Maybe this isn't for me?

[notadriver]

You make fair points but you also have to accept that train driving isn't the Holy Grail of jobs for everyone, be they in the rail industry or outside it.

I have given it consideration a few times but rejected the idea ultimately on the grounds that once training is over and route signing is complete, the thought of doing the actual job would bore me to tears also.

Re Salary, yes, £44k is an above average wage in the UK, but not especially high when you consider that many driving positions are based in cities or with TOC's that impose residential restrictions.

We'll leave the grey subject of breaks on erail for another day. I've been trying, without success for nearly ten years to get a definitive answer from VOSA in writing regarding the issue:roll:

Very interesting. But if you were lucky enough to pass the paper sift, all the assessments and the dreaded CBI and the drivers interview and medical, the job affords opportunities for progression. Granted you would probably start on the slowest trains with all stations work but the only way is up from there and you could always do some bus/coach driving like I do for a hobby for the variety. The OP is a rare example of someone whos passed the tests and found they don't like the job. Just getting the job is very hard and judging by the candidates I've seen a lot of people underestimate the tests and what's required.

 

[bystander]

My view is that if you're bored at this early stage, then look for an exit route. By passing the tests and getting the role without making it your entire all-consuming life's ambition, you've proved very well that you've got something about you that puts you above the crowd. I didn't try all that hard to get my job but from day one I've loved it and do it for my own reasons. It is sad seeing so many drivers around who loathe the traction, loathe the job, loathe the shifts, loathe the punters but moan that they couldn't make a living elsewhere. We aren't paid that well and if you are talented and bright there are lots of ways to make a living that aren't retail or call centres or whatever else people may use as somewhat spurious alternatives.

The other side of the coin is that if you are hardworking and ambitious you can change your career as a driver to suit you. I now do just high speed work, after somewhat less than five years in the job so if you have the ambition and skill (edit and of course a lot of luck and being in the right place at the right time) it can be done.

Best wishes anyway whatever you decide, but don't end up trapped and bitter.

Regards,

Y

 

[cobbler]

its an interesting post , slightly unusual but interesting
i cant claim to have been in the same situation but as many people have said , give it time

you've been through a very intensive few months , and coming from a non railway background you've had to adapt to something unique as it were , once you do adapt and get settled im sure things will turn for you

i left the railway as a trainman/guard through voluntary redundancy after 10 years , i thought the grass was greener and because id never really had a normal industry type job thought it was a good time to try

within a year i knew id made a mistake , i missed the job, the variety , being my own boss as it were ,i missed the banter and the money

to show how difficult it is and how lucky you are , i tried to come back on the job a couple of times and even with 10years experience and a good work record i didnt get through , every job have literally thousands of applicants

but every cloud and all that , im back on the job as a conductor , through pure hard work and abit of luck , i couldnt be happier

i think my point is , i doubt you will realize at the moment what you have achieved , how difficult it is for the everyman to get where youve got and its possibly one of those moments that if you jack it in , you will look back with regret and may never get an opportunity like this again

its very rare to get a job for life but this is as near as you will get , its tough for you right now as youve said with shifts etc but stick it out brother , give it a chance and if your 2-3 years in and you still hate it then you can at least be 100% and on the plus side you can progress in different roles within the industry

just dont quit and in a few months when your back to the jobs you hated regret it