the job isnt all complete doom and gloom,work is still out there but you nedd to put up with paycuts to stay with a firm because its cut-throat,there is always some1 willing to do it cheaper,especially fucking foreingers,ive gone from 600 a week to 400,not pleased but glad ive still got a job,but as said,my gaffer will take on people without experience,but you'll get the oldest truck (w-reg) and the shittest work,but prove yourself to him and he moves you up,ive got a 02reg globetrooter with all the whistles and bells and he told me yesterday he's looking for a new 1 for me,but he's been in halage for 40years and seen 2recessions out,he said to me you just need to tighten your belt and drop the rates slightly,but he keeps 10 trucks going with a full days work so he doing something right.

go for it but be prepared for a lot of no jobs here and when you do get on,long days,and you deal with jumped up wankers day in and day out who you cant let rip at because you'll be the last to get tipped.
other than that good luck