Hi all
I’m trying to come to a decision regarding a career change and whether or not it would be too risky. I can’t afford to be out of work for an extended period (bills to pay). I am 40 yrs old and work as an accountant but can’t stand the job / career. I’m not making the change to earn more money and I’m realistic (I think) about what my earning potential would be. It’s about having a job that gets me out in the real world and not being stuck in an office staring at a computer screen and sitting in meetings discussing things I couldn’t care less about.
I’ve always been interested in driving and want to get Class C+E.
Go for It!
The greatest thing about having your HGV licence is that you can dip in and out of the job whenever you want to, you’ve got it until you’re 65+ (25+ years left for you!).
Most of us had to pay for our training and test ourselves. After this expense, your other expenses will most likely be quite small: HGV licence renewal,(20 quid?) Digitacho Card (20 Quid?) Medical (75 quid) and CPC (300 quid) every 5 years= which is all going to cost you around 100 quid per year.
After you’ve had your license 2 years, you can just blag it… I’ve been and seen loads of drivers over the years who must have blagged it, plenty of drivers will help you out when you start, especially if you ask!. After doing this job for a while now, it’s easy to spot the new lads, young and old who don’t want to admit they are new to the job… but we all know who you are
… We all have to start somewhere.
Wages.
Employed: Expect an average of around 8.00 per hour (regular hours)… it gets more difficult to find the higher paid work, but it’s there if you look.
Ltd Co Freelance. Expect an average of 11.00 per hour…+ Vat (if Vat reg) (regular hours)… it gets more difficult to find the higher paid rated work, but it’s there if you look.
I’ve had my Class 1 HGV licence for 29 years and have dipped in and out of truck driving and done many other things such as workshop manager, restaurant owner, science teacher, fashion buyer, English teacher, book seller, civil engineer, site fitter and other work that I’ve forgotten about. I’ve taken my HGV test 3 times, In the UK, Australia and Canada, i’ve probably paid out a good few grand in tests, but have enjoyed myself doing it and i’ve always made the money back… eventually!
P.S. I have a wife and kids and bills to pay, and the get dragged to live all over the place, but somehow we manage to do okay.
One life, Live it!