I’ve been thinking about it more and more this year. This economy is absolutely atrocious, rates keep going down while fuel keeps going up, and it’s hard to make ends meet as an owner operator who doesn’t have their rig paid off yet.
I got into this industry about 4 years ago, and the only thing I’ve picked up in the time I’ve been driving is more debt. I have to stay out on the road for weeks at a time just to be able to afford to take a few days off without sliding back into debt, it’s hard to maintain a relationship, and honestly, I’m tired of not being able to go fishing or hunting or just walkabout and do normal shit.
If the economy were better, and I was actually able to regularly put money into savings, I wouldn’t mind. I just be cramming as much money into my bank as I could and looking forward to retiring at a decent age. But, as time goes on I realize more and more how the government and these customers dont care about drivers.
I’m not trying to turn this into a pity party, I’m just laying out my reasoning. I’ve got about another month on this lease before I can turn the truck in with no penalties, and I’m going to use that time to dash as much money away as I can. I’ve got another line of work ready for me to slip into, and I’m going to go on about my life.
It’s been great being out here on the road with all you guys and gals, and I wish you all many safe travels.
