no.no no…39 years of lorries now it’s spaniels…
I haven’t driven commercially for quite a while now. I did reinstate my HGV and PSV licenses this year and take a week long DCPC course at my own expense, basically just to keep my options open in an uncertain economic climate. I did actually go to an interview with a haulier this summer, but at £7.20 for rigids and £8.00 hour for artics, it was only on par (or below) what a typical non skilled factory job pays. It is true that many agencies pay more, but unless your work is long term continuous, then you annual salary won’t be much better overall.
Traffic jams and accidents to seem to be far more prevalent than they ever were so I don’t miss the uncertainty of when I will actually get home. The onboard tracker software, KPI’s and telematic systems have certainly detracted from what was once an independent lifestyle, where you planned your own day and just brought the truck back in one piece with all deliveries made. Job done and all that…
Not quite the same but I’ve taken an extended break from my job and I’d be quite happy to never get in a lorry again.
I’m currently weighing up a few options about doing something different.
Baggie:
“One looked like / dressed like Mary Poppins”What’s not to like ?
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… Personality wise, she was the nicer… Just asked , ‘’ when u get a [zb] haircut’’
I miss it but the industry didn’t want me anymore, my cue to move on i suppose, I’m sure one day I’ll forget about it…
Retired at 65 after 43 years driving the last 30 years on petrol tankers which is as good as it can be I guess.
Good pay and conditions and the power to tell any supermarket or garage boss what to do if safety was an issue.
Have not missed it for a day. I have plenty of hobbies and am never bored. The traffic driving to the local supermarket pees me off now and even waiting to cross the road with the dog is a pain.
6 years later I still look back at my early driving years with pleasure and keep up with what the drivers of today have to put up with on sites like this.
Seasonal Greetings Phil.
Through ill health was last at work Dec 112th 2013
not missed the hassle once I may miss the car if that goes
which it may do
Will I miss driving, I very much doubt it and I know I’ll be fitter, healthier and feel a lot better.
Think the secret is to have loads of things to do, can’t think of anything worse than mooching round the house watching daytime TV and munching burgers.
Just back from taking my springer for a walk and a bit of training before heading for the first shift of the week. I’ll be packing in soon and really looking forward to giving the dogs the attention they deserve, taking them up into the hills, down to the sea or through the forests, when I’m not out with the dogs I’ll be clay pigeon shooting or doing househusband type stuff, loads to do on the house and I quite like cooking (but don’t tell the missus). Nearest I’ll be to driving lorries is helping out in a tractor when my son is busy.
Reading this how many people on this site are actually currently driving,not many it seem,s,so should it be called ex-trucknetuk??
Yeah, there’s a few of us old fogies on here amongst these young whippersnappers that ain’t as 'ard as us wot had no power steering, a/c etc, etc. Grumble, never 'ad it so good, moan, when I were a lad.
Pimpdaddy:
I miss it but the industry didn’t want me anymore, my cue to move on i suppose, I’m sure one day I’ll forget about it…
It might help if you stop coming on TruckNet.
Pimpdaddy:
I miss it but the industry didn’t want me anymore, my cue to move on i suppose, I’m sure one day I’ll forget about it…
To be fair you have to be one of the most picky unemployed drivers I have ever known.
Won’t drive an Axor. Won’t drive anything limited to less than 56. Won’t drive a day cab. Etc. Hard to make a name for yourself and build a reputation when trivial things like that are deal breakers and set you off whinging. You never know, if you just got on with it the agencies might have eventually found you better stuff…
Baggie:
“One looked like / dressed like Mary Poppins”What’s not to like ?
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OMG, she’s my fantasy, where’s she at?
rob22888:
Pimpdaddy:
I miss it but the industry didn’t want me anymore, my cue to move on i suppose, I’m sure one day I’ll forget about it…To be fair you have to be one of the most picky unemployed drivers I have ever known.
Won’t drive an Axor. Won’t drive anything limited to less than 56. Won’t drive a day cab. Etc. Hard to make a name for yourself and build a reputation when trivial things like that are deal breakers and set you off whinging. You never know, if you just got on with it the agencies might have eventually found you better stuff…
I have found something better for me & it had nothing to do with agency. Each to their own, I seem picky but the truth is most drivers are even worse, I never complained about the work I got, hours etc which some seem to complain about. Anyway I’m out of your industry now so it doesn’t matter, I still enjoy coming on here for a read & to talk zb:lol::lol:
Contraflow:
Pimpdaddy:
I miss it but the industry didn’t want me anymore, my cue to move on i suppose, I’m sure one day I’ll forget about it…It might help if you stop coming on TruckNet.
Might do but I enjoy it, it’s a bit addictive:)
i packed in nearly 4 years ago, after 10 years, driving since i was 22 and growing up on the road with my dad. it really surprised me me how i didn’t miss it, because i loved it. i went into farming, so still driving big stuff, so maybe that made it easier. we got an artic at work about 6 months ago and whilst i don’t drive it much, i defo look forward to getting a go!
I miss it. I went in the office as night manager in April and I very quickly discovered that office work is not for me. I stuck it out as long as I could to give it a fair crack of the whip, but earlier this month I gave in my notice, even though I had nothing whatsoever lined up. I thought I could at least go back on the agency, but as it turns out I start full time with a timber framing company on January 5th, driving their artic. So yes, I missed it so much I lasted less than a year off the road!
seeing as i work in an office i miss certain part at certain times.
i miss being on my own at times with me my thoughts and no phones going mental, i dont miss getting up at 5am and thinking i have had a lie in, i dont miss the fact i am looked upon as a nuisance to everyone else who are using mainly things trucks deliver.
i miss being able to pick and choose each week what i want to work.
however i love being able to play footy on an evening, know i am finished at set times.
so not really i think