Last night on the job

[Tobin S.]

I've been doing this job for 3.5 years. Third shift and anywhere from 50 to 65 hours a week. The number of hours doesn't bother me much, although I like it when it's more toward the 50 than the 65. That third shift is a killer, though. I had a really hard time with it for about the first year and I still have to pull over some nights and take a short nap. I'm a trucker, btw, for the two people out there that didn't know that. :)

I took the job with ideas of settling down and finding someone to share my life with, because I'd be home every day, but it just hasn't worked out. As a result by life has become dull and uneventful. Well, I know how to fix that.

So tonight I give up my local gig. I trained the guy who will be taking it over and he is happy to have it. I gave two weeks notice and I'm leaving on good terms. I haven't burned any bridges.

I've already begun my journey in self-employment. I've closed a deal on a truck (that sure was an adventure!) and I've gotten the insurance and paid all of the taxes. I'm pretty well set here at home, too. I've gotten most of my bills set up for automatic payment and someone is going to come over and check on the place while I'm gone. All I have to do is buy a permanent tag and rent a trailer and I'll be ready to truck it up.

Even though I'm happy that I'm moving on to something different, it's still been a stressful transition. I'm giving up something safe to take a chance that I might find something better. There's a real chance that I could lose, but hopefully I'll find happiness.

[annabanana]

1. Huge good wishes for you, Tobin.

At the very least, you will find an adventure.

[Tobin S.]

3. I appreciate it.

Yes, the likelihood of adventure is very high. :thumbsup:

[HipChick]

2. Here's wishing you all the success..

on you new adventure..

[Tobin S.]

4. Thanks, HipChick

:)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. My dear Tobin!

I think you are to be congratulated. Many, many people have dreams, but I suspect very few of them follow through simply because they are afraid.

It's normal to be stressed. That means you're in touch with reality. Some things have to be left to chance, but you've covered the important stuff...

Now, it's time to get going! Have fun, roll with the punches and check in when you can...

We'll keep a light on for you...

:hug:

[PJPhreak]

6. As a driver...

Its long hours,lotsa Coffee,Flat or Chunking tires,The DOT on yer ass,Weigh Station Ops that are jerks,Truck Stop Food and Showers,Log Books,LotLizards...But the Freedom of the Road and the satisfaction of "gittin it done" is worth every Minute!

[Gormy Cuss]

7. You're a trucker????????

:P

[MiddleFingerMom]

8. Something I remember vaguely from the Seventies (EVERYTHING about the Seventies I remember vaguely):

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Keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up!!!
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[DoBotherMe]

9. Wishing you a

great success. Be safe. Dana ; )

[flying rabbit]

10. Good luck

and have fun.

[Callalily]

11. Wishing you HUGE

success with your new adventure!

[MajorChode]

12. There's nothing wrong with that

Your chances of failure are probably slim, but even if you do fail it may be better than spending the rest of your life wondering what might have been.

[kimi]

13. I wish you all kinds of good luck, Tobin S.!

And if your travels take you to the DC/MD area, drop me a PM so we can have coffee at Paneras or sumthin - your stories are great and your company must be as well. :)

[bluedigger]

14. That's always an interesting experience.

When you know it's your last shift, and it's due to your own initiative. Gives one an opportunity for a little closure, as one moves on to the next big thing. I hope you found space to grow in your old job, and will appreciate your return to the open road all the more. As a fellow occupational vagabond (I've worked in over twenty states in my career) I'll just say that it seems some of us are meant to wander the earth, for better or worse. Enjoy your new adventure, Tobin S!

[Tobin S.]

15. "...it seems some of us are meant to wander the earth..."

Yep, it must be in my genes. I just can't help it. :)

[femmocrat]

16. Have an excellent adventure! Send pictures, OK?

:hi: :hug: