There has got to be a better way.

[Tobin S.]

I've been a truck driver for 15 years. The good news is that I have job security as long as I keep my piss clean and don't get into trouble with the law. The bad news is that this kind of work is breaking me. It's breaking my body, but what's worse is that it is breaking my spirit.

The problem is that I think I could be doing so much more using my mind. You have to have some sense about you to be a good trucker, but you don't have to be a genius. I am not a genius, but I am smart enough to have the notion that I'm not fulfilling my potential by gear jamming.

I could have been a contender!

But here I am after a 12 hour shift with my ass and my back and my knees and my head aching trying to drown it all out with aspirin and beer. I have no energy when I'm done with work and my mind feels numb. There has to be another way. I don't think I can do this for another 30 years.

[MiddleFingerMom]

1. Could you start your own small little trucking or trucking-related company?

[Tobin S.]

2. No. None that I'm aware of anyway.

For the simple reason that I do not have the start-up capital and I'm afraid of going too much further in debt by borrowing the money if that is even possible.

Trucking is a tough business all the way around. I think I just want to be done with it.

[siligut]

3. I understand. Could you get into dispatch or something along that line?

Move up in the company? Get a desk job, so you aren't too tired to write in the evenings?

[Tobin S.]

6. Not for a long time with my current employer

I could try to go elsewhere and get a job like something you suggest, but it's doubtful that I can do it locally. I live in a small town where there's little opportunity, like Mellencamp says.

I know there is something out there for me somewhere. I guess I'm kind of feeling down tonight. I can accept change and I deal with it quite well. I just need to sort this out, determine what I want, and set a goal. I'm going to have to make it happen.

Someone told me one time that I tend to back away from challenges. Well, this is a challenge. I think it's up to me. Win or lose, you can choose, as Ozzy says.

[rug]

4. On the other hand, you can now use your mental abilities for your own interests, not you boss's.

When you have the time and energy.

Keep writing.

[Tobin S.]

7. Thanks for the encouragement, rug

I do have a book now. It needs some work, but I have accomplished at least a first draft.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. Ah, my dear Tobin...

I wish I had some brilliant suggestion, but I don't.

All I have is

[Tobin S.]

8. Thanks Peggy

It's good to see you.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. Good to see you too, sweetie...

I agree with rug.....keep writing!

[elleng]

10. A thought, Tobin,

at least something for you to think about and do this weekend. You may get some ideas.

http://www.teamtechnology.co.uk/tt/t-articl/mb-simpl.htm