It's not always about the money

While driving back to Indiana from Ohio one afternoon, I began noticing a strong stench of exhaust leaking into the cab. I had managed to tolerate it at first, but the longer I drove, the more aggravating it became. Eventually, I had to open my windows just to get a bit of fresh air. When I parked the truck for the day and shut off the engine, the smell of the exhaust had remained in the air and in my mouth and lungs for a few hours after. When I went inside of a truck stop to sit down for some food, I could taste the exhaust with each chew.

I decided to contact my team leader by email to let him know what was going on. It was a Wednesday and I had already accepted work assignments that would get me through the end of the week. I did not want to cause a delay or arrive late for the customer, not to mention that I am still somewhat new to the company, and so I informed my boss that I could arrange to have my truck looked at on Friday or Saturday after my assignments had been complete.

Maybe an hour or so after I had sent the email to my team leader, he called me on the phone. He informed me that the leaky exhaust in the truck was a safety hazard and that my health was more important than getting to the customer on time. He ordered that I immediately take my truck to a nearby operations center to have it fixed and that he would inform the two customers of the situation and that I would get to them as soon as I was fit to hit the road again. He assured me that I would not lose any work assignments and proceeded to advise me to call him if I had any issues with getting the truck looked at and fixed. He also wanted me to let him know if I started feeling ill or dizzy from breathing in all of that exhaust.

That conversation with my boss allowed me to clarify an attitude toward the company that had only been developing. I recall one of my trainers at orientation telling me that if I fail any tests during training, that the company moves forward with additional coaching. They don’t just cut you loose and send you home. I recall my over-the-road trainer recommending that I train an extra week so that I develop the confidence and assurance to take and pass the final tests before I was out on the road on my own. I recall getting calls from driving coaches and team leaders during my first couple of months to make sure everything was going well for me.

I felt wanted by my employer. And it had been something that I did not recall feeling at any company that I have worked at – ever. I have worked at three other transportation companies, not to mention a slew of other service industries, and have never felt more than just a number. I had always felt expendable, but with this new job, I felt valuable. I feel valuable today. And that feeling goes a long way in making the company valuable to me.

With an outstanding commercial driving record and multiple certifications and license endorsements, I could probably make much more money than I presently do with a different trucking company. But I have managed to find a value and purpose at my current job that is far important than a salary. Plus, there are so many other benefits that add to the company’s worth. I have access to free fitness centers, free laundry and shower, and free overnight parking at the company’s many operations centers. Most of their centers have diners and convenience items for purchase. The company hands out free sanitizers wipes and bottles for all of its employees. I have access to free preventative services involving physical therapy, wellness and diet plans, and sleep apnea testing and treatment if ever needed. The company also provides free company cars for errand running if necessary and access to free internet wifi. All of these perks increase the company’s value; these are cool benefits I would not have at other jobs.

The pandemic has put employers on their heels. A change in attitude toward work because of the pandemic has shifted power in favor of the worker as people have become unafraid to hand in their resignations in search of a job that has more meaning. Companies are forced to rethink how to lure new-hire candidates; many look to include hiring packages that are more purpose driven and offer neat perks and benefits that make working at their company more attractive.

As I get older, the more I understand the importance of working a job of minimal stress. I just want to get up, do my work for the day, and not be bothered. Nothing more, nothing less. I want to appreciate my employer and be appreciated as much. I have learned many times that the grass is rarely greener on the other side. Perhaps my pay is slightly less than the national average in my current industry. But at least for me, it’s not all about the money. The lack of stress, the value I find in my employer, the value they place on me, it is all as good as gold.