Prot,
I will add some insight into what you say. I too was a Gov't employee, probation officer, and absolutely hated it the last four years I did it. I ,by law, had to give every probationer my personal phone #, and address,it had to be published in the phone book as well. I was basically on call 24/7 , 365. I could never go anywhere or eat at any of the local restaturants without running into someone on my case load who had a problem, that could wait ,interrupting my meal. I never had off time, had to make late night home visits where most people would never go into during the day,arrest violators by myself , be in court constantly,and make sure everything I did was asolutely perfect. It had to be perfect because as you know if you mess with a persons freedom, or money you better be right,"Every time"! I quit when my case load went to 166, all of whom I was suppose to see twice a month, once in office and once at his residence. The stress level was unreal, the pay low, and the hours long (no overtime)you had to work illegally off the clock just to survive. I know , "I would never work for "free" , you would if you had to get the job done and you wanted to stay employed. The gov't doesn't have any arbitration, unions,or employee relation dept's.
So Prot, I see where you are coming from. I have also this to add. I have no children at home, I have a very supportive wife who carries me on her insurance (HMO). I have few payments ( I knew I was getting away form the gov't), and have worked at whatever to keep going. I am now just getting my feet wet and testing the waters. I have found there are issues wherever you may go , fees to be paid, license needed, training to be had , and always the unknown "to you" factors.
Prot read these threads, then read them again , and then go for it if that is what you want to do. I am going into this with my eyes wide open and know I have made the right choice for ME. Just remember, steady pay is great until you get your ducks in a row ,no matter how painful it may get for now. Get advice on local needs, prices for equipment, # of people making a living at trucking in you area of interest. I would say one good source is to go to a truck stop find a trucker( in the vehicle type you want to drive, buy his meal and get all the info you can out of him. They are honest , and will set you straight every time.I did and never would have known what I do without their help. There is a wealth of info out there, research, and do your homework Before you jump off that "cliff", I did and who's to say I am right time will tell. I made a choice and am living with it. Good luck Prot. Tn/Trash
