It’s no secret that transitioning out of the military into civilian life is a challenge for most veterans. Veterans In Trucking has talked to a lot of veterans about their transition. And we always hear the same things: This job fits people that have a military mindset.
But we want veterans to have the inside scoop on what it really means to transition from serving your country to serving behind the wheel of a truck: Veterans In Trucking has compiled a list of pros and cons to help with your transition and to help veterans make a more informed decision about whether trucking is the right choice for them and their families.
It’s Easy to Get In
Pro
So, if you’re nervous about finding a job right away after service, trucking is one of the best options for finding a recruiter in pretty much any part of the country, where you are guaranteed to have reliable employment.
Con
As a caution though, most veterans do change jobs in the first two years after the military. As you’re trying your hand at the wheel, be honest with yourself about whether this is the best fit for the long term.
Living Conditions
Pro
Most Over The Road drivers also live out of the sleepers of their truck. That means you don’t have to worry about finding housing when you get out of the military– and it can be really nice to know that issue is solved immediately after you leave.
Con
Food. Most drivers have a lot of trouble getting healthy meals while they are on the road. If you decide to go Over The Road, then be intentional about prepping meals and planning your day to keep yourself in good shape.
Trucking School
Pro
Your GI Bill will definitely cover trucking school. There are also programs where the government will give you a stipend in addition to your GI Bill to help pay for your time training, not to mention the fact that most schools only take about three weeks. That’s a lot less of a commitment time-wise and financially than housing is also a benefit of trucking.
Con
Most drivers find the work-life balance to be a challenge. Veterans have great work ethic and focus as a rule so be daunted, but it’s good to know that balance is hard to achieve ahead of time.
Mission Oriented
Pro
Trucking carriers brag on their veterans for being people that get the job done. And veterans brag that they love that their carrier trusts them to make every load happen on time, every time.
Con
But there is definitely stress involved in navigating weather, dealing with bad drivers, and a thousand other factors that mean this job isn’t for everyone.
On the Move
Pro
Trucking is a great way to see things nobody else gets to see- sunrises all over the nation, new people in their mini-ecosystems, places from movies and stories.
Con
Truck drivers move. They move everything, but that mean you’re also on the move all the time. For some military personnel and their families that translates to a similar lifestyle they’re already adapted to, but for some they are ready to be done with a transitory lifestyle; they want a sense of roots and permanence.
Taking Your Partner Along
Pro
If your partner is adventurous and able/willing to enter trucking with you than you can make a great deal of money driving team. It keeps you both together, and it means that you both have jobs as your transition
Con
Trucking isn’t for everyone, and not every company has a ride-a-long program that allows a non-driving partner to be present as you do your job. That can translate to a lot of time apart, which you may not be prepared for right after you get out of the military… or at all.
Time Alone
Pro
So, time alone is something that many veterans put in the pro category. They talk about how that time with just their thoughts is the way that post-service they found their healing. They also just like the quiet.
Con
You’re alone. If you aren’t an internal processor, or you are a super extroverted person, then trucking is going to be a tough sell for you. Loneliness can be a major factor for those that enter this industry so please be really honest about whether this is a pro or a con for your personality type.
Summing It Up
Basically, trucking is an effortless logistical transition for most veterans, but there are definitely challenges. If you read through and feel like you want to stay in a mission oriented atmosphere that takes you away from home often, then the trucking industry is one of the most patriotic industries in the nation, and they’ll be glad to have you!
