Thought I'd chime in on this as I actually am a long haul truck driver.

I flew a lot in high school and after entering college and discovering the facts on the actual state of the industry, I chose a different path.

I don't encourage or discourage people to fly anymore. It's a total commitment to the dream and the chances of it paying off change depending on who you're talking to.

I still fly on occasion and really enjoy it. I started long haul truck driving the beginning of 2013 and after a year of solid experience and a safe record I changed companies and am slated to gross just under 70k this year.

I'm not saying this to gloat or anything it's just a choice I made. The difference I believe in flying and trucking compensation-wise is that 70 is probably the most I'll ever make. I think you can do much better in the long run with flying if you keep your nose clean, even though the immediate pay is so terrible.

I'm in my early twenties and single and have invested in an acreage and will be building a home soon. I had to choose to either chase the dream or start investing in my future a little differently.

Like I said, I neither encourage nor discourage others to do the same but I would be happy to answer questions about the industry. YMMV

-M

Also just for fun I thought I'd mention I worked with a guy at my last company who was the CP on the 73 for CO for awhile I believe. Great dude. He retired from CO and decided he wanted to try long haul trucking. An interesting transition in your mid 60's that's for sure.