In the previous post, we talked about the advantages of becoming a truck driver, including a good income and incentives, getting paid to travel, and more.
Now, we’re going to discuss its disadvantages to help you determine if this career is right for you.
Cons Of Being A Truck Driver
It can be sad at times
Working as a truck driver might be lonely. As a truck driver, you will spend a lot of time alone on the road. Even if you merely haul local cargo, you’ll be on the road all day with little human interaction. When driving across the United States as part of your regular route, you may spend more than 20 days in your vehicle before returning to your family.
Because many things on the highway will remind you of the people you love, the loneliness you might feel can be a huge negative for some people.
Exposure to high amounts of stress
In the transportation sector, stress is unavoidable. You are constantly dealing with delays, deadlines, bad directions, and traffic. Add in a couple of slacker consignees and some terrible weather, and you’ve got a formula for disaster. On the road, you will have to deal with people every day. Some will not be the best drivers, but they will blame you for any troubles they experience. You can’t control how quickly your truck climbs an incline, even if the people driving around you think you’re a wonder worker.
Getting a delicious meal isn’t always simple
When you work as a truck driver, the meals you require aren’t as consistent as they should be. Your meal selections may be limited as well, as restaurant fare or goods purchased at a convenience shop are the norms. Eating a sandwich at a rest stop is not the same as eating a home-cooked supper. There are dietary factors that can be problematic for certain people who eat fast food to meet deadlines.
If you prefer certain foods or have a snacking problem, becoming a truck driver could be hazardous to your health.
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Being away from home
Being a truck driver might mean not being at home most of the time and being away from your partner, spouse, or significant other. Although you might be able to bring individuals with you, most professionals in this area work alone or with a co-driver. As a result, some of the most successful owner-operators are married couples who can avoid this disadvantage.
Driving requires a great deal of patience
If you are a self-starter who is independent and patient, becoming a truck driver can be a rewarding experience. If you don’t have patience for delays, accidents, fuelling demands, and dock problems, this work will quickly wear you down. You only work when you’re on the road, so loading and unloading on the same day means putting in four hours for no pay. Consignees and shippers will load you when it is convenient for them, and there is little you can do about it.
Some truck drivers have little to no sleep
In the United States, various restrictions control where, how, and when you can sleep during each 24-hour cycle of driving. When you get behind the wheel, you’ll see that certain firms don’t strictly adhere to the rules. Even if you do your best to adhere to the established recommendations, your work schedule and sleep patterns will nearly always shift. There will be days when you must rest even though you are not exhausted. When you are weary, you may need to drive. In other cases, these concerns may be beyond your control. You simply must be adaptive.
You have to cope with weather events regularly
If you choose to travel vast distances regularly, you may encounter a variety of weather situations. You could be in a balmy warmth one day and on snow-covered roads the next. Some truck drivers fail to adapt to quick environmental changes. Allergies might get worse because of the different weather you encounter. Getting behind the wheel allows you to see a lot of new faces and locations, but it also causes issues for your health.
As a truck driver, personal hygiene might be an issue
The necessity to travel from point A to point B by a certain time results in the development of some habits that many people find repulsive. Many truck drivers use bottles for their pee so they don’t have to stop for a restroom break, which means rest spots often stink because everyone throws their waste out. Drivers’ showers might be spotty in terms of hygiene. The bathrooms you come upon may be considerably worse. If you do decide to go behind the wheel, you should invest in a good pair of flip-flops to wear while cleaning up.
Bottom Line
When weighing the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a truck driver, it is evident that some people are cut out for the road. Others may be able to adjust because it is their greatest alternative for earning money. It all boils down to what you want to do in your life.
The open road might be a good option to empty your mind and think. If you enjoy driving, this career has the potential to bring a lot of joy into your life.
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