge for the rest of my life, the Farm is still there (Mom lives there now) and it's about to go into grass... ... . why, it still doesn't make anything. I couldn't see all of this happening 14 years ago but I see it now, I'm not saying Join up but ask yourself if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life!



Jim

 

[JPope]

"... and just acquired a new woman, who is really understanding of the whole situation... . "



That's an important plus



Maybe if you try the trucking, she will want to travel with you?



If you decide to stay, the benEfits, retirement, security, etc. can help you and her find a place to build on family life?



NEVER RUN FROM SOMETHING, ALWAYS RUN TO SOMETHING!!!!!

 

[C. Harlan]

Well the friend of mine who bought the trucks goes around to all the Rodeos, and has his own western brand of belts, and clothing. You can probably see him in a town near you if there is a big rodeo around. He has a FLD 60, with a 53 foot trailer, and ran out of space. Now he also has a 48 foot van trailer, which he uses the other Pete to pull. He makes alot of money, and always takes care of me when I want something from his business. I used to drive a truck, and loved it, but the company I drove for was very shady, and I didnt like running shady, avoiding the DOT. . I am going to weigh out the odds, and see which is best for myself. Thanks for the opinions, and keep them coming!



-Chris-

 

[TxDieselKid]

Chris,



I love you like a brother (your in my wedding for gods sake!!), but I must say that I would have to worry about you if you were on the road. Should you do it? I think your really the only one who can answer the question brother.



And if you do decide to do it, then you better take me on a weekend run to Florida!! :-laf

 

[NVR FNSH]

You're 25, find a career - note I did not say job - doing what you will make you happy. It doesn't sound like mechanic trainee/mechanic is it.



Brian

 

[Hohn]

Chris, I was right there also at 25(1990) making 12-15K a year on the side so I could Farm just like I always wanted to, wheat was $2. 00 a bushel, cattle were ok if you had the time and money to invest in them and the oil field (second job) was going south fast, that's when I bit the bullet and joined the Navy, so here I am at 50K+ a year and just short of 6 years from drawing a pension..... even though it's not huge for the rest of my life, the Farm is still there (Mom lives there now) and it's about to go into grass... ... . why, it still doesn't make anything. I couldn't see all of this happening 14 years ago but I see it now, I'm not saying Join up but ask yourself if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life!



Jim

I was 19 and headed nowhere with my life. I was working two jobs: waiting tables and doing paint finishing at a body shop (color sanding, buffing, etc). Money was OK, but I KNEW that there is NO WAY I could make a future for myself doing this. Never mind any wife or kids that may come down the line.



Well, I took a plunge and recited: "IF IT'S GOING TO BE, IT'S UP TO ME. "



Having remembered my long-forgotten dream of going to the Air Force Academy, I decided that I didn't need to be an officer or a flyboy, I would be just fine being an enlisted man. I figured joining the USAF would give me something I didn't have at the time: options and hope.



So I walked over to the recruiter and asked how soon I could leave. I was 19 and itching to get out of the house and get on my own. He had a job in aircraft fuel system repair that would let me leave in three weeks. I took it.



That was truly a fork in the road of my life. After joining the AF, I had a stable (but modest) income and a job I mostly enjoyed. But then opportunity came my way. They were taking applications for the USAF Academy from people who were enlisted! The vast majority of Academy cadets go there right after high school. I decided that I would set aside my fear of the unknown in exchange for not having to live with the unbearable regret of: WHAT IF I WOULD HAVE TRIED?



So rather than tell myself no, I decided I was going to make THEM tell me that I couldn't make it, that I wouldn't get in. I went through the application process and did everything I could. I struggled throught the PT test, went through another battery of medical tests, and had interviews and papers to write. I never expected to get in.



So I spent the next few weeks waiting for the call or letter to tell me that I had officially been "not selected". It never came. Instead, I got a letter telling me to report to Colorado Springs in June of 1996. I WAS IN!



To this day, I have no idea how or why I was accepted. My grades were OK (i guess), and SATs and stuff were maybe a little better than average, but I know the kinds of achievements that my USAFA classmates had done, and I simply didn't compare. I mean, most of the cadets I knew there were Who's Who, Honor Society, All-American, perfect 1600 SATs, etc. They were poster children. I was a knuckle dragging wrench turner.



I have decided that getting into the Academy (and actually getting to graduate) was nothing logical-- it was just an undeserved blessing from God. There's simply no explanation for it.



So here I am now, five years after graduation, an AF Captain. I am happily married, have my first child, a job that is both the best and worst in the world, and I feel like my life is headed in the right direction.



Ask Jim Fulmer-- He'll tell you that I'm overpaid :-laf :-laf



But it ALL goes back to the day that I walked into the recruiter's office and decided to make something happen. Had I not done that, I'd probably still be going from one dead end job to another, just another sad story of a person with some potential who never sees it realized at all. I never would have gone to college, or met the woman I married.



If you find yourself at a crossroads similar what *I* was at, then you should think about the longest term, and the road that will give you options and some hope. I believe that almost every path that offers hope and options includes some kind of schooling, probably a Bachelor's.



Sorry so long. My story isn't probably that interesting or relevant, but there you have it.



Justin

 

[Kernel]

Chris,



We've talked about this a couple of times but this is when you could get a leg up on those around you. If management is that bad with fellas leaving, those who stick around are the ones they will replace those who left. Squeaky wheel gets the grease, let them know you want to move, remind them who you are where you have been, what you want to do. If one supervisor blows you off, go to the next level, go till you get the answer you want. When your the PITA who keeps telling them, guess who the first name comes to mind when a change in position comes up? You will get moved either because you showed you want to and are capable, or because they want to get rid of you (which isn't a bad thing necessarily). But, becareful for what you ask for. You know I have a good job, the Army sends me places I don't like (El Paso), and right now I am doing a job I am starting to really hate, but I know it is temporary, I am being that squeaky wheel, so I am getting out of the hospital for right now. Been out for 2 weeks doing a Company Command and now getting ready to go for 2 weeks to fill in at a small clinic at a missile range. I love the Army, but I hate the job I am at right now and blame only myself for where I am. Things are bad here and I hate it so much that I decided to volunteer to go back to Iraq for a year to burn up time, have some time to think about what I am doing, and do something I see as worthwhile. I suggest you stay where your at, and look at what you have going on around you. Like I mentioned about being a lineman for example, you said there are no openings, but be that PITA and let them know and not forget (which can be a fine line) that is where you want to be. It may be a year from now, but be patient. Atleast you don't need to go to Iraq to change your career path. In the end it's up to you Bro'.



Scott

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Hohn sagaciously opined:

a job that it both the best and worst in the world

IMHO, every job has it's good and it's bad. At least that's what I tell folks who tell me that having a job riding horses and packing mules in the backcountry for most the summer and fall is the "dream" job. Heck, even being a AF pilot sounds great until you have to pull the trigger on a village full of moms and kids (don't get me wrong - just trying to illustrate a point). Like others, especially mberry succinctly stated, you need to sit down and figure what your FDC (future desired condition) would look like.



* If you plan on having a good family life and being intimately involved with your kids (FDC) growing up then don't take a job that you will be gone for extended periods of time. The "new woman" may be talking support now, but trust me, she very well may be singing a different tune down the road. My first wife, when I was an ignorant wet-behind-the-ears pup, finally had enough of my being gone following MY dream, of course , and bailed. My short sighted selfishness reaped a lifetime of lost closeness with my kids.



* Money and security may not be everything to you, but they will mean a bunch to the little lady feathering the nest and raising the hatchlings. However, making a bunch of money and managing what you got are two entirely different things, if you get my drift. Manage well what you got and you will be a lot better of than squandered riches. (Or in my case squandered non-riches -- Geezes isn't it easy to dole out advice to others :-laf )



* How about going down the local truck stop and taking a gander at the OTR drivers. Driving and sitting mile after mile, day after day, away from home, showering and craping in some seedy t-stop, the company and gov always looking over your sholder never has looked appealing to me. To me it is a necessary but tough job. But then again, sitting on a horse or smacking a mule on the butt doesn't sound appealing to others. At least I can get off and walk, sniff the flowers, and don't have to pee in a bottle. :-laf



* My biggest advice that hasn't been mentioned is to pray about it. Yeh, seriously. That is assuming you are on talking terms with your Creator. If not, always a good time to start. Candidly, God has opened so many doors and so many blessing that I never earned or deserved that it is laughable. Sure there have been and still are tough times. But knowing that I'm right where God (the Good Shepherd) wants me to be, because I prayed about it, sought His advice, and then followed that advice gives me a peace and contentment that I would not otherwise have.



* Finally, have you ever smoked your boss??? :-laf

 

[bmoeller]

Chris, I'm just a yr older than you, and I think OTD has some great advice. Especially, if you want to have home time with a family.



If you want to drive truck and have a family, I'd find something that would have you home nights. I know someone here that drives for Con-Way (CCX, here. Probably CSE in your neck of the woods). He is home every night. Has a great family, and they couldn't be happier.



Personally, I think OTR driving is for singles or a couple that are team drivers, driving together.



Was listening the CB a little this week, and the topic of home time came up. For some guys, their wives can't wait for them to get back on the road. Then there was the case for one of them I heard. He's beem driving for several years. He's out for the week and home on the weekends, most of the time. He was out for a 2-3 week stretch this time. He said his wife still cries when he leaves to go out on his runs. The question is, how badly do you want to drive, and what do you want out of life?



I work on 3000 ac row-crop farm. Don't hardly turn wrenches anymore, since we are running pretty new equipment now. Mostly a short haul trucker (grain/cattle) or running a piece of machinery. Between my Ram and the big truck, I drive about 80k/yr, plus doing fieldwork for 5 1/2-6mths out of the year.



I love what I do, but it isn't always real conducive to a home life. Depending on what I am doing, and the time of the year, I'm home as early as 4:30PM (rarely), to out as late 2-2:30AM. Generally home by 5-8PM. Because of that, I haven't really spent much time looking for a special lady. I've only been involved with one, for a few mths. She didn't care for the hours I work, that was part of the reason we broke things off. I'd love to get married and have a family someday, but I think I may have to go do something else for a living for that to happen.



Just pray and think long and hard on this. Hope it all turns out well, whatever you decide.