Working as a truck driver is a great job opportunity for many, which is why there are so many people who are getting into it. But the thing is, even though it definitely has a lot of benefits, not everything about it is perfect.
With that in mind, it is oftentimes the case that the pros far outweigh the cons, which means that at the end of the day, it’s something you should certainly consider. But in case you haven’t made up your mind, here are some of the ups and downs of being a truck driver, and what they mean for you.
The Pay is Very Good …
Make no mistake, this does depend on your employer, your location, and a few other factors, but when you find out how much do truck drivers make on average, you’ll find that it’s a pretty decent number. What makes it so good is the fact that even when you’re starting out, you don’t really need too much education and you can work as a truck driver without a degree, and in some cases, even without a high school degree. You can find open vacancies on site like https://migway.com/.
This is what makes trucking an attractive proposition for people who don’t believe education is the right path for them. Whether you just don’t want to go to college, or aren’t keen on being stuck with student loans your entire life, trucking could be a good alternative.
… But It Can Get Difficult
Many experienced truckers will tell you that trucking as a job is a lot more mental than it is physical, so even if you don’t mind the long hours and focus required, it could still get tricky. Most of the time, you’re stuck in your cabin alone, with no company, and not a lot keeping you entertained.
After a while, this does start to take its toll. You find that you’re lacking motivation, you don’t really have anything to do when you’re on the road, and you’re debating whether or not that pay is worth it.
Of course, there are solutions to this. For example, you could consider getting a hobby such as photography, and you can always do video calls to your friends, family, or significant other, which should keep you entertained for a good while. Of course, if you’re doing this, make sure you obey the laws and keep your eyes on the road.
You’ll See A Lot of Landscapes …
Another incredibly attractive prospect of working as a truck driver is the fact that you’ll get to travel through a lot of countries and see things that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience. This is incredibly neat, especially when you factor in that with many other jobs you’d be stuck in an office, and your view will probably be that coffee shop across the road.
This is another one of the reasons why a lot of truck drivers pick up drone piloting as a hobby in recent years – you can record all those beautiful landscapes you’re experiencing and share them with your friends and your family. And with good drones becoming cheaper, it’s not that pricey of a hobby either.
… But That Might Get Boring
Of course, if you aren’t keen on enjoying landscapes when you’re driving, they’ll probably get boring after a short while. To add to this, if you find yourself constantly driving the same roads towards your destinations, the views will get boring very quickly, regardless of how nice they are.
This is something you can deal with, though. As you gain experience and build a relationship with your employer and dispatchers, you will probably get a say in regards to which routes you’re taking, so you can introduce a bit of variety in the views. This does allow you to see new things all the time, which is nice.
It’s a Great Job, But It’s Not for Everyone
Working as a truck driver, as you can see above, does have its benefits. Not only do you get a good pay, but you also enjoy landscapes, you don’t have anyone hanging above your head, and you aren’t stuck in an office. But it is a mentally difficult job that requires you to be out on the road all the time, away from your family, and alone most of the time.
Of course, pretty much any downs of being out on the road all the time can be dealt with – you can spend quality time via video calls, you can find hobbies that will keep you entertained when you’re making breaks, and you can drive new routes to keep things interesting.
At the end of the day, it’s all a matter of whether or not you consider yourself a person who’s capable of overlooking the negatives, and enjoying the benefits of working as a truck driver.
