Do you know any/would you consider being a driving instructor?

[YabberDabberDoo]

Being made redundant. Seeing the worst side of the rat race/corporate monster life in the process.

Genuinely considering taking time off for stress which is something I would never do. It has hurt me so much as everything I have spent years working towards has just fizzled into nothing plus the horridness of the people I once called friends.

Anyway, looking for the future, I am not sure I want that again. I want to have more power in my life but still maintain a good standard of living.

Years ago, before I had my licence long enough I looked and being a driving instructor. Then I got a job and was comfortable.

Pros
I call the shots
Hours that suit
Enjoyable job

Cons
Self employed is a risk
What if I can't get students?
What if I invest all this money (like £2k so not a lot) and it's wasted.

Rambling here but looking for advice from people who have maybe taken this leap or know something I don't?

Any help much appreciated

Thanks!!!!

My Step DF has been an instructor for years.

I actually think the money is pretty poor once you factor in travelling time to collect the student, time for the lesson, getting back home/to next student, and costs of running the car. The mileage and wear and tear is on another level. You spend a lot of time driving from place to place unpaid. (I know some drivers use the technique of picking up the next student and the next student uses the first part of their lesson driving the first student home but my dad has always felt that is a bit CF so doesn't do it).

He's always had lots of work available and teaches automatic only and is the only one for the company in the surrounding area so is never short of students.

He also finds it difficult to distinguish between work time and time off because often he will end up booking a lesson for his day off as it's the only day the student can do it... that sort of thing.

Hope that helps!

The most horrendous thing about redundancy is how the individual is made to feel about themselves, to justify why their role has been lost. Fight against that! Do everything you can to maintain your sense of self and your self esteem. Update your CV with all your attributes and achievements - even if you are planning on working for yourself in the future. Self affirmation!
Try to stay personally aloof as much as you can - your employer is missing out by letting you go!
I hope you get a decent payout to help you setting up for your future. Enjoy your new chapter x

Enjoyable job
I honestly can't think of anything worse.
Just trying to teach my DD was stressful enough.
I know I couldn't do it - I've no patience at all.
But if you want to then go for it.

I've just been made redundant as well and am looking at doing something completely different.
It's a crap time for a lot of people.
Think through all your options and then go from there.

Thanks @DoubleTweenQueen. That really helps.
They are being horrific. Now that I have started to not bend over for them I have had one almost threatening call and they only talk to me when they need me. I will have to train someone (possibly a team) to do my job so it's not a redundant role either so obviously I'm taking it personally.

@hellsbellsmelons what are you thinking of doing?

@josiejj I don't mind taking a pay cut and quality of life is quite important to me. I am looking at a paycut either way of around 5-6k. What do you mean "quite poor"? I am concerned that a lot of time will be lost driving between the two or they will be timed oddly so I'm waiting around.

I have interviews lined up so I am continuing with them. Playing by ear as it were.

My dads friend is one and he says definitely go for it but he isnt the main earner and it's just pocket money but it is around 30k he's making. He just said don't go through one of the big driving schools.

I know someone who has recently started after being in a similar position to you. She has got a brilliant business going after just a few months due to being a woman and there being lots of girls who feel more comfortable learning with her rather than a man.

I don’t know anything about the financial side of it though

Hopeful bump in case anyone else has info 😀