Being a tow operator can create havoc on many parts of your life. Today I want to talk about the toll this industry takes on our relationships. After talking to many operators from many parts of the country, it amazes me how many of us have lost someone we cared about because of the job.
This industry is not for the faint of heart. You need to be mentally strong and physically prepared to endure the long days you will encounter, but the loved one by your side must be equally as strong.
How many times has that phone rang at 2am, you crawl out of bed fire up the truck and head out to help that stranded motorist?
To us its business as usual, but to that loved one we left in bed its another sleepless night.
How many times has diner gone cold on the table because your "last
call" turned into a 3 hour round trip tow?How many times has "date night" turned into a ride along cause that phone won't stop ringing?
The answer is: too many times to count. We as true operators are a rare breed there is no doubt. But what is more rare is to find a partner that will stand by our side and support us through this crazy thing we call our passion.
If you find one of those rare people in the world you make sure you spoil them every chance you get and not let them get away. Although this is a passion we must prepare for life after the hook. And he or she will be there when the day is done.
To all my brothers and sister of towing I leave you with the wise words of a friend.
Lie, cheat and steal!
Lie with the ones you love at night,
Cheat death and injury.
And steal time away from this industry before it consumes you.
To all the better halves of my tow brothers and sisters I leave you some advice as well.
"Be home in 5 minutes" truly means. I want to be with you as soon as this damn phone stops ringing.
Sincerely
Shawn Michaud
WM 140989
Well written
ReplyDeleteWow truly hit the nail on the head there. I thank you for giving my wife a chance to read the words I can't speak
ReplyDeleteWow, Aint that the God Honest Truth!!
ReplyDeleteYou have such an interesting blog. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading your posts. All the best for your future blogging journey.
ReplyDeleteAS A REPO GUY I THINK WE HAVE IT WORSE THEN MOST TOW GUYS AS WE ARE ON THE MOVE SOMETIMES....MOST TIMES 20+ HRS A DAY I SURE DOES TAKE A SPECIAL KIND OF WOMAN TO STICK WITH US AND OUR CRAZY SCHEDULES................THANKS BABE......THIS NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATING 15 YRS OF MARRAGE
ReplyDeleteI am also the wife of a repo man and its our company...We definately have to be strong minded woman with the hrs u guys work...Happy Anniversary!!!
DeleteHow about wives of rep and towing combined together. Not that gets really tough. Sometimes my husband is gone for 2 days at a time!
DeleteGreat write up very much on point and short of nothing! Just awesome!!!!! I'm just another one trying to make a difference when people have bad days!!!! Keep up the good work everyone and merry Christmas and a happy new year!!!!!! From your friends at Camel Towing LLC Milwaukee WI
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, for thinking of "the other half" my husband has been doing this his whole life and it's hard but he's such a good man I wouldn't trade it for anything, I think I have become a stronger person since being with him, it's not an easy life. Hey I have a Facebook page for support called The Life of a Tow Truck Drivers Wife, but you don't have to be a wife to join, anyone can, I know I need all the support I can get sometimes!
ReplyDeleteVery well said wreck master brother.
ReplyDeleteThis is really the blunt truth i cant count how many times our plans has turned into a ride a long and its very tough to deal with but it u have love thats all u need u can do it u may spend numerous hours alone....you have to realize that he is alone as well as u are he would rather be home sitting relaxing instead of in that truck i have had a hard time coming to realize all this it takes up alot of ur loves ones time...im just thankful that he comes hime safe every day and night.....i love you honey burl teboe....
ReplyDeleteAlways remember to put God first and then all will work out. And by as all means, show your appreciation and love for each other.
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ReplyDeleteAwsome,so their are some who truly know our role in the industry.....love this
ReplyDeleteAs being a owner of my own company WARDS TOWING & RECOVERY l'm on the go 24/7
ReplyDeleteWow so much the truth..we have had Christmas and countless holidays in my truck..
ReplyDeleteVery well said.... it's even worse on the children as well not being able to see dad as much or have a tired grumpy dad because of the hours.... I'll always stand by my man after 19 years I've stood by him with anything and everything he's done but towing by far has been the most demanding the most time consuming the most fearful that he will benokndrivingnndor so long or dealing with very hot headed people the stories I hear amazes and shocks me... bit once all is said and done I will still always be here waiting for my guy to come home and hopefully in one piece :/
ReplyDeleteGood read
ReplyDeleteThis was the most perfect thing I could have read as I am the other half waiting at home thank you for writing this and reminding us all of how hard it is for you all as well.
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ReplyDeleteamazing site!
ReplyDeletekardi
Well said. Been down that road an lost a true love relationship and it sucks. Also only so tie company’s would actually care for there employees and not burn them out all the time.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a tow truck driver and he works out of town. He is allowed to come home 2 days each month due to how busy they are. We go over whenever we have a chance, but being a full-time student and mom it's not always possible. I pray to God every day to keep him safe. Blessed are those who get to see their man/wife a couple minutes each day. Loved this article.
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of a bunch of tow truck drivers and I know that they don't get home until late that night or the next morning,or maybe by the end of the week.
ReplyDeleteI lost the love of my life due to the fact that all I wanted was him to be he loving me. To all the strong ladies out there that can handle all aspects of tow life, good for you!
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ReplyDeleteTowing can indeed strain relationships. The stress of a breakdown or accident can test even the strongest bonds. Communication and patience are key to survival.Hawaii Towing Company Inc.