Family Center - Tell it to Tillie

My husband and I have been married for 16 years and we have 2 boys, 12 and 15. He was a self-employed contractor. He had a heart attack and could not go back to work for six months so we started out with very little money. I was working a full time job and still working full time but my check only covers a few bills. One day I came home from work and my husband tells me he’s thinking a driving for a living I know my husband and I know he would not like doing this for a living, so just let it go because at this point its just talk. A few day go buy and he tells me out of the blue he’s going to start school, which by the way was a nightmare and drained our account and in the end he got hired and never got called back. So now he's driving with a company that started out pretty good with the miles but is now cutting back on him and he's only getting one or two runs a week for about the same amount I'm making, about $12 an hour. He only has five months behind the wheel and everyone says they want one or two years. So we’re hurting and I’m stressed out with kids and a full time job plus overtime to keep things afloat. Are there any options for new drivers as far as getting in with a local company? Also any advice you have for me on dealing with being a mom and dad with two teen boys and a full time job and a feeling of being alone all the time? It’s really hard on the whole family because we have never been apart and he’s on the road three to four weeks at a time. Any help?

Trucking has periods of slow freight. That could be why your husband is getting fewer runs. It can also have to do with the economy being in the state it is in. Trucking is not a life for everyone though and although I respect your husband for going to work to support his family, it may be time for you two sit down and have a heart to heart conversation about how this is not working for you and your sons. Coming off the road to another job can be difficult but not impossible. Look for ways to cut expenses and do some job hunting for local jobs for your husband.

Hello, would you tell someone to go into truck driving this day and time? I have been milled worker for 20 years. I have been thinking bout getting my CDL. Not sure which way to go, any advice? Thanks.

With the state of the economy today— stay where you are! Trucking is a good industry but it is flooded with drivers right now and it is hard to make a decent living if you don’t have experience and a specialized license. Not saying don’t keep it in mind as a back up but sir with your years in the industry you are in, you need to really think about staying where you are.