Never give up - and thank you

[martin2345uk]

So this was one of my first posts on this forum back in 2011....

I've wanted to be a train driver since I was at school (I'm now 29).

Unfortunately I was an idiot and let myself be influenced by everyone telling me that it wasn't the sort of job I should do (I went to a grammar school so I did buck the trend so to speak).

I went to uni, got a 9-5 job, it's well paid but... well needless to say I've never lost that desire, in fact it gets stronger with every year I suffer inane office politics, to the point where I finally thought "stuff it, if I want to try out for it, why shouldn't I??"

I'm realistic, and fully appreciate that my chances are not exactly great, never having worked near a railway etc, but if I didn't at least try I think I would die with a real sense of regret and "what if"... and no one wants that do they!

I am now 36, and I have just been offered a trainee driver role.

What I am saying is, don't give up - if you want this, keep trying. I have no railway experience, I have only done office jobs, there was a time I thought it was just never happen - I never got past the initial sifts, but I pressed on and finally my luck came in with a firm who went straight into tests rather than a CV.

I have seen some posts on here over the years where people get very despondent after yet another "thanks but no thanks", and I have been there many many times, but it IS possible.

And this forum has been such a massive source of information, I 100% could not have done it without the stuff I learned on here so thanks to everyone who posts with advice, tips, moral support, it's a great place.

Martin (",)

 

[KT530]

Congratulations Martin; all the best with your training.

 

[GLENMAYE77]

Try try and try again is the motto.....hope to be joining you at the same company on a future course!

Well done matey!!

 

[Seejwalker]

I'm glad you finally got the green light mate, good luck going forward.

 

[keep truckin]

Damn good work Martin lad! The best of luck with your new job.

 

[Paddy O'Doors]

Congratulations, hope it goes well for you.
Makes me realise how lucky I was to be on a training course 4 months after my very first application, I think I may have given up after 10 years.

 

[stretchdj74]

Congrats Martin, glad you have made it through, hopefully one day I will be able to write the same message

 

[700007]

Martin, that was incredibly inspiring and beautiful to read. Whilst I am not aspiring to be a driver (would be cool to drive a train even for a day), your story and passion can be applied to any situation in life. Well done so much and I wish you all the best. Thanks for sharing this with us.

 

[Trainguy90]

Congrats! I hope you enjoy your new career I know I have no regrets

 

[yorkie]

Congratulations! It is always great to see successes like these

 

[Joliver]

Congratulations, I'm a week into a course after 3 applications. I got lucky I guess.

 

[Kendo]

Excellent mate! totally agree you never know. I do believe in an element of luck in the process but as you say never give up

 

[tempuser]

Congratulations. Persistence is an underrated attribute. I've been trying for several months and I sometimes get down. But this has given me hope. Please keep posting with more advice and help for us remaining wannabes.

 

[Ception]

A role model and someone I can relate to. The same thing happened to me and it took me 2 years from being told no to get landed with a driver role. It became a passion and obsession. Even when people told me to forget driver positions I still put the effort in. If you want it bad enough, you will get it. And that applies to anything else in life you go for. Well done again.

 

[xtradj]

So this was one of my first posts on this forum back in 2011....



I am now 36, and I have just been offered a trainee driver role.

What I am saying is, don't give up - if you want this, keep trying. I have no railway experience, I have only done office jobs, there was a time I thought it was just never happen - I never got past the initial sifts, but I pressed on and finally my luck came in with a firm who went straight into tests rather than a CV.

I have seen some posts on here over the years where people get very despondent after yet another "thanks but no thanks", and I have been there many many times, but it IS possible.

And this forum has been such a massive source of information, I 100% could not have done it without the stuff I learned on here so thanks to everyone who posts with advice, tips, moral support, it's a great place.

Martin (",)

Well done pal. Never give up is the best advice I’d give anyone also. Perseverance pays off! Enjoy

 

[HLE]

Good man.

 

[Twedds74]

Well done Martin, I have a similar story to yours, and I would also say to others, never give up if you really want something that much! It took me nearly 10 years from starting to apply for drivers jobs to getting to where I am now which is 7weeks into my driver training. It is well worth the wait and I’m going to be enjoying the 15-20 years driving career I have ahead of me!

 

[baz962]

I agree , as Martin knows , I Took roughly eight year's and qualified two month's ago at the age of 48.

 

[Walshy23]

Congrats Martin, simulat story here. Wanted it in school, got teased for it ended up in mechanics for last 12 years. Hated it. Hated it so so much. One train ride and few google searches later I found the passion for it again and I’m determined to make it happen. New born daughter on the way due in 3 weeks and will defo be pushing her to follow her dream and not let anyone deter her from what she really wants. Congrats again mate

 

[185]

Well done mate.

 

[LCC106]

Brilliant! Well done and thanks for sharing with us. As you say, it CAN be done. Sometimes you just need to want it enough and work hard enough to get there.

 

[LCC106]

Congrats Martin, simulat story here. Wanted it in school, got teased for it ended up in mechanics for last 12 years. Hated it. Hated it so so much. One train ride and few google searches later I found the passion for it again and I’m determined to make it happen. New born daughter on the way due in 3 weeks and will defo be pushing her to follow her dream and not let anyone deter her from what she really wants. Congrats again mate

Couldn’t agree more and congratulations on your impending arrival.

 

[Intermodal]

Great job mate, well done.

 

[Junk_girl]

Well done Martin. All your hard work has paid off.

 

[Amanda]

This is so lovely to read. Congratulations! Here's to a long career on the railways ahead of you.

 

[Methodical]

Congratulations, an inspiring story for anyone reading who wants it badly enough, never give up.
I managed to gain a position at my first attempt and can't wait to get into my training which starts very soon, but I'm under no illusions that even getting through the initial sift must carry an element of luck purely by the huge volumes of applications for each role.
I'm sure your mindset, desire and perseverance over the years will ensure you go on to have an enjoyable and successful career.
All the best to you, and good luck to all out there still chasing their dream , on this site you are in the best place for help and advice to help you get there.

 

[OneLowban]

Great post, well done mate!

 

[jamesst]

Well done mate. I started on the barriers at a busy station, worked there for 2 years, then was a guard for 9 years and now have been driving for 3! Never give up, you'll meet some great people and make some great friends along the way!

 

[Cyclist]

Well done Martin

 

[Marlow]

As a long time lurker on these forums Martin I've seen you post in various career forum threads and your dedication and drive (pardon the pun) to get where you want has been clear to see... Amazing you've finally got there!

Best of luck pal, sincerely!