In theory you can do these daft number of hours, but really that’d require you to either live next to the yard, in the yard or be tramping. Else you’d spend so long getting to and from work plus “working time” that you’d collapse from exhaustion.
The most I’ve managed is 71 hours in a week (Mon to Fri) which maxed out all my working time and literally got back to the yard with minutes to spare each day, but if you’re doing pallet delivery then it’ll be more like 50 odd hours generally (in my experience) since most places shut.
Ok, so when you’re at work, you’re there all the time then.
That’s a shame.
What are the merits of working through agencies and choosing to work 4 on-4 off or something, rather than being a slave to the 60+ hour week. Surely that way you can still earn a reasonable amount but also get some time at home too?
Blue Blood:
Ok, so when you’re at work, you’re there all the time then.
That’s a shame.
What are the merits of working through agencies and choosing to work 4 on-4 off or something, rather than being a slave to the 60+ hour week. Surely that way you can still earn a reasonable amount but also get some time at home too?
I’m sure there is a catch…
There are plenty of well paid jobs out there, where you don’t have to do a ridiculous number of hours to make a decent wedge. But don’t be expecting to walk into one as soon as you pass your test while your green as grass that’s all.
I averaged 52 hours a week AT work, mon-fri, last year and the longest week was 63 hours. Which for me personally is great, enough OT that I’m happy, but also home every night and have enough time to spend with the missus and our friends.
One thing I would say though, is that when you are pulling the longer weeks, is it really is helpful to be hyper organised at home. Make all your butties for the week in one go, make sure all your workwear is ironed(if you do) at the week end, get your dinner batch cooked. All these little things add up and gift you time to spend extra time with your loved one or hobby, while other drivers are ■■■■■■■■ about going home and only having time to go to bed etc.
F-reds:
One thing I would say though, is that when you are pulling the longer weeks, is it really is helpful to be hyper organised at home. Make all your butties for the week in one go, make sure all your workwear is ironed(if you do) at the week end, get your dinner batch cooked. All these little things add up and gift you time to spend extra time with your loved one or hobby, while other drivers are ■■■■■■■■ about going home and only having time to go to bed etc.
You domesticated goddess you!
I pretty much do the same with sarnies, knocking up a batch of maybe Tuna or Chicken mayo and bunging them in the freezer. The bonus is that if you’re a bit of a pig it stops you eating them for breakfast as you have to wait for them to defrost!
F-reds:
One thing I would say though, is that when you are pulling the longer weeks, is it really is helpful to be hyper organised at home. Make all your butties for the week in one go, make sure all your workwear is ironed(if you do) at the week end, get your dinner batch cooked. All these little things add up and gift you time to spend extra time with your loved one or hobby, while other drivers are ■■■■■■■■ about going home and only having time to go to bed etc.
F-reds:
There are plenty of well paid jobs out there, where you don’t have to do a ridiculous number of hours to make a decent wedge. But don’t be expecting to walk into one as soon as you pass your test while your green as grass that’s all.
No, that makes a lot of sense, thanks.
I currently work shifts, 6 on 4 off. The work shifts cover every part of the 24hr day as they roll through the set. Sometimes I go home straight to bed and then get up and go straight back to work. Other days I finish at 4 or 5pm and enjoy an evening at home, but I do get 4 days off (3.5 because of sleeping after nights).
I’m just trying to makes sure I do lots of research to get the facts about HGV driving before I take the plunge.
Blue Blood:
I’m just trying to makes sure I do lots of research to get the facts about HGV driving before I take the plunge.
I don’t know if you’re cut out for it to be honest, you sound far too sensible
No, in all seriousness have a mooch around the site and see if you can find out roughly what the going rate is in your area for class 2 and 1 work, and see if you can make the sums add up. There’s plenty of doom mongers out there, but the reality is there’s likely to be a job out there that suits you and suits your bank balance, you’ve just probably got to pick up lots of ■■■■■■ ones to find the nice one!
F-reds:
There’s plenty of doom mongers out there, but the reality is there’s likely to be a job out there that suits you and suits your bank balance, you’ve just probably got to pick up lots of [zb] ones to find the nice one!
Cheers.
I’ve been a member of a forum for a certain British car maker for years, so I know that there’s plenty of gloom to be found on some forums. This forum seems very good though. I’m still going ahead with things, I’ve already paid for my class 2!
It’s just a big step to leave a secure(ish) job at the age of 41 and go into the unknown. I do still have a mortgage and kids to feed!
Blue Blood:
It’s just a big step to leave a secure(ish) job at the age of 41 and go into the unknown. I do still have a mortgage and kids to feed!
I did it at 41 and it can be scary, sometimes you wonder why you did it but overall I think its a decent way to make a living. Just dont rush into tje first job.
As for the kids, take them with you as cheap unloading labour at the destinations so long as they can pull a pallet truck.
it stops you eating them for breakfast as you have to wait for them to defrost! 
