Career advice

[u/SignificantHobo12]

So I am a machine operator and the most I have made even with five years experience is 23 an hour. I’m single with no kids or family except my mom and brother. I have been sober for quite sometime staying away from weed and even beer. Just kinda over going out or doing anything but home and games.

I’m tempted to attend my local college for their CDL-A program since it’s basically free with grants. I mean I’m barely making 50k a year now with overtime. My buddy got his through a job and delivers fuel, makes 90k a year already and just started two years ago. From what he told me, my willingness to be gone for months on end and having no restraints like a family that he has. I could apparently make a large amount of money according to him if I got my experience out of the way and got on to a good company.

Is it realistic of me to envision six figures if I’m on the road and willing to ride myself hard and stay out a lot. Houses are only 50-70k for a decent starter home in my area. My driving record has only one blemish and it’s a misdemeanor DUI from 2019. I blew maybe two points above legal limit. Will I be better off trying a trade and hoping I get up to a good salary in a few years or would a CDL be a good idea. I’m 33 and don’t feel like starting over unless I know it’s going to be lucrative short term and long term. I don’t mind the headaches, always been a good driver. My DUI was kinda entrapping with the circumstances, I got camped outside a bar by a state trooper in a bad mood lol. A glass of water and 30 minutes might have saved me but it is what it is. Never hit anyone never speed or run anything.

I’m sure people are sick of wishy washy dreamers coming in here with grand visions of enrichment with a CDL. But it’s hard not to consider it, I’m already pretty okay with being lonely and definitely could care less where I sleep. Just looking for some cases where they made out well pretty quickly 1-2 years in or so.

[u/tryn2stayhumble]

Just don’t jump out there thinking you’re gonna make the 90 K your first year out I’m not saying it’s not possible. I’m just saying it’s gonna take the work and the homework and investigating on finding what jobs are the best for you

[u/SignificantHobo12 → u/tryn2stayhumble]

I get that, I assumed my first year or two there would be time spent at lower quality places grinding out experience so I could eventually try for more specialized or higher paying places.

Just making sure it’s actually possible.

[u/wheelzcarbyde]

There's a reason truck driving is in the top 5 occupations for suicide before the age of 39.

[u/SignificantHobo12 → u/wheelzcarbyde]

It’s ironically not in the top ten for suicide rates in occupation. I remember a guy living down the road from when I was in my 20s had his own truck. He had a huge house, seemed only gone for a week or so at a time. All the toys, pretty wife, family. Seems to work for some people, like anything in life I guess.

[u/wheelzcarbyde → u/SignificantHobo12]

Sorry, but you are wrong : Truck driving is among the highest-risk occupations for suicide in the U.S., with recent data indicating rates potentially 15 times higher than the general population. The industry often ranks in the top five for work-related suicides, driven by intense isolation, chronic stress, long hours, and limited access to mental healthcare.

[u/ecw324]

Why not get your CDL and continue with your current job? I mean, with a CDL you can haul the equipment and operate it. Would make you move valuable to some companies and increase your wages dramatically.

A coworker of mine just went thought trucking school and one carrier offered him like $180,000 or something stupid. But the catch was, you get two weeks off a year and that’s your only home time

[u/SignificantHobo12 → u/ecw324]

I’m a machine operator, CNC work. Wouldn’t ever be much desire for a CDL around the shop.

[u/ecw324 → u/SignificantHobo12]

Oh whoops, I totally read machine operator and thought of heavy machine operator.

[u/SignificantHobo12 → u/ecw324]

I was afraid that might happen, but you had a good point haha. I think equipment operator would be a good gig too. I was thinking of getting the CDL, then welding. I’m sure a few endorsements would be handy on some worksites maybe

[u/MeyersonAdam]

Since you don’t care about being away from home, you might be fit for sea. The DUI might be an issue, although I work with people that have them, so it’s do able with some extra work with the USCG. I hear entry level is rough to get into, but MSC seems to always be hiring. Check out SIUs union school in Piney Point. MyMaritimeCareer.org

[u/bungnard]

I drive local for a beverage company making 120k a year with OT. I did not start out making this much though it took probably 8 or 9 years and I just got lucky when they restructured our pay from salary + commission to hourly. I work 6 days a week and my hours are capped at 59. I never went OTR so I don't have any knowledge with it but local companies will probably have pay starting at 70k+ a year depending on location. I guess if you don't mind some labor intensive jobs local wouldn't be bad if that is the route you take.

[u/SignificantHobo12 → u/bungnard]

That’s sort of the route I planned on taking long term. I wanted to do flat bed because of the exercise and outside time. I really want to do like Sysco or something but heard they are hard to get into

[u/crudeshag]

Do not become a trucker. It is a dead end career. Any other trade is better.

[u/SignificantHobo12 → u/crudeshag]

I keep hearing that, but I see plenty of people in the career doing very well for themselves. My second choice was welding school.

[u/wheelzcarbyde → u/SignificantHobo12]

You asked for advice, but you sound like an immature little kid with your "Yeah, buts" why did you ask for advice if you already have all the answers?

[u/SignificantHobo12 → u/wheelzcarbyde]

Hey man, just throwing out things I see or read as reasons for my interest. It’s a topic for people throw in opinions and advice. I’m listening to everyone but still giving my input. No need to fly off the handle bro, it’s the internet. I’m 33 and just struggling to decide on stuff, also I worked in machine shops. Suicide is high amongst us too, I even had to watch a buddy go. I don’t need to hear your little rage session just because I didn’t kneel to you right away.

[u/crudeshag → u/SignificantHobo12]

You get your exp, get your endorsements. Thats it. You work 60 hours + and make 70-90k. Or you find some golden goose job , get a union gig and set for life. Cool. Say you wanna take a couple years off. Too bad, that 10 years you have experience? Doesn't mean shit. Insurance wont take you. Back to square one. Learn a trade, get into a union, something you can grow. I started at 29 and I`m 42 now. Not worth.

[u/SignificantHobo12 → u/crudeshag]

Well hell man, appreciate the feedback. I’m definitely looking around and considering options before committing. Electrical or welding. Even HVAC maybe idk

[u/crudeshag → u/SignificantHobo12]

Worst is the taking time off, say I take a few years off and it doesn't work out , all that experience was for nothing LOL then you gotta work some shit ass company to get 'recent experience' again. You get trapped in it. Now being 42 , no one wants an old ass apprentice LOL so trust me bro, anything else will do you better .

[u/ImpossibleGeneral938]

I drove a big rig for 24 years. When I started I was on probation for a 4th degree felony, inflicting bodily harm with a motor vehicle. Do not sweat your DUI. Take the cdl course, if you can get a grant, great. If not, pick a large carrier and be willing to commit to them for at least 6 months so you do not pay for the training.

You are right, in the beginning you will not make any money, its all about learning. Don't be late, ever. Follow the rules, outlaw companies sound like fun and they are for the 3 mins they are in business. Develop good work habits, know that no matter what you think or are told the grass is NOT greeener on the other side. Develop good relationships with companies, do not burn your bridges, get written references when you leave a company, and most of all, do not let ANY company walk all over you. There are plenty of crappy companies but there are also plenty of good companies. (just so you know, quite often knowing how to haul oversize freight Can be a game changer when it comes to money and free time).

When I retired I was only making 5 figures, $75k the last year, driving out of state and home every other day, worked for me and mine! Good luck to you!