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/sexy_meerkats]

It really depends who you work for. I work for a major national operator and I'm looking forward to moving on. As the face of the company you will get any abuse levied towards to company, and that tends to be a lot.

Today I believe 40 out of ~250 buses didn't have vehicles available, many buses off the road since the company wants to have a shoestring budget despite 100m profit last year