[Closed] Time for a career change. Currently driving lorries.. inspire me please

Hey mate - feel your pain. There's not much worse than being in a job you hate.

I'm slightly older than you and went through a process fifteen years ago where i was utterly fed up with my job. Fortunately (some of the time) my Mrs hates any kind of self-pity and kicked me up the arse. Can't remember how i came across it now, but I bought a copy of What colour is your parachute. I really recommend it.

I honestly never thought i'd pick up a self-help style book, but i did and it immediately made me feel more positive about the options ahead. There's a load of tasks and tips in the book. I did everything, set a goal based on the tasks and within a few months i'd targeted a few employers in a specific location, made appointments to see them, and the pick of the bunch told me they'd take me on.

Obviously life didn't suddenly become perfect, but it was an absolute eye-opener. I achieved the goals i set. I've gone back to it a few times whenever I think i might need a change. There's some really good advice about how to find work and how to get it without necessarily doing any training.

My wife has been trying to career change for a while now, bit tricky around childcare, etc, but she went through the book about a year ago and has this morning signed a contract for pretty much what she was looking for.

I've recommended it to tonnes of people. I think the main advantage for me was feeling like I was in control of the situation. I could rattle on and on about it, but check it out for yourself and see what you think. Good luck.

Oh, the biggest learning point for me was probably that most jobs aren't advertised. Chasing job adverts isn't always the best route.

Another steering wheel attendant here Mike. 41 and been in it for 16 years so similar to yourself.
I too looked around for other ways of earning money as I felt similar to you. Turns out all I needed was a change in company and working hours. Gone from doing days 6 then 5 back onto nights but changed to a 4on 4off shift which has made a lot of difference.
I'd always heard bad stories about the fuel delivery shift rotas from drivers I've spoke to in the past so could that be a factor in how you're feeling?
Are you regularly doing 15s?

Posting from Amazon Bow canteen, waiting whislt the warehouse staff tip my trailer so I can go home😉

Hi mate, sounds like you need a change of job, have you considered going with an agency?
My FIL worked for a dundee based agency for about 8/9 years before he retired, he enjoyed the variety, but eventually ended up full time at one firm, delivering agri equipment all over the uk, it did mean tramping, but he was home almost every weekend.
There’s (apparently) a nationwide shortage of class 1 drivers, you should be able to find something more suitable even if it means using an agency.

Tbf I'm the other way. I'm currently doing my class2 as I'm fed up being in front of a screen all day!

I reckon we both may work for the same firm btw if you drive for a national firm....

Rigid domestic work looks hard graft esp in the winter

Been trucking myself since 1990,Supermarket trucking since 2000 & retiring age 60 in September.
Are you fed up of driving or who you're driving for?

changed to a 4 on 4 off shift which has made a lot of difference.

The only reason I've lasted where I am for the last 18 months is because I've been shunting in the depot doing 4 on 4 off.That 4 day break makes a massive difference,especially when you're not enjoying the place.A few years ago I came to the conclussion that I hadn't fell out of love with driving,but didn't enjoy who I was working for.

I also did a short stint in the planning office but never again

Back in the 90's I did that on general haulage,we had a couple of depots in Ireland & Northern Ireland,that was pressure trying to make sure the trailers didn't miss the sailings.I went back on the road...

OP - I work in one of the 'nice' jobs areas, plenty of friends and colleagues in similar sectors.

I'm going to be pessimistic but I hope realistic for you.

We are nearly overwhelmed each week by the number of people looking for career change into something more engaging and rewarding. I've got 5 volunteers a week at the moment if we wanted.

I'm also in Scotland and it's obvious that there is an increase in people looking to move out of big cities, more tellingly I would say half are trying to move north of the border.

Very few of the above have qualifications or experience in what they are looking to do.

There's a good few only just getting back to work after furlough or having been laid off across these industries too.

It's a tough time to be looking IMO, with huge competition.

Could you drop your hours at current job? Can you volunteer somewhere at the moment? Can you retrain formally?

My mate went from delivering veg in London / Devon from Lincolnshire every day to Captaining a Bin Waggon. Been doing it 5 years now and he absolutely loves it ! Up early but done by 2pm every day, plus all the council benefits. Definately nothing too physical involved as he's made of glass and tissue paper and is usually recouperating from some huge mtb related stack. I will concede that this experience probably varies dramatically by council !

Forestry Commission have been advertising a lot of roles around the country in the last couple of months, might be worth seeing what is around on the Civil Service Jobs site.

And conservation sector here...ecology. Same as for other "outdoorsy" work, it's a popular area for people looking for a change.

The questions really are whether you can take a drop in salary (at best, you'll be coming in at the bottom of paid roles) and also can you afford the time and money for training and getting some volunteer experience? It's highly competitive as there are lots of volunteers around, so paid roles get snapped up.

For ecological assessment type work, studying wildlife, yes a degree or other higher level qualifications are common (the CIEEM website has good info on those routes). It's not such a requirement in more practical conservation land management, where LANTRA / NPTC type qualifications can be the best route. But you did mention physical work has given you health concerns, so that might not be what you want.

I wouldn't want to put anyone off, just that it's best to have a plan, do some initial stuff yourself and meet some people, rather than apply for jobs online. Hope it works out.

Can you use your existing skills and experience as an way in to forestry work? There does seem to be a fair bit of lorry driving. Once in, look at other roles and getting training.

@bustaspoke that sounds like tescos on a stobarts contract doing 4on 4off.. Dont think morrisons do that shift rota... Well, Latimer Park anyway. Could be wrong though

I did many years of driving and I know my health suffered. Getting up at 3am and doing **** all for for 12 hours+ a day does not do anyone any good. I went from that to Halfords as a "mechanic" which was a massive cut in pay but the health and mental benefits outweighed that. From that I went to a local bike shop which is half a mile from my front door and now I play with some very nice bikes all day. No 3am starts and no back problems.

that sounds like tescos on a stobarts contract doing 4on 4off.. Dont think morrisons do that shift rota…

I'd have to be really really desperate to drive for Stobarts..
There's currently a massive driver shortage,it's even made Radio 4.
Your licence & experience is in demand at the momment try to make the most of the opportunity,have a good look what's out there

Couldn't agree more😂
Think I'd rather give up driving than have to succomb to their control

There are plenty of roles where driving can be a necessary part of a job rather than the job.

I started out as a driver but for a fine art handling company - driving was a big part of the day but it was punctuated by hanging out in art galleries and artists studios and carefully wrapping and moving valuable artworks. Pretty much all of my art-school heroes have made me a cup of tea.

I've mentioned here before on career change threads but theres a massive shortfall in labour in the film and TV industry in the UK at the moment  - especially in Scotland - and that industry is a truck-fest - generator trucks, grip and camera trucks, props drivers, outside broadcast.  'Facilities' in particular is very HGV heavy. A lot of that work involves driving at the start or end of the day and them doing something else once you're there rather than just stuck behind the wheel all day

The industry is really keen to attract skilled labour across from other sectors (the same goes for electricians, riggers, carpenters, plasterers and so on)

Events companies are the same (once they re-emerge from lock down) , you could even run away and join the circus.

In more rural areas of Scotland you also have a lot of mobile services - libraries, health screening clinics, a mobile cinema.....

Maybe on your travels pay a bit of attention to the other trucks you're seeing are and what they might be doing that day when they're not on the move.

I don't think posting on STW is a good idea when you're currently driving lorries. And how do you manage to drive more than one at once? Doesn't sound safe.

And how do you manage to drive more than one at once? Doesn’t sound safe.

with his toes - keeping his hands free for posting STW

Wow, just managed to get to my phone for the first time today and I’m delighted with the response and info so far.. thanks folks.

I’m definitely going to look for that book Reeksy. On the job front, I actually like the company I work for and enjoy the meeting people aspect (more than I thought I would), it’s the physical aspect that kicks lumps out of me. We only really do Monday - Friday as it is, there was talk of doing 4 on 4 off but there isn’t really enough work for the weekends. I would really like to come away from lorry driving but I do understand it’s probably not going to happen with my lack of qualifications elsewhere.

It just gets tiring when your constantly in pain from a day of hauling about a hose over walls, and through trees whilst still having to avoid their grass and plants... but still pull it through all the crap they have stored in front of the tank.

I have done my share of tramping work and I don’t want to go back to that life, I have a far better relationship with my 4 year old daughter now than when I was away all week. Wages wise, I could probably just about get by on £25,000 which I don’t think is an unrealistic target for somebody my age with my experience.. albeit in the transport sector.

I really appreciate all the advice so far and I’ll be looking into it for sure. As for volunteer work, it’s something I had considered to possibly get my foot in the door somewhere and I’ll be taking that further.

Interested to hear more from Maccruiskeen and where I can get more info on that.

Wages wise, I could probably just about get by on £25,000 which I don’t think is an unrealistic target for somebody my age with my experience.. albeit in the transport sector.

In transport yes.

In lots of outdoor / education / environmental / sustainability jobs that's a normal wage after a few years in the industry. Sadly.

We pay a lot better than most, my team start on £28k. But most are qualified teachers / environmental degree, plus at least 3 years experience. We move up from there.

Good luck OP.

13 years ago I took a 60% paycut and moved family 340 miles north to Loch Tay. I left behind a job that was eating away at me and life in a city that suited none of us.

Best.

Thing.

We.

Ever.

Did.

Also one of the scariest and toughest.

Digger Man.

There is a guy down here has a small digger, a trailer and a pickup truck who does various digger jobs round the area. He has certificates for larger diggers and site work but has more work than he can handle with the small digger.
He may or may not do cash jobs on Saturday according to a friend.

I've done 12 years driving vans and C1 stuff (up to 7.5t) and hit the same issue when changing careers, no qualifications for anything else. There are transferrable skills but the issue is finding an employer to take the risk on someone who doesn't have a piece of paper.

Tbf I’m the other way. I’m currently doing my class2 as I’m fed up being in front of a screen all day!

Same here except I passed a few weeks ago. On my first agency assignment today and I'm sat broken down waiting for a tech to come out 🤣

Currently doing domestic fuel deliveries but I really need a change as the job is knocking lumps out me.

As a new driver I wouldn't touch fuel deliveries, too many hours and stress. There's lots of places trying it on with 6 on, 1 off, 5 on, 2 off rotas and they're struggling to get applicants. Plenty of other jobs out there with much better hours, maybe you need to change the company rather than the job.

Hours wise isn’t too bad to be honest. Start at 06:15am and finished most days for 15:30 latest, bit later in the winter when it’s busy but nothing like the hours I used to do with my previous employer. Pretty much forced in to 15 hour shifts.

I like the employer to be honest, it’s the physicality of the job that’s taking it’s toll. I wouldn’t like to do no physical work but a little less would be great.

I did think about doing my digger tickets but again.. how easy is it to get work with no experience?

Have you thought about the Fire Service OP? I've been in the job 22 years now and plenty of people around your age have joined. No harm in applying and seeing how you get on.

Yeah I have thought about the fire service and it’s something I would like to do. Not as a fire fighter though, I’m not sure my knees and elbows would cope.

I’d happily go for a support staff role but there isn’t much on the go up here, I did apply for a job as a driver/stores person a while back but got an email saying I was unsuccessful.. even though I had all the experience they were looking for.. I get the feeling it’s not what you know but who you know up here.

Sorry if I've missed something, but you drive a HGV doing domestic fuel deliveries - and it's the bit where you actually deliver the fuel that's the problem?

But there's a national shortage of HGV drivers (in the news anyway). Would there not be loads of other jobs where you didn't have to do the fuel/hose bit?

Or do HGV drivers have to load/unload as well. Forgive my ignorance if so.

Yeah most places require you to load and or unload the vehicle. It’s a bit of a catch 22 really as I like the fuel industry, I have done the tramping thing (13 years I did it for) with the artics and I’m not going back to that. Hours are mental. Class 2 stuff is generally more local but I don’t really want to do generic curtain sider work, tipper work requires you to go flat out all day, fridge work is delivering to Spar shops etc.. sod that! So it doesn’t leave me much scope. I have enough experience in the industry to know what a worth ebike position.. and what I enjoy doing, I enjoy the industry I’m in but it’s taking its toll on me physically.. which in turn affects me mentally if that makes sense.
(Hope none of that came across as cheeky but it’s the easiest way to describe it).

I guess when you put it all in perspective I’m probably just a bit scunnered and probably needing a change.

Cranes? A mate got into it after the army in early -mid 30s. Looks interesting and well paid. No idea how to get into it but like angtht it's never going to be easy but HGV experience shows good mindset of manovering large vehicles and paper work / proceedutres. (Apologies for spelling no good auto suggestions)

What about doing driver training any openings in that?

My Dad used to deliver/collect plant equipment across the north of England. All one day jobs (maybe the occasional overnight, I recall he once delivered a compressor to the City of London and stayed at my flat in Crouch End). Sometimes meant an eary start as they wanted the equipment on site at the start of the day, but that usually mean a very early finish. May be check for plant hire places near you? Either local stuff like HSS / Speedy or forms doing biugger stuff (e.g. Dad delivered compressors, hammers, vibrators etc for Watson & Hillhouse, https://www.w-h.co.uk/)

Cranes would be great. I’d really enjoy that, I’m fairly sure it’s mega expensive to do your tickets though but I’ll check. Nationwide platforms are looking for a class 2 driver in Dundee. I turned them down 2 years ago though for a class 1 job so not sure if they would consider me again. Worth a punt though surely.

What does a qualified bike mechanic make these days? What’s the old saying? “Get a job you love doing and you will never work a day in your life”? Something like that, I enjoy working with my hands and fixing stuff. Been scouring the job sites and there are a few jobs in forestry but they are all wanting a degree. 😫. Why didn’t I stick in at school instead of acting the goat and racing bikes etc?

I imagine a lot of jobs in the outdoor industries will be more physical than your current one.

Good luck in your search, I am about your age and also wanting a change!

Yeah I reckon it’s the hauling the hose which weight 40lbs + up and over walls, and sometimes up to 60m, plus it a bit of an un-natural movement to be making all the time. Anyway, I’ll see what happens this week and go from there. Next does of diazepam has kicked in so I’m a bit oot ma box..

Thanks for all the replies and good luck to all those also seeking a change.

Can you do fuel on class 1s those boys dont work as hard as you lot on domestics😉

Pick up from refinery. One big gravity drop and away!

To the OP Mike. You should go visit a physio (private, likely). Could be the best 40-50 quid you spend for a good poke around. And I mean physio, not chiropractor. Find a good one, might take one or two different ones but you'll know when you find one.

Mate you could get 25k driving for stagecoach at perth.
You’d obviously need the D category license, but that should present little problem for a class 1 driver.

Wages wise, I could probably just about get by on £25,000 which I don’t think is an unrealistic target for somebody my age with my experience.

Not entirely sure about forestry, but ecology / wildlife - you'd be up against people with 3-4 years full time experience and related qualifications, not entry-level in that salary bracket. More a reflection of how underpaid some sectors are really, in return for that magical outdoor/rewarding perception.

Couldn’t agree more mate regarding the underpaid comment. I think in reality I’m pashing in the wind hoping for a forestry job.. I’m more than happy to be proved wrong but I suspect I won’t be.

I will be looking into getting a decent physio aswell, I have done the class 1 thing on the fuel aswell, and to be honest I couldn’t be arsed going through all the terminal inductions and other red tape again. Maybe I’m just too long in the job and a bit pessimistic? Or maybe I’m just needing to get out the industry all together? Feels like I’m searching for a moon on a stick. Or maybe all the pills for my back are scrambling my thoughts. Either way I am fairly sure I’m done with lorries, whatever I think of feels like I’m going out of the fire and into the frying pan!

I have applied for 2 jobs in pest control and 1 job in sales (selling agri equipment), it’s a good place to start and see what happens, In the meantime I’ll look into doing my crane tickets and see where that takes me, I’ll also keep my fingers crossed me or somebody else has a lightbulb moment and I go.. ha ha.. yes that’s just the ticket for me. Then in an ideal world I’ll get the job, be pain free in my joints, come off the anti depressants and live happily ever after.

Have you thought about train driving? Different again to trucking but the money’s mental.
My stepson drives for Freightliner, he trundles along at 50-60 mph, doesn’t have to worry about stopping at the right spot on the platform for passengers, not a lot of physical work either.
He’s 32 & on about 60k.

Perhaps an odd suggestion and maybe not helpful at all but seeing as I'm having my chimney swept tomorrow it's come to mind... how about training to be a chimney sweep?
Doesn't take very long I don't think.
Salary should be easily achievable.
Should be a decent amount of work in your area or the surrounding area at least.
You say you like meeting people so that's a box ticked.
Not sure how your knees would cope but it's not a hugely physical job.
It's not exactly Repair Shop level stuff but it is working with your hands and fixing things to a extent.
Hope you find something suitable. I know the frustration of wanting to change jobs but not having a scooby as to what you can realistically do.

Train driver is something I would also really like, I applied a couple of years ago but held sod all back, that was with Virgin trains though so maybe the freight companies are easier to get into?

Chimney sweep.. now there’s a thought.. off to check google for that one.

Train driver is something I would also really like, I applied a couple of years ago but held sod all back, that was with Virgin trains though so maybe the freight companies are easier to get into?

Stepson went for an interview for Virgin after he'd qualified with Freightliner, he was actually pleased he didn't get the job!
Have a look & see who operates freight in your area?

What about bus driver for the loacl council/service?

Yeah not sure I fancy driving buses to be honest. Away to head out for a wee walk and digest some of this info.

I steer trains for a living and it’s done me well for the last 31 years and I’m not a train driver. The rail industry is vast and varied and also has need for hgv qualified personnel, if you can find anyone in your area that works for Network Rail have word and ask if there are any vacancies that they might know off. Once you get a foot in the door you have much better opportunities for movement within the company. Main thing is getting a foot in the door. Good luck.

Get your ipaf ticket. Driving, operating and delivering access kit.

Shunting and delivering / collecting trucks? All unladen.
Low stress, they don’t expect you to hitchhike anymore.
Move to Bristol and be a sign maker, can’t find one for love nor money! Could also involve a bit of truck shunting and outdoor work.

What do you do then Peajay? That’s a good shout DT.. moving new trucks around.. not moving to Bristol. I’m happy in my little bubble up here in Dundee.

One driver we see lots is a driver trainer. Teaches truckers to get the best out of the tech onboard to get the best mpg possible. He also does lots of the new deliveries and hand overs. Customers usually quite pleased to see him with their new pride and joy.

Which bit of forestry were you thinking of?
Working at the hand felling and extracting end can be brutal on the body, but rewarding physically and mentally, not financially.

Forest management roles will be asking for degree type applicants, all about surveying, mapping, planning, grants, permissions, compliance, marketing.
Pays better, but doing my best to avoid it at the moment.

Timber industry is busy. Most sawmills are after drivers as are their subbies. Cranes on board for the lifting.

Arb is also after drivers with licences for bigger vehicles as they aren't getting away with overloaded transits anymore and are getting into bigger kit like 12" chippers and diggers with jaws and shears.

I was thinking the felling side of forestry. Got a link to the Arb website?

@ the DTs, that sounds like a great idea, we used to have somebody who came into my previous employer who did that kind of thing. Checked all the main truck manufacturers but nothing listed on the websites.

There's an arb forum I used to frequent, arbtalk.

All manual chainsaw work is hard on your body,you know you've earnt your wage after a shift. SRUC used to so chainsaw courses.

What about forest machinery? Harvesting and forwarding, there may be long shifts and a lot of sitting down, when things go wrong you need to be part fitter. Timber haulage, hgv with a timber crane.

I’d be very interested in working a forwarder for sure, the HGV side of it not so much. Those guys seem to be under constant pressure to get to the next job.

Signaller we do the steering, drivers just make them stop and go 😎

It may not be of any help to you, but the haulage industry is absolutely gagging for decent, reliable drivers. Because of the shortage drivers can earn some real good money - IF you can stick it out!
However, we all know money isn't everything..

To be honest I have been sticking it out for the last few years and I think I’m done with it. It now effects my mental health so I think it’s time to move on. I have applied for a job with Ride on Scotland repairing and building the boris type bikes. Will see what comes back. Also applied for 2 pest control jobs 🤞🏻

Rather than lorry driving what about coaches. Need a psv but driving 50 oaps down the m4 to Weston super mud, helping them in and out the coach. Loading suitcase / luggage securely etc

Then dump them off, some will stick around and chauffeur them to Cheddar George, some will return to base.

Ok, so its still driving but way more relaxed

Shunting and delivering / collecting trucks? All unladen.
Low stress, they don’t expect you to hitchhike anymore.

Where are these jobs, something I would be interested in. I've applied for positions with BCA doing car transporter tramping but they've gone silent after the interview, any other companies to look at?

Interested to hear more from Maccruiskeen and where I can get more info on that.

I'll PM you some possible ideas for contacts and links to a few of the agencies that are trying to draw in skilled labour

Can you PM me them too please mate?

Can you PM me them too please mate?

Done... assuming PMs work

Pm worked. Thanks mate.

Arb as in arboriculture/tree surgery. Arbtalk as mentioned has an employment page.

There are a couple of forestry and arb' pages/groups on FB that have a few ads.

Look for groundies, it's the entry level and good groundies get trained generally if they are useful and stay. Your driving licence makes you an attractive groundie.

Fluffer.

Pig semen inseminater.

Forensic astrologist.

saggarmaker's bottom knocker.

Wheeltapper

Analytical scientist

Shunter

Spider wrangler

Chicken sexer

Have you read my CV saccades? I have experience in all those areas?? 😆

Yeah I reckon it’s the hauling the hose which weight 40lbs + up and over walls, and sometimes up to 60m, plus it a bit of an un-natural movement to be making all the time. Anyway, I’ll see what happens this week and go from there. Next does of diazepam has kicked in so I’m a bit oot ma box..

Not a HGV driver but I have some experience of long periods driving then doing short bouts of heavy/awkward handling with gas cylinders up to 400kg. It's very hard on the body and way worse than if you were doing it all day, not warmed up, there won't be time and sat on your arse the rest of the time.

Where are these jobs, something I would be interested in. I’ve applied for positions with BCA doing car transporter tramping but they’ve gone silent after the interview, any other companies to look at?

I was thinking about this last night, and there’s several options I can think of, two of them I’ve done/am doing. One is a logistics driver or ‘plater’, the blokes who travel around picking up and delivering cars from various sources - businesses, private individuals, etc, usually fleet vehicles, then dropping them off wherever they need to be, which could be somewhere like I work, we repair and refurbish ex-fleet vehicles before they get sold on to the open market. I was an agency logistics driver for BCA for two years until they stopped using agencies, and as a result of knowing people at one of the drop-off places, got a job straight away as a yard logistics driver, moving vehicles around the various parts of the site, fetching them for platers and transporters, etc. Now I do all the pre-despatch checks before vehicles go off site, with the occasional jolly like today, I had to take a car over to Bristol to have a windscreen replaced and sensors recalibrated, while dropping off a Mini charging cable at a BMW/Mini dealership in Bath, which also meant sitting in the MaccyD next door for a couple of hours reading a book…
Thing is, Smart Fleet Solutions, who I work for, and who has a site up in Livingstone, are now part of Cazoo, who are dramatically expanding their transporter fleet, a mix of multi-car double-deck trucks, but also single car trucks for delivering sold cars direct to the customer, which I reckon could be something that might suit you.
Cazoo are taking on a lot of staff, we’re going 24-hour working, with some staff opting for Continental 5/5/4 shifts, others like me are sticking with our original shift or shift pattern, but an hour longer each day.
No idea how far away Livingston is from you, I’m fifteen miles from Westbury, where I work, but if you’re not too far, it might be worth checking out SFS, or Cazoo, they’re developing large distribution centres as well, so there might be something in that area that’s reasonably easy to get to.
I have to say, SFS have been incredibly helpful to me over the last three months, and allow a lot of slack for anyone going through personal issues, which I’m so very thankful for, and from what I’ve seen so far, Cazoo look to be very similar in their attitude.
Worth a look.

Livingston is about 1.5 hours away from me but I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks mate.

I was goi g to say NHS Patient Transport, but I dont think the money will be enough

I'm Cardiff based right now so Westbury is a bit far for a daily commute, Bristol is most likely my sensible limit as I don't really want to be adding on a 2-3hr round commute on top of a 10-11 hour day!

Will keep an eye on both SFS and Cazoo though, nothing going at the Cardiff showroom right now though.