What if the Open Road is the Career Move You Didn’t Know You Needed?
Just think about it for just a moment; the endless meetings that should’ve been emails. The same grey office walls. That one co-worker who talks just a little too loudly on every Zoom call. It’s exhausting. At some point, it hits, maybe this job isn’t it. Maybe you weren’t meant to sit behind a desk for eight hours a day just trying to make it to Friday. You know how you put a lot of consideration into buying your car, shouldn’t you be doing that for your job too? You think a lot about the long term for the things you buy but you need that too for your job, your whole career!
So, if that’s been playing on a loop in your head, you’re not alone. Honestly, the open road might be calling your name.
Driving isn’t Just for Delivery Apps and Road Trips
Okay, so it’s best to just start here, and here’s the thing most people don’t realize: being a truck driver can actually be a really solid career move. It’s one of those jobs that gives you space, literally. You’re out on the road, listening to your music, seeing new places, and doing something that’s straightforward and actually needed.
Seriously, think about it for just a moment; no fake smiles. No endless email chains. No office birthday parties with dry cake. Just you, your route, and the road. Why would you want to live your life like you’re in a bad episode of The Office, right?
Are you Tired of Constant Chaos?
There’s a real appeal to knowing what your job is, doing it, and heading home. For the most part, there’s no micro-managing, no constant “just checking in” messages, and definitely no one judging your screen time. While sure, you can’t be glued to your phone on the open road, you at least get to use your phone on breaks (which is still looked down on during breaks at office jobs). But it’s a role where you actually get to move, not just mentally juggle a hundred things at once while glued to a chair.
Besides, it’s not as isolating as you might think. No, really, between podcasts, playlists, and voice messages from your friends, you’ve got company if you want it. Some folks say it’s the most peaceful kind of alone time they’ve ever had.
Switching is Easier than You’d Think
It’s totally acceptable to want to get more out of life, and no, it doesn’t take forever to get started. While yes, you’ll need to look into CDL truck driver training, because, well, you’ll need the training, of course! It’s not like this training lasts forever. So, no, it doesn’t drag on for years like other careers might.
You can be licensed and behind the wheel before you know it. Sadly, some career changes have large barriers to entry, like a degree, for example, but thankfully, being on the open road doesn’t require that.
It’s a Reset
A lot of people stick with careers they’ve outgrown because they think they’re too far in to start fresh. Well, that, and there’s that whole sunk-cost fallacy aspect too. But honestly? That mindset’s a trap. If you’re drained, checked out, or straight-up dreading Mondays, it’s probably time to try something new. Trucking’s not for everyone, sure, but in a way, there is a lot of freedom to it.
