My father's dream job was always working as a long haul trucker. Once my parents divorced, he hit the road and I'd never seen him happier. I didn't see him as much, but the random phone calls from payphones all over North America were always super interesting. There was always a story of some sort.

The work itself didn't sound great. You basically have to sit around and wait for 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 hours. You are always managing against the clock because if you time out (maximum working hours in a day) and can't get your load delivered on time, that's on you. Even if the schedule wasn't very realistic to begin with.

For him the lifestyle, seeing weird and interesting places, and getting to meet new people every day was what he loved and it made up for all that downside.

He's retired, but when the pandemic hit and there was a shortage of drivers, he and his buddies relished the chance to get back on the road. I thought he was doing it because he needed the work, so I tried to send him some money to cover rent etc. He happily took the money (he's no fool) but was perplexed as to why I thought that would mean he'd stop driving.

In terms of bathrooms, most of the good truck stop chains in Canada not only have bathrooms for drivers, but "VIP" lounges with TVs, very cheap showers, etc.