“Where do you see yourself in five years?” is an age-old interview question that can strike fear in any Millennial entering the workforce. “Where do you see yourself in the next 5 months?” seems like a more plausible question to reflect on, right? Think again. The career choices you make in your twenties can make a monumental impact on your life in the next 5 to 10 years. According to the “Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter,” 70% of lifetime wage growth happens in the first ten years of your career journey. This means that for millennials, right now is the defining time for your next career move.
Although this statistic can seem daunting, the good news is that there are countless job opportunities out there that don’t force you to sit behind a desk from 9 to 5. If you consider yourself to be more independent and cringe at the thought of a mandatory suit and tie, there is one particular industry that you might be overlooking: the trucking industry. By considering a career as a truck driver, you are opening a world of opportunities for travel, job security and an exciting lifestyle that can bring you monetary success. Gone are the days of watching the world from inside a cubicle; trucking is the ideal option for millennials who are seeking a career outside the realms of normality. Here are the top reasons trucking is the right answer to your “Where do you see yourself in five years?” question.
Tuition Reimbursement: Paying off student loans can feel counter-productive on your search for achieving financial security. Transportation Research Institute actually lists Commercial Driver’s License school costs as a main worry of millennials considering truck driving as a profession. However, finding the right trucking company to work for can mitigate the costs that you spend on your education. In fact, some companies offer a Tuition Reimbursement Program that offer up to $6,000 to help repay your student loan. By choosing a trucking company that invests in you as a driver, you are kick-starting your trucking career for success!
Benefits: It is basically hard- wired in every human to get excited once they hear the word “Perks” or “Benefits.” The good news is that as a truck driver, you have the opportunity to have both. A number of trucking companies offer perks like a sign-on bonus and options for medical, dental, and life insurance to offer you security and spending money from the get go! If you are loyal and dedicated when out on the road, you will be rewarded for it. Seems like a pretty solid deal, right?
Travel: Do you have a serious case of wanderlust? Trucking could be the perfect career for you. As a millennial, it can be difficult to find the time and funds to satisfy your love of travel. By becoming a “cowboy of the open road,” you will get the opportunity to see a number of different states and landscapes across the country while hauling freight from point A to point B. From the Colorado Mountains to the shores of the east coast, trucking is an ideal career for those who enjoy the freedom of the open road.
Quality Equipment: According to a recent study, one of the other reasons Millennials are wary of joining the trucking industry is the cost of purchasing and maintaining a rig. Luckily, as a company driver, you won’t have to dip into your savings at all. Company Drivers have access to top notch trucks and maintenance to keep you rolling safely and efficiently over the road. It’s important to choose a company that will provide you with a quality “home away from home” while you’re hauling from state to state!
Career Path: There are plenty of opportunities to move up the career ladder in trucking. By keeping a clean record and minimizing service failures, the sky is the limit for the career success you can achieve! By gaining experience as a driver, you have a better understanding of the industry. At TransAm, we value the experience that comes from being a driver by promoting existing drivers to positions within the company. Check out one of our team member’s inspirational career journey at TransAm. Professional growth opportunities are endless!
The Millennial job search can be an exciting journey, especially when you find a career that you’re passionate about. The trucking industry opens up a world of opportunity for those who want an alternative to the 9 to 5 career path. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this millennial with over a million miles under his belt and ask yourself, “Could that be ME in the next 5 years?”
