How is everyone? It has been a while since the last time I have had a chance to read through the forum.
With the economy going sideways (at best) I lost my job a while ago. Then I had a dear friend pass away. He had asked me to help him with a start up trucking company before he passed. I have been doing just that. However, it is really hard to recruit drivers (even in a down economy) and I needed the income, so I have been driving over the road since January. I don't like doing it, but kids need to eat and I told my buddy that I would do what I could to help him out. I have been running his company since he passed, from the drivers seat of a big truck. I have managed to hire a few more drivers and the company is now making enough money to cover it's overhead. I still have to drive for a while longer until I can add a few more trucks and drivers. Then the company will be making a profit. I have been teaching some of his family about the industry and they are almost ready to run it on their own. They will be getting a trial by fire when they take the reigns, but I can not and will not run it for them forever. Besides, I have my own family that I would like to see for more than a few days every few weeks.
I had tried to bring some kits with me to work on while on breaks, but the lighting in the truck is horrible. Adding lighting on inverters is a huge power draw and limits the space in the already tight quarters. I have taken some pretty cool railfan photos. I will share them after I pry my iPhone away from my son.
I am only home long enough to recover. I managed to get sick out on the road. Fortunately, I am well on my way to recovery. I will be headed back out the middle of next week. I am hoping I can work on some projects while I am home. So far, that has not been possible.

Matt

Hi Matt, good to have you back. It is amazing for a German to read how powerful you manage your live. My deepest respect and best wishes for a brighter future.

I also hope you're able to recruit more drivers and that you're able to get some stability back into your life, especially being able to spend much more time at home.

Matt, you may have found the one of very few jobs worse than "field Service"....24/7/52, don't eat don't sleep, don't make little service reps. Hope things settle down soon. In the mean time, we're here, welcome back, this is always a good place to
Find ( or lose ) your sanity !

Hi Matt.
Thanks for taking a minute to report in. You are doing a great job and helping when it is needed, but we understand that you need to get back to the basics ASAP.
I'm sorry you lost a friend, and a dear one at that, or you would not be putting in so much effort.

Charlie

Thanks everyone. There isn't much I would not do for a friend. He dreamed of owning his own trucking company for most of his adult life. It still breaks my heart knowing that it wouldn't happen until his death.
Since this arrangement provides for a roof over my family's head, then it is a win-win, for now. Being away from the very people I am working my tail off for is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Sanity is in short supply when I am on the road. My laptop went belly up, so I don't have internet access while I am out. I am moving in to a new truck, and the lighting should be better. Maybe I can take some kits with me and get some work done on them. That would be a great diversion.

Matt

Good to see you back, Matt!

An update...
To date I am still driving. I managed to hire a few more drivers. One of them totaled a truck. He was not injured and no other vehicles were involved (Thank goodness). It is a set back as it takes a lot of profit to cover the insurance deductible on the truck. It also means I am down a truck and a driver. I have had another driver quit because he couldn't handle the lifestyle. I don't blame him, and wish him the best.
The family that was supposed to be taking the reigns is begging me to stay a while longer, and because I am gone all the time I have not been able to interview for positions near home.
I haven't been able to work on any modeling. The lighting in the new truck is better, but I have to let the engine idle to keep the batteries from going belly up. That is expensive. When a truck engine idles it burns about 1/2 gallon of fuel per hour. With fuel prices at a national average of 4.10/gall it cuts in to the bottom line. With the temperatures dropping I will have to idle to keep warm, so that should change.
The railfan pics are coming when I get more time. I am home for such short periods of time, and my focus is entirely on the family when I am here.

Matt

Matt, good to hear from you! Sounds like you have been a little busy. I think we all understand why you haven't been around. I really appreciate the update. As you mentioned, family first - everything else second.

Take care and stay safe.

Tom

Matt,
Stop by when you can, and anytime you might need an adjustment from the real world. Good luck, sounds like you've got your hands full.

Matt, Thanks for taking the time to check in. We are all very proud of what you are doing, and I for one, hope everything turns out swell. I know you are doing this for a friend, and we all could use more friends like you. I think the gauge has many people that will jump in and help a friend when they are needed, it's that kind of a group.
Charlie

Good to hear from you Matt! I hope things go your way!
Best Wishes!
Ralph

Another update...
I handed the reigns over to the family to run the company. While I am still available to them for advice, I am did what I set out to do. I managed to interview for, and land a great job. I start this coming monday, and am beyond thrilled to be back to a normal existence.
Once I am settled in the new gig, then count on seeing some layout progress.

Matt

iis612 Wrote:Another update...
I handed the reigns over to the family to run the company. While I am still available to them for advice, I am did what I set out to do. I managed to interview for, and land a great job. I start this coming monday, and am beyond thrilled to be back to a normal existence.
Once I am settled in the new gig, then count on seeing some layout progress.

Matt

Very happy to hear this!!!

Matt, That is the kind of news we like to hear. I hope you are well and prosper.
It will be great to have you back, and I hope all goes well with the family you helped.
Charlie