For the past several months I've been struggling with the inordinate amount of time this trucking life takes away from the rest of my life. Actually it's not that it takes away time so much as it consumes large chunks of your time even when you are technically "off duty".
Tonight is a good example. I'm parked at a shipper's dock waiting for morning only because the shipping documents are not available. The freight is ready to go. So here I sit, not working, but in the midst of an industrial area enjoying my evening just the same way anyone would at home after a hard days work.
If you detect a note of sarcasm you would be right. This is an example of situations that can drive you a little nuts out here on the road. The result of this delay will have repurcussions effecting my personal and family life for the next week to ten days. Recognizing the frustration and anger that arises within me as a result while choosing not to react to it is a difficult lesson to learn. Just when you feel you have a handle on the unplanned you discover otherwise.
There are many different aspects to what makes a life "balanced" and they are worth investigating. A life lived out of balance is a stress filled life. And a stress filled life on the road is neither healthy or safe.
Dear Al, I'm reading your articles for last year and I see your growing frustration, stress and unhappiness. You are missing your home and family. My advice: get out of highway - find loco job. Highway will stress you more and more. Maybe you reached your limit. City trucking is good and more profitable then highway. Trust me. That's only matter of finding good company. Still long hours but you will be home every night.
ReplyDeleteMartin
The life of drivers are always busy but money is not enough for life,have to enjoy when you get leisure.
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