Trucking isn't a job. Ask anyone who does it for a living and they'll tell you that. It's more than a job; it's a lifestyle. A lifestyle of being on the road, sleeping in your truck, and being in a new place every day. It isn't for everyone. But for those it IS for? It's a lifestyle they love. Here's what you need to know.

It Is a Stressful Job. Whether you're stuck in traffic, trying to find your destination, or even just somewhere to park your rig and grab a bit, things can be stressful. Knowing how to manage stress and take things as they come is going to be a huge part of your character.

Something you may not realize about truckers is that despite the long hours they spend alone on the road, they are people people. Effectively communicating with your customers, your dispatch, and everyone you meet along the way is a huge part of being a trucker. Learning how to get your point across quickly, easily, and kindly is very important.

Trucking takes you on a journey, discovering your country and maybe even countries around you, but if you have a family at home, those relationships become harder to maintain. Understanding how your family at home copes, and what they need from you is going to be paramount. Trucking isn't all long haul and gone for weeks, and if that's what you're doing and your family is suffering, it might be time to look at short-haul options.

At the end of the day, trucking can be a rewarding career, lifestyle, and experience. Just make sure that you get into it for the right reasons, and be aware of how it's affecting you, and those around you.