TRUCKING: What to do to keep busy when off-duty that won't get boring...?

Question

I need something to do when I'm not driving. A book or a movie will get old after I've gone through it a few times, and then it just takes up space.

I need something I can do over and over again, and doesn't take up too much space - like a hobby.

Learning guitar is one example - but it's not cheap and it takes up a LOT of space.

What can I do while I'm trucking across the US?

I appreciate all your input... I'm looking for something more constructive... and cheap. Not games or movies. But I DO definitely appreciate the ideas.

Answer 1

Some truck stop chains like Petro and Pilot have DVDs you can rent at one location and return to any other store along your route. That way, at least you won't be stuck watching the same old movie all the time.

You could get a laptop computer and load on some video games...I have a couple of favorites that I can play several hours a day without getting bored.

Re: Added info... If you're looking for something constructive to do while riding in the sleeper, then sign up for some on-line college courses. You will still need the laptop computer, but working to earn a college degree is definitely more constructive than playing video games!

Answer 2

It may sound fruity but a lot of drivers do needlepoint or knitting. They say it's relaxing :).

I like to work with wood....there are woodburning kits, you can make wooden signs and pictures with carving kits and a Dremel.

There's photography....plenty of my driver friends enjoy taking pictures, we're certainly out here and privvy to a lot of beautiful sights and scenery. It's something you can start without a HUGE investment (there are decent digital cameras out there for under $200).

And you can channel it into something that benefits others- such as volunteering to be a Trucker Buddy to an elementary or middle school class. (www.truckerbuddy.org) All you *have* to do is mail a postcard every week, but most Trucker Buddies send pictures of historic or interesting places, send lots of emails, even collect things (tumbleweeds, sand from the desert, rocks, etc) to mail back to their class as hands-on examples of the things you find in different parts of the country. There isn't much of a limit on what you can contribute....anything about trucking, travel, safety, history, geography, social studies, etc...that you think would be relevant to a classroom, you can contribute. I'd think putting your energy into something like that (provided you like the idea) would surely be a way to spend your free time.

I also see drivers once in a while with metal detectors...yeah, it takes up some space and money, but it gets you out of the truck and walking, which may be worth the expenditure since I know its hard to get exercise out here! Yeah you won't find anything in truck stops except a bunch of crap, but sometimes you're adjacent to a more normal "public" area where you could go treasure hunting :).

Just a few ideas....I too have been in your shoes, LOL....these are ideas I've tossed around from time to time....hope this helps :)

Answer 3

like jet doc said get a laptop. cheapie for about 500 up to 2-3000 for serious gaming. you can get a air card from your cell provider and have mobile broadband where ever cell service is available. I even used mine to write a book while sitting around.
hope this helps.

Answer 4

Get some crossword or puzzle books...
Keep a journal...
Get a digital camera and photograph the things you don't see where you live, or are just plain unusual...
Get a sketchbook...
Become a trucker penpal with a class in your hometown...

Answer 5

listen to Coast to Coast from 1 am to 5 am Eastern Time.

They always talk about weird crap like bigfoots, UFOs, paranormal stuff, etc.

They are on nationwide in most cities i think.