Truck drivers earn a solid income and work in a field that’s constantly in demand. These factors are important to workers with families, but some parents worry about this career path not leaving them much time for their kids. Here are a few tips that will help you balance driving a truck with making time for your family.

How Can Truck Drivers Balance Work Life & Family?

1. Find the Right Opportunity

Some trucking jobs require long-distance trips, but others are based locally or only require short trips. Decide how long you’re willing to be gone on any given stretch and stick to that when looking for jobs. You may need to pass on a few opportunities, but this will allow you to land on the perfect schedule for your family. Many trucking companies provide more schedule flexibility to those with seniority, so consider taking jobs with long trips now if you’re thinking of starting a family in the future. 

2. Use Technology

If you do need to be away from home for any length of time, there are plenty of ways to stay connected with your kids and spouse. Video chat with them every night to read bedtime stories or hear about their day at school. You can even set up a private social media account to share photos from the road. Ask your family to do the same so you can be better included in their daily lives.

3. Be Your Own Boss

There are also truck drivers who operate their own companies instead of working for larger firms. This involves basically working as a contractor instead of an employee, so you would purchase your truck but still be able to access jobs through a larger logistics company. Being your own boss allows you to only take on the jobs that fit into your schedule. For example, you might accept some long-distance jobs during the winter while your kids are in school but stick with local ones or even take some time off when they’re out for the summer.

Aspiring truck drivers can get started with a new, flexible career with help from Lonestar Truck Driving School in Mansfield, TX. This truck driving school has instructors with more than 20 years of experience and boasts small class sizes, giving the personalized education and attention needed to tailor your career to your lifestyle. Call (214) 664-5557 to learn more, or visit their website to enroll online.