Not everyone would be willing to work as a long-haul truck driver. Many are still intimidated by the persistent myths about low wages, being far from home, and the demanding schedule that requires both physical and mental endurance.
However, 31-year-old Žaneta, who drives a truck, is breaking established stereotypes and says that she enjoys this job. She started driving a truck to be closer to her boyfriend, who is also a long-haul truck driver, and has been working in this field for several years.
Although Žaneta herself has been working as a driver for less than a year, she has no regrets about her choice. According to her, employees work under excellent conditions, with the opportunity to rest, shower, or sleep.
In Žaneta’s opinion, the profession of long-haul truck drivers is truly unique—they leave home for extended periods, leaving behind family, friends, and personal life, so the ability to be alone and have a strong relationship with oneself is essential.
For those considering starting a career in this field or planning to change jobs, she advises evaluating one crucial aspect: whether a person can accept such a “nomadic” lifestyle. Otherwise, the job might be challenging.
We also spoke with Žaneta about the nature of her work, why she chose this position, the difficulties she encounters on the road, and whether she still faces the stereotypes that persist in society.
How did it all start? Why did you choose the position of a long-haul truck driver?
It all started with the word “try.” Back in 2020, I didn’t even have a B category driver’s license. However, my boyfriend kept encouraging me to try to learn and get a B category license. I always replied that I would never drive in my life. But after much persuasion, I reluctantly enrolled in a driving school with no enthusiasm and no expectations.
In less than six months, I had my driver’s license with a B category. Since I was initially hesitant to drive alone, my boyfriend always sat beside me. But during one drive, I uttered those fateful words that my boyfriend didn’t miss: “I could drive and drive.” That’s how I ended up in driving school again, even though I was still a “beginner” and didn’t have much experience.
The journey was not easy. There were tears and anger, but with strong self-discipline and support from my boyfriend, I passed the C category on the second attempt and the CE category on the first. So, in less than a year, my driver’s license was supplemented with C and CE categories.
And I chose this profession solely because of my boyfriend, as we wanted to be together and work together.
There are various myths about the job of long-haul truck drivers. Didn’t they scare you?
Definitely not. Since my boyfriend has been working in this field for several years, I knew what I would face and what challenges might await me.
One of the most common myths is that long-haul truck drivers are exploited like slaves. Allegedly, they are forced to drive so-called “rigs” almost around the clock without breaks, with no opportunities to eat, sleep, or attend to personal needs. Is this true?
In my case, it’s not true. I can’t speak for others, but we work as a team, with one truck, for a reliable company called “Das Work.” We always work according to the set work and rest schedule. Even if we wanted to do otherwise, we couldn’t work longer than the legal limit. We mainly work in Germany, where almost all loading and unloading companies have showers and toilets. Plus, each larger gas station (and there are quite a few) has showers, which cost about €3 per person. So there have been no issues with hygiene.
To ensure we work according to the schedule and exactly as required (smiles), the transport managers at “Das Work” supervise us and help resolve any problems that arise. Therefore, we can feel safe knowing that our company takes care of us.
Are the salaries really low? Or is this also a popular stereotype?
Salaries for truck drivers working in Lithuania are indeed not very high compared to those of drivers in Western Europe. But most of the income comes from daily allowances, so the earnings are actually not small.
As a woman, do you feel any discrimination, given that this is a specific job typically done by men?
Not directly, but there are often very surprised looks when I’m driving a truck. Perhaps because I’m more focused on my work, I don’t notice anything discriminatory directed at me.
How do you cope with the workload? Is it difficult to drive a truck?
I’ve done much harder work before. Since we work as a team, we share the workload. Personally, the most challenging aspects of this job for me are narrow roads, road construction, and heavy rain after dark. Everything else comes with experience. Driving a truck is much easier and more enjoyable for me than driving a car!
Given the nature of the job, you have to be away for extended periods. How does your family react to this?
Since my parents live abroad and my boyfriend and I live in Lithuania, neither our relatives nor we face any obstacles to going on long trips abroad.
I’ll admit, my family was slightly shocked when they found out what job I was planning to do since I’m the second woman in the family who drives at all. And the idea that one of us would drive a truck never even crossed anyone’s mind. I myself hadn’t even thought about driving a car three years ago, let alone a truck.
What difficulties do you face when you go on trips?
We mostly work in Germany, so we practically face a language barrier every day. We speak English, but in Germany, not everyone speaks it, or they deliberately refuse to speak it. So we encounter discrimination almost every day. The most common phrase we hear is, “You are in Germany, so you must speak German.” This is understandable from their perspective.
But almost every day, we also meet very friendly people who, even though they don’t speak English, try to help and provide information. So, we have all sorts of experiences.
What do you like about this job? Would you recommend it to others—women or men?
I really like this job because, after working for 6 weeks, I have 3 free weeks at home, so I can take care of all my tasks without rushing and still have time to rest. I enjoy driving—I don’t get tired of long hours behind the wheel. I love this lifestyle, the changing locations. No two days are ever the same. There are always different situations.
I wouldn’t recommend this job to anyone because a person has to feel for themselves whether this could suit them and be enjoyable. I would only recommend trying it, and then deciding. I’m convinced that you must first like this lifestyle; only then can you decide if you like the job. I don’t think you could work for long if you don’t like the lifestyle, especially with a smile on your face.
In your opinion, what qualities should a long-haul truck driver possess?
First and foremost—patience. Since we work as a team, staying in a long-term assignment is not a problem for us. But many more drivers work alone and are often far from their families and friends. I think a person who chooses the job of a truck driver should already know how to get along with themselves and be alone. These, in my opinion, are the most important things. Everything else can be learned and controlled. Especially when the company itself provides strong support.
Finally, is there anything you would like to add for the drivers or those considering this profession?
To all existing drivers, I wish patience and to never rush. After every narrow road, there will be a wider one. After every bad day, a good one will come.
And to future drivers, I wish you not to solve problems that don’t exist yet!
Thank you for your answers! Good luck and safe travels!
If you are interested in the job of a long-haul truck driver, the specialists at “Das Work” will gladly provide more information about this position. Contact us by phone at +37061304424 or visit our website at www.daswork.eu.
