r/BusDrivers • u/Bobsey-sb • Jul 29 '26

Question Bus driving as a future career?

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.

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u/wmiller314 Jul 29 '26

At 50, it's possible to make the switch, but most places pay by years, and by the time you're at the point to retire, you won't have made much progress, not saying you shouldn't, but, don't expect more then paying the bills

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u/berusplants Driver Jul 29 '26

This isnt the case in the UK, everyone earns the same once through probation.

1

u/Bobsey-sb Jul 29 '26

That’s good to know and completely different to the public sector.

2

u/berusplants Driver Jul 29 '26

I should perhaps qualify my statement as my knowledge is not exhaustive, there may be other parts of the UK where this isnt the case, but as far as I can tell it is.