Is being a truck driver worth it?

Truck drivers score well below average in job happiness and satisfaction. Truck driving was rated in the bottom 10% of careers compared to all other industries. Truck drivers themselves rated their profession a 2.7 out of five stars in terms of career happiness.

The most frequent reasons reported by truck drivers for feeling stressed at work include road congestion, tight scheduling, bad road quality, working overtime, and low pay.

Some truck drivers develop depression from being away from their families so often. Others experience health problems (e.g., obesity, chronic back pain) related to spending long hours in the same position.

Truck drivers are also at high risk for anxiety, depression, and burn-out. This can have adverse effects, including; lower work productivity, poor health conditions, and reduced public safety.

Part of this may be the fact that many truck drivers are expected to routinely work overtime -- this can interfere with a truck driver's mental well-being, including; ability to balance their home and work life, disturbed sleep rhythms, and increased irritability.

Not all truck drivers are unhappy and dislike their job. Many truckers report enjoying the freedom, autonomy, and solitude that comes with driving a truck. Some truck drivers are able to set their own hours and schedules as long as they are able to meet delivery demands. Other truck drivers later go on to open truck driving schools.