I am a 7 year part timer that is getting close to a chance to go full time drivng. I have never drove at all and are going on 43. I also do lawn service work and landscaping on my own. My question is at my current age do you think i am to late in years to start the driving gig? Or would i be better off continuing the part time with my other work?
Welcome to Brown Cafe kyhunter.
The ONLY person that can answer your question is you. There are many variables in each person's life that dictate the best course for that individual. Having my own business and being part-time, I went through the same decision making process that you are going through now. Here are some things to consider.
1) Health - Evaluate your current health condition. Any old knee or shoulder injuries...etc. In 7 years you will be 50 and your body will continue to change in more ways than you might imagine..
2) Business - Do you have opportunities to grow your landscaping service? Can you branch out into things like water gardens, pond care service, etc.. Do you have the opportunity to get larger accounts such as businesses, shopping plazas, etc.
3) Family - Wife / Children - Do you have a wife that works....one that is able to help with overall family income?..... young children that you want to spend time with?
4) Job Security - Although UPS will be around a very long time, going full-time increases the chances of losing your job simply because you have MANY more responsibilities...and therefore chances to lose your job....when compared to part-time.
5) Pension - Regardless of whether you go full time or stay part time, you will most likely never reach a 30 year pension. If you stay part-time for example...you would be 70 years old when you reach your 30 year part-time pension....or a 23 year full time/ 7 year part time.. "partial service pension"..
6) Current Financial Situation - Only you know your current financial situation...and what your needs and goals may be.
Summary - Drivers earn excellent wages but also sacrifice a considerable amount of their lives and health in order to earn that wage. For me, staying part-time and growing my own business worked out to be more profitable and rewarding... however, I was 24 when I started at UPS and will be getting a 35 year pension at the end of this year ($1925/month) Also, I happened to be one of the fortunate part-time employees that were "red circled" meaning that our wages kept pace with that of driver wages.
UPS delivery work is much more difficult now than it was in the past.....considering the weight increases (use to be 50 lbs. now 150 lbs.), larger package cars (holding more volume), and longer hours. If you are married.....your wife will no doubt enjoy your paychecks....but may not appreciate your absence from the dinner table and little Johnnie's or Susie's games, plays, etc.. Sometimes however....that's the sacrifice that many of us men make for the sake our families.... An understanding and supporting wife will go along way in making your life as a driver more tolerable.