To be embarrassed to be a Bus Driver… 😔

[Benny91]

Hi all,

I’ve been a bus driver for 3 years now working out of the Surrey area and I’m finding it to be a menial job and I feel like a loser for doing it at age 33!

I feel like I should of made a better life for myself and should of gone to university, but being in Special Needs classes at school and in general having a minor learning disability has made me not fulfilling my life and seeing people around my age doing so well for themselves! 😩

Also people I’ve come across even smirk or mock me for being a bus driver!

What are your views on bus driving? Should I suck it up and is it in your opinion an embarrassing job?

Well done on having a job that changes lives. It helps people get to work, visit family, connect.... I rate your contribution to society highly. Never be ashamed of a role that is a vital service.

Yabvu 🥺🥺

People are bloody horrible, end of. If someone looks down their nose at you, they arent worth your fucking time!!!

You're working, and providing for yourself. You're getting out there despite your previous learning struggles. You're doing well.

Nothing wrong with putting together a plan for the future for yourself, but I think youll get there by loving yourself and all that you have achieved ❤️

God no, I would not think it's a bad job. It's an important one and I always think women bus drivers are great. Never saw one when I was a kid!

Have a listen to this programme... He talks about being a bus driver and how proud his Dad was of him too. Such a lovely listen.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002cdzm?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Does not mean you won't ever be something else either but good solid job to have!

I have huge respect for bus drivers. Its a big responsibility for all the people on board and pedestrians etc and a massive vehicle to manage

I think being a bus driver is an amazing job!

If students smirk at you and put you down it's nothing to be with you being a bus driver. They are even worse to the university professors and lecturers. It's the students that are just immature and idiotic.

Once they try to get an actual job they will realise how skilled you are and how amazing you are at their job and then they will learn. It's just that they are young.

Well done for having such a brilliant job and such great pay.

I think it’s bloody amazing that you are a bus driver !! Many years ago I used to travel a very long bus journey frequently and the bus driver was a very elegant and kind lady , she always greeted everyone getting on the bus always remembered the regulars . It was rare 25 years ago to see a woman in that job , she made a huge impression on me . I suppose it isn't what you do it’s how you do it !! You bring people safety from A to B be proud of it not everyone could do what you do. I can barely park a bike ! ❤️

What's there to be ashamed of? Not everyone can drive a bus to begin with. It's a pretty important job getting people from A to B safely.

Unfortunately there are people who are shits. They're not having a go at you specifically. It's just because they're sad little people who have to be mean to someone.

I can't drive a bus so that in itself is an achievement. You should be proud you're doing a worthwhile job daily and helping people get to where they need to be.

Your job isn't any less worthwhile than a school teacher/lecturer.

People who go to uni are not better than you. It's a different path that's all.

Last time I went into our county town on the bus, I came home and said to my DH "I take my hat off to the bus drivers with the road conditions and obstacles they have to deal with" (following road works and a ridiculous new road layout our Council have called "improvements ". And that's without the challenges of dealing with some of the passengers.
Don't do yourself down. It's a skilled job and I'm sure you should be paid more - but I definitely don't look down on bus drivers.

Well I couldn’t drive a bus. I’m nervous in my mini. I definitely don’t look down on bus drivers. It’s an important job with lots of responsibility. Pensioners getting on and off, children getting to school, people who can’t drive getting to work… All relying on you.

Also, op, if you see me try to parallel park my ford fiesta, I have no business judging anyone who can drive a vehicle that big!

Driving around Surrey in a Bus some people, especially students have just smirked or treated me like I’m stupid.

Really students, and what have they achieved? Nothing to date. They are on a bus since they cannot drive! Students treat everyone as stupid. The ones around here hog the pavements at lunchtimes and just expect you to throw yourself into the street to get out of their way.

A bus driver is a skilled and highly responsible job and having to deal with the public adds to the challenges.

Please don’t feel embarrassed.

You provide an essential service.

Thank you so much for what you and other transport workers do. It’s a vital and skilled job and you’re an important part of the community. You’re giving back more than most. On another note… When I was having one of the hardest times in my life (many years ago as a student) I ended up being the last passenger on the bus. The driver noticed how sad I was and asked if I wanted to chat. I was only 18 and I felt wretched. Just having a friendly person care enough to ask made such a difference. I’d see him from time to time on the bus route over the months and he was so right, things did get better. This bus driver made such a difference to my life.

i feel you. I never went to uni and worked in a call centre for 11 years. I finally said enough was enough and managed to get an apprenticeship in the civil service working in data science and now have a semi respectable position in the ONS.

it is difficult and it's so easy to get stuck in a slump. I would have a look at open uni or apprenticeships in the civil service you want to try and get a career. It's never too late.

also there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a bus driver... there is much worse jobs out there! However I can relate to how you feel and it's only yourself who can do something about it if that's how you feel.

best of luck to you and don't be to hard on yourself.

I’m always very grateful to bus drivers. They keep everyone safe and the world moving forward often at unsocial times. Very respectable pay!

Care workers are the same - vital

Actually maybe ignore what I said. Just saw your comment about earning 38-40k a year... that's more than me... maybe I should try and get a job where you are haha

Hello from Surrey 🙂
Absolutely nothing wrong with being a bus driver, it's probably today's youth culture sadly. I met a few bus drivers with excellent people skills and I reckon you are one of them.

I wouldn't worry what other people think at all but never too late to reach for something better. Are there any progression opportunities where u are based? Would training others pay more? Is there anything in particular that you wish u could have gone into or got more training for?

A lot of people change careers mid-life or study to qualify whilst working. I was still studying in my 40s whilst working (in the office) and so were some of my colleagues (finance). My friend did a degree in her early 60s and then gone on to do a PhD.

There was an article not long ago about a retired guy who completed a degree (possibly a second one even) at Kingston University. Even doing something as an evening class that would give u opportunity to learn more about a topic you are interested in and possibly a certificate of some sort would be worth it, eg a Foundation course. I have heard that it's easier to get into uni as a mature student although that requires a high level of commitment.

Keep your eyes peeled, so some research and maybe there is something you could branch out into.

Just curious, are the bus drivers all first aiders? If not, perhaps doing a little course (hopefully paid by the company) would give u a little extra in the pay packet.

It’s a great job. Hell, I’d do it if I didn’t need the toilet so much 😂

Don’t do that. Students are not stupid for going to university. The ones OP has come across are dicks, they exist in all walks of life, but most are just finding their way in the world, the best way they know how, just as OP is. No-one is less than just because they make different choices or have different opportunities.

@Benny91The important thing is, do you like the job? If you do, ignore the dickheads and carry on. If you don’t then look for opportunities to re-train. You have been failed by an education system that doesn’t cater for people in your situation, that doesn’t mean there is no future for you. There is no wrong path to getting where you want to be.

Bus Drivers aren't valued highly enough. They are solely responsible for the safety of 50+ people while negotiating a 20(?) tonne vehicle through traffic, narrow streets (with arseholes double parked) and taking abuse from the general public: drunks, junkies, people getting arsy because they don't want to fold their buggy for a wheelchair, schoolkids acting up. All while trying to adhere to a timetable.

I've lost count of the times I've almost been late for work when the bus can't get round the corner because the entitled SUV driving parents at the local private school have just "stopped for a minute" to drop their precious darlings off on double yellow lines because Tarquin or Jocasta can't possibly carry their cello or lacrosse kit 100 yards. I've sympathised with the driver who says the bus company have taken it up with the Council but they never have enough wardens to send out school drop off - funny that.

I get off a couple of stops before now and walk the rest.

I went to university and have a masters degree... I cannot pass my driving test though (despite years of trying). People have different strengths and weaknesses.

Be proud of yourself, driving a bus is a highly skilled and essential career.

As a bus driver, you arr a life libe for many people.

Any idiot who undermines you for being a bus drjver is a complete loser and not worth tbe trouble they cause.

So take no nonsence of then becausr they are clueless.

I’ve always wanted to be a bus driver! Not sure I’ll ever do it as scared I’ll crash

If you are a bus driver like the one who helped my DS out when disaster struck him.on a bus recently. Or lik the bus driver who who used to sing songs when I got the bus to college at 6.44am. Then be proud.

It's a tough job. Total respect to the good bus drivers. Traffic,driving and customers - what a combination.