Are you a former truck driver looking for a secure job or employment? Then you have come to the right place.
Not being able to earn a livelihood and facing difficulty in making ends meet can be one of the worst nightmares of anyone. However, having a stable source of income is extremely necessary, and self-driving truck jobs are at stake, leaving thousands of truck drivers jobless.
So, ensuring a secure job where you do not struggle for stable employment must be the foremost thing on your list. And if you have been a former truck driver, then it can be a challenging task to find jobs for former truck drivers that align with your skills. First, however, You need to find out about your skills and interests that can help to discover the best job for you.
Factors That Determine Career Change For Truck Drivers
While working as a truck driver, you must have equipped yourself with various skills over time. But there are certain limitations to this profession that can’t be denied. Due to this, it may become appealing for you to make a change in your career as a truck driver.
And some of the reasons to consider a change in the career of truck drivers are as follows:
1. A lot of Time Away From Family and Friends
Truck drivers always have to be on the road. However, spending too much time driving on the roads and staying away from home can leave you feeling overwhelmed if you are a truck driver. This can be one of the major reasons why truck drivers search for a switch in their careers.
2. Irregular Pay
If you are a beginner-level truck driver, chances are you may encounter a high amount of variation in your pay as compared to experienced truck drivers. Truck drivers who are beginners receive lower pay, also depending on the geographical area.
3. Sitting In the Same Position for a Long Time
Truck drivers have to sit for an extended period of time. This restriction can also lead to many health problems, such as pain in the backbone, digestive problems, uneasiness, and so on. So, if you find yourself in discomfort while working as a truck driver, then do not feel hesitant to switch your career.
4. Lack of Growth and Opportunities
There is little to no room for advancement in the truck driver jobs. If you are a truck driver, then you must know that growth and opportunity in your career are limited. And the probability of expecting a raise in your pay is also almost negligible.
Jobs for Former Truck Drivers to Earn Good Livelihood
This article has covered some of the most amazing jobs for former truck drivers in which they can enroll without any in-depth training. Even the existing skills are enough to work in any of the jobs listed below.
1. Uber Driver
Traveling has become more convenient than ever before with the introduction of Uber and its services. You do not have to own a car or vehicle in order to visit places in your cities. Download Uber, sign up, set your pick up and drop off location and book a ride to go anywhere in the city.
It is pretty easy to become an Uber driver; all you need is a driver’s license to avoid getting in trouble with the police, a smartphone, and stable internet. Hence, any truck driver can surely consider this.
2. Warehouse Worker
This job can be an ideal switch for former truck drivers, as the number of skills required for this job bare minimum. If you wish to work as a warehouse worker, then you will be asked to perform in-house duties such as picking up merchandise from the truck and placing it on the shelf, keeping track of the commodities, etc.
Becoming a warehouse worker is quite easy and accessible for a former truck driver. All you need is some skills and a minimum of a high school education. No extensive knowledge or education is required.
3. Machine Operator
There are multiple workshops that contain manual machines. Though automated machines are ruling the factories, some companies still use manual machines that require operators to get the work done.
So, if you are a former truck driver and are willing to work as a machine operator, then you can definitely get employed in this sector of work. Plus, you do not require Einstein’s knowledge to operate the machine. A simple training program teaching the working of the machine can also solve the purpose.
4. Driving Instructor
If driving is your passion and you can’t switch to any other profession, then you can use your skills or expertise in teaching as a driving instructor. It is so incredible to impart your knowledge to others and also get paid for it.
You can find work in any driving school where you can teach beginners the rules and regulations of driving and also help them to learn to drive a truck in the most efficient way. The working hours are also flexible; you can work half or full-time in many driving schools.
5. Security Officer
No matter what the organization or company is, all such places require security officers. So, if you are physically fit and want a shift from your former security guard job, then do not waste time searching for more; just prepare yourself for the security guard interview and secure a job in any organization easily.
Just make sure you are 18+ and do not have any criminal record; this can directly help you to land your career as a security guard.
6. Farm Hand Job
Farmhand jobs require minimal skill sets and absolutely negligible training. Therefore, this can be one of those ideal former truck driver jobs; this job can give you an opportunity to work on the farm of a different owner. The job duties are also quite interesting, from soughing, plowing, and watering to reaping.
This job requires hard manual labor, so you need to be physically fit if you are planning to work as a farmhand. However, little guidance on gardening can also help in your journey.
7. Welder
Welders are required everywhere to perform the task of using and joining metals. But this job may require some high qualifications such as a diploma or valid certification. Along with that, it is suggested to get your hands on and learn the practical skills of welding under supervision.
This job for a former truck driver can be a bit challenging. But sometimes, you have to step out of your comfort zone in order to achieve great things.
8. Dispatcher
It is expected from a former truck driver to be fully acquainted with roads and transportation routes as you have spent quite a long time on the roads driving trucks. So, working as a dispatcher will not be a problem for you. You just need to work in-house in the office, direct fleets, receive emergency calls, and create transportation routes for individual vehicles.
The best part about this job is that you do not need any prerequisite or extensive knowledge. Your experience as a truck driver can help you work in any dispatching center.
9. Cashier
Working as a cashier can be extremely easy for former truck drivers. You do not need to pass challenging tasks or enroll in the intensive training program. The only demand of this job is to have a good command of numbers and the capacity to do calculations quickly.
You can apply in any nearby store or in a renowned organization where you will not only work as a cashier but also learn various managing skills.
10. Van Driver/ Bus Driver
The options are endless when it comes to finding jobs for former truck drivers. And the next on our list is a van or bus driver. You can become a school van or bus driver. Also, you can contact any private agency and work for them as a part-time or full-time bus driver.
All you need is a driver’s license, and thankfully your existing driving skills can help you get a job as a van or bus driver in no time.
11. Police officer
The job of a police officer is respectful, requires time and patience, and can be tedious. A police officer is expected to keep track that everyone is following law and order, catch criminals and work to maintain peace in the given area. It can be a tough task to work as a police officer, but it is undoubtedly worth it.
You need to go through an extensive training program and prepare and appear in a law enforcement entrance exam before joining a police academy.
12. Crane Operator
Not a fan of intensive study or training but still want a job? We have got you covered. This crane operator job is an ideal pick for a former truck driver. You do not need high qualifications or intensive skills to operate a crane. Basic knowledge and guidance help you in operating a crane.
Apply to work as a crane operator at construction sites, large-scale factories, and anywhere there is a requirement for a crane operator to lift heavy objects with the help of a machine.
13. Plumber
A plumber is a person who goes to people’s houses either to fix clogged and broken pipes or install a whole new plumbing system. To learn the skills of plumbing, you will have to contact an experienced plumber and ask him to train you the same. Once you learn all the relevant skills, you can also apply for a license.
Are you tired of driving trucks? Try plumbing, discover your capabilities, work in fixed hours comfortably, and save yourself from the uncertain truck-driving job.
14. Sales Associate
Among all the jobs for the former truck driver, working as a sales associate can open your hidden potential and give your career a different direction. You can work in shops, showrooms, or anywhere there is a requirement for a salesperson to sell their products. You can even provide door-to-door services in order to get that extra income.
A high school diploma is all you need to become a sales associate, and all the training and guidance can be learned in the job period itself.
15. Diving Instructor
Your journey as a former truck driver has taught you many things, but above all, it must have made you physically strong. And physical fitness is required in many jobs, and one of them is of a diving instructor. You can enroll in a scuba instructor program and learn all the necessary skills to land your career as a diving instructor.
Many online courses and classes are available to teach you and help you become a well-versed diving instructor. Some of these courses also provide certificates and acknowledgments.
16. Customer Service Representative
With the development in the service sector, more and more people are seeking jobs in these areas. Many established companies provide employment to people who can solve the issues of customers by answering and assisting them on calls. The job of a customer service representative involves solving the problems of the customers.
Some of the skills that are required for this job are good communication skills, the ability to understand customer demands, and remaining calm in all situations. You may also require to pass the interview before you start working for a company as a customer service representative.
17. Valet
Many expensive restaurants, clubs, hotels, and bars require valets to park the cars of the visitors. So, the last one on this list of jobs for former truck drivers is the job of a valet, which deserves to be mentioned here. All you need is your driving skills and a license to work as a valet at any place.
You can explore online or find a job through advertisements. After you hunt for a good organization with which you are willing to work, you can email them your resume and wait for them to reach out to you.
Conclusion
Making a shift in your career can be challenging. But changes are necessary for the life of people to grow, learn and explore the hidden potential an individual carries inside. But finding a job that suits your taste and aligns with your passions can be a task in itself.
And we hope this list of jobs for former truck drivers might help you in some way.
You can pick any job from this list of Top 17 Jobs For Former Truck Drivers To Earn Income, as all the suggestions are made after considering various factors. This article can benefit you choose the perfect job and not regret it afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Truck Drivers Earn the Most?
Though the salary of a truck driver varies, depending upon the geographical area in which he is riding his truck. The country that pays its truck drivers the highest amount of salary is Switzerland.
What Type of Truck Drivers are in Most Demand?
The most sought-after drivers are the Tanker Truckers. The fact is, no matter, if the tanker contains hazardous or nonhazardous material but driving liquids is quite a challenging task, even for an experienced truck driver.
What are the Disadvantages of Being a Truck Driver?
Having an unhealthy lifestyle, being alone most of the time, and having health issues are some of the non ignorant disadvantages of being a truck driver.