Whether you are a brand new truck driver or a seasoned veteran of the road, taking on a new set of responsibilities on the road will affect you and your family. Truck driving jobs are hard on the driver, but they can be even harder on his family. New drivers who are just beginning to delve into the world of truck driving jobs often have no idea what their family is about to face with them on the road 2 to 4 weeks at a time.
While you might not think that taking a truck driving job will affect your family, there are several areas you should definitely be prepared to notice some changes during your home time. These areas should be discussed before you ever take on a new job, or change the schedule of your current job if you’re an experienced driver.
Financial Decisions
Most men are accustomed to being the primary decision maker in their homes when it comes to money. Working a 40 hour per week job provides routine, stability, and a sort of comfort zone. However, if you decide to take one of the hundreds of truck driving jobs available today, you should be aware that some of this may be about to change.
When you are away from home for days or weeks at a time, your wife or significant other may have to begin making financial decisions that you would normally make. At first she will probably call you to inform you that the washing machine is broken and needs to be fixed, but eventually she will simply begin taking care of the financial issues that arise at home. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it can definitely help reduce your stress on the road. However, you should discuss with her before you begin the job how you want finances to be handled, and remember she is the one at ground zero having to make the decisions.
Separation
When you opt to enter the field of truck driving jobs, you are making a decision to spend time away from home. Your family needs to be prepared for this, as it is perhaps the hardest part of being a truck driver. Knowing that you will miss birthdays, anniversaries, and piano recitals is not enough. You must explain to your family why you are not going to be there, and what benefits you hope to bring into their lives in return for the lost time with them.
Simply telling your family that you have to leave to earn a paycheck is not enough. While it may suffice for an explanation in your mind, your wife and children may not understand what you’re thinking. You need to explain to them why you’re choosing to take one of the truck driving jobs you have found over working a 40 hour per week job in your hometown.
OTR Living
Before you take off on your first run, you should have a good concept of what life on the road is really like. It’s not all Smokey and the Bandit high speed chases, truck stop bar fights, and glamour. It is hard work, a distorted schedule, extremely long work hours, and an ever changing work environment. Being able to explain this to your family is key to helping them understand what you face on a day to day basis on the road.
When you call your wife for the first time and tell her that you had a lot lizard knock on your truck’s door, be prepared for a lot of loaded questions demanding details of your conversation. You need to be able to prepare your wife with knowledge of what the road is really like before you ever leave. You can find a lot of information in the eBooks offered here on our site, as well as research in the forums. Ask veteran drivers what types of situations they face on a regular basis and how they handle them. This will help you in explaining to your family what you will be going through as a driver.
Take Away
Truck driving jobs can be very rewarding; however, they can also be very detrimental to the driver’s family unless the family is prepared for the life ahead of them. By explaining the ups and downs of truck driving jobs to your family before you ever take one, you increase the chances of a successful career. You need your family’s support to make it as a driver, so be sure you talk with them about the risks and benefits of each of the truck driving jobs you’re considering. After all, your decision will directly affect their lives.
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Love the blog to start with. It’s tough leaving home as much as we do, living life on the road. My baby is already 11 and it seems like I haven’t been around enough. A man has to work though. Appreciate the helpful tips and I’m sure others will too.
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