Grateful for Independence

Grateful for Independence 

Recently, our nation celebrated 250 years of independence. For the first time in a long while, we decided to work through the holiday weekend. We picked up a load on the Thursday before the holiday and didn’t deliver it until the following Monday.

Some drivers might think working over a holiday weekend isn’t the smartest choice. And honestly, they have every right to feel that way. Years ago, I probably would have agreed with them.

But as I look back over my previous careers, I’ve come to appreciate the independence that comes with owning a trucking company.

Many of my past jobs offered paid holidays and vacation time, but that was often where the freedom ended. Every position came with expectations and requirements that I accepted when I took the job. Over time, though, I realized that many of those requirements controlled how I spent my most valuable resource: my time.

The older I get, the more I understand just how precious time really is.

In many of those jobs, I had little say in how my time was used. I punched a clock to get paid. Some positions were salaried, which often meant handling responsibilities well beyond a normal nine-to-five schedule. Other jobs paid hourly, but that didn’t always make life easier. There were plenty of days that turned into 10 or 12 hour shifts. Sometimes I volunteered to come in early, only to find myself staying hours after my shift was supposed to end.

I agreed to the rules each time I accepted a job, but eventually I realized something important: my time was never truly my own.

Have you ever felt that way in your career?

If you’re a company driver, do you wish you had more say over when you work or where you go? Do you value family time and personal freedom? And if so, does your employer value those things the same way you do?

It took me many years to recognize that I wasn’t living the life I truly wanted while working for someone else. Today, I can honestly say that choosing to work over the holiday weekend was my choice. I’m okay with that.

And that makes all the difference.

I’m happy with the decision because I had the freedom to make it for myself. My hope is that you’re able to find that same kind of peace and satisfaction in your own career choices, whatever they may be.

Here’s to millions of safe, profitable and INDEPENDENT miles.

Kelly Plumb