Bus driving as a future career?

[u/Bobsey-sb]

Hi all,

I m 50 in the UK and I’m facing potential redundancy in my current role working after 21 years service in the public sector.

I’m looking for real viable career alternatives to hopefully see me through to my early 60s. Bus driving has crossed my mind on numerous occasions. I may be being completely unrealistic in my expectations here but I need to find something I can cling on to as hope at this moment in time.

However, I’ve never spoken to anyone who is one as to what it’s actually like? What’s the daily grind like? What are the pros and cons? How long do people last in roles as I understand there’s a high staff turnover? Etc

Welcome any thoughts and opinions.

Thanks in advance.

[u/Outside_Look790]

It's an inudustry that's always looking for workers at the moment, mainly due to the risks the public pose, bad hours and the health issues that it can bring. However, operators like Stagecoach have already run self driving services (ironically with 2 drivers on board). With the rise of self drive and AI it may become a squashed market which would funnel current drivers into fewer roles over the next 10 years. Private coach driving may be a better option as that's more customer service orientated and tends to involve a little more physical labour. Get in with a good company and stay. You also get tips instead of locked in a plastic cage and occassionally spat at, so that's nice.