I took this jfy because 1) the bot users are taking over my market and that struggle is real, and 2) the ending point is near a store in another zone, also 3) it was raining near my store and this took me to another area that was less cloudy. For what is worth my car gets 25 mpg. Worth it or nah?
Here's the context: I got my class B about a year ago, just to see if I could even handle a large vehicle. Anxiety while training on the road was pretty bad, but I found my confidence and started to enjoy it. Pay and hours are good for my area (about $35/hour, 25 hours guaranteed plus union benefits).
I'm 45F and have nothing for retirement. I live paycheck to paycheck in an RV. I have an 18 yr old son with special needs and one of my biggest fears is that all of his parents and grandparents will die, his siblings will be too busy to care for him, his dad will squander his inheritance (my mother has already squandered mine) and he'll be left in a state-run home, which is awful because he's somewhat self-sufficient but still needs supervision. I'm guessing I have about 25 years left to earn $$ to buy a land lot that's big enough for about 4 mobile homes- one for my son, one for me that will pass to his caretaker, and 2 to be rented for passive income after I'm gone. Driving the school bus will get me retirement benefits, but I don't think it's enough for that plan.
I'm already living in a small space and using a public shower. My kids are grown, my daughter and other core family members have moved 1800 miles away. I've been stuck in this town for 25 years and definitely wouldn't mind hitting the road, plus I could bring my son and dog with me. And the kids on the bus are working my nerves every day.
Once upon a time, the thought of my driving a school bus was crazy, so now I'm just wondering the same about going OTR with a class A. Should I just apply for Greyhound or motor coach instead? Also curious about how feasible it would be for me to visit that far away family when passing through
Edit to add: concerns for my son are not an issue. He requires minimal supervision, but does require it(which is why a state home would be absolutely tragic; he's often overlooked because he doesn't need as much help). No physical limitations and he can stay with his dad when I'm gone.
I'm in the New Orleans area (huge port city with a lot of opportunities in this field). School starts in early August and wraps in mid-May. Holidays are 1week each for Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras and Easter, 2 weeks for Christmas & New Year, plus 2 days off every month in addition to all weekends off. It adds up to another 2 months of not making money. Before this I worked in restaurants for 20+ years, and I have no problem whatsoever with 15 hour long days/ 60 hour work weeks. I get bored, fat and depressed from all that time off, not working for more than 4 days