4 Pros And Cons Of Being A Long Haul Trucker
Posted on: 27 March 2015
For many people, being a long haul trucker is their dream job, and for others, it's torture. If you are considering this career, check out these pros and cons to determine if it is the right field for you.
Pro: You Get to See New Places
If you like to explore every corner of the US, being a long haul trucker is a great opportunity. Truckers deliver goods to just about everywhere. Instead of being trapped in an office, staring at the same scenery day in and day out, you get to experience different views, different people and different cities. It's perfect for people who just can't remain cooped up in one spot for too long. However, you may not always have the time to enjoy everything every city has to offer because you'll need to make your deadlines.
Pro: The Benefits and Pay Are Great
Being a truck driver comes with many perks, including great pay. Most goods are still delivered via truck, so skilled truckers are in high demand. As a result, many trucking companies pay their employees more than jobs that require a college degree. The opportunity for long haul truckers is high, so if you have the experience and skill, the job opportunities are nearly endless.
Con: You Are Gone for Long Periods of Time
On the downside, it takes a while to drive across the country and deliver your goods, so you're away from home for long periods of time. Most of that time is spent in your truck, and you're usually alone. Many truckers even sleep in their trucks. Because you're on the road so often, you may even miss out on important family events or just miss spending quality time with your family and friends. For many people these long hours alone are just too hard on the psyche, making each trip a nightmare.
Con: There Are Many Adverse Health Effects
Being a long haul truck driver is not the healthiest of lifestyles. You sit for most of the day, but you still need to eat, and in many cases, you eat unhealthy fast food or restaurant food. Therefore, obesity is rampant among truckers. Plus, because you often have to sleep in your truck, reduce your sleep or skip sleep altogether just to make a deadline, you may not get quality sleep, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
In general, if you don't mind being away from home for long periods of time, and you can fight the adverse health effects, being a long haul trucker is extremely rewarding. If you want to learn more about this career, contact a professional like Ashton Transport Ltd.
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