If you’re considering a career change and think the role of lorry driver might be for you, you’ve doubtless got a few questions swirling around your head. Is it really the right career? Will you live to regret the decision?
Equally, you may have been a lorry driver for some time but feel like you’ve lost the essence of what makes the job special. That’s natural, and there’s nothing wrong with rolling back the years and considering why you headed down this route (excuse the pun) originally.
Lorry driving is a fantastic, dynamic and adventurous career, but it isn’t without its downsides. In this post, we’d like to help you make this potentially life-changing decision by considering the pros and cons of being a lorry driver.
Before you get behind the wheel, read this list!
Pros
1. Flexibility
If you’re currently working a standard 9-5 office job and have started to feel somewhat stale and frustrated about the lack of flexibility in your working day, lorry driving could be for you. Hours are usually very flexible and shift patterns can be adjusted to suit your living style.
2. Work towards being your own boss
If you fancy going it alone at some stage, lorry driving offers great opportunities for those wishing to be their own boss. You can spend a few years under regular employment in order to build up your experience before going it alone.
3. Adventure
As a lorry driver, you get to see the UK like you’ve never seen it before. From your elevated driving position, you’ll have a unique view of the countless miles, borders and diverse scenery you cross every week. You don’t get that sat at a desk.
4. Work locally
Lorry driving isn’t just about long distance deliveries – you can work locally, too. If you’d rather not head too far afield, you can relatively easily find a lorry driving job which covers your surrounding area.
Cons
1. Long hours
Depending on the type of contract you undertake, long working hours is a common challenges for lorry drivers. Obviously, you’re guided by tachometers, but that doesn’t remove the fact that you’ll be spending a long time in a confined space.
2. Loneliness
Unless you’re provided with a drivers ‘mate’, you’ll be working alone until you reach your intended destination. For some, this is the best part of being a lorry driver, but if you’re the kind of person who thrives on interaction with colleagues, you may feel somewhat lonely in that cab.
3. Paperwork
Think lorry driving is all about driving? Think again. There is a fair bit of paperwork to contend with which is essential for distribution companies remaining compliant with UK and EU regulations. If you’re frustrated by red tape, this might prove problematic for you in the long run.
4. Risk
Lorry driving is safe when performed correctly. However, like any form of work that involves driving, it is inherently risky. The more hours you spend on the road, the more chance you have of being involved in an accident. It will hopefully never happen, but it is worth bearing in mind when making this career decision.
Summary
We hope the pros and cons above of being a lorry driver will help you during your deliberations. Like any career, it isn’t for everyone, but if you can look past the relatively few downsides, it could be the best career leap you make.
