If your child wanted to become a bus driver, would you encourage them?

[NorwichRailFan]

For context, me (15) and my mum have been in an argument about my future career. I really want to become a bus driver, however she is set against it saying it is a dead end career and saying 'if it is a good career why do bus drivers look miserable all the time?' She wants me to go a more academic route (Journalism specifically because I expressed a mild interest in at about a year ago) but I don't feel like it is for me. I would like to ask all current and former bus drivers what the positives and negatives of the job and whether you would recommend it to someone like me. Thanks.

 

[Bletchleyite]

A bus driver I am not, so I can't comment on the job itself, but...

If you want to be a bus driver, be one. If you later decide you're bored of it and you'd prefer to go to uni, do that then. It doesn't have to be straight after school, and it might actually help you to have more maturity and money when you do go, and could potentially work as a bus driver part time to earn a bit extra as you go!

Thing I'd advise is to do your GCSEs etc as if you were going to go to uni, then you have those grades later when you want them and don't have to go back.

 

[alexf380]

Like every job it comes with its pros and cons, and each bus company will have theirs too. I've been a bus driver for about two years now and I can still say I like going to work each day, so naturally I would recommend it. Theres still loads of time before you can sit the test, so no need to decide your career now, but definitely keep it in mind. I would say that you shouldn't do something just because your family think it would be good, that will just break down your relationship.

Some bus drivers are just miserable. Generally speaking, these are the ones who have been in the job 30 years and resent the company they work for. There are also loads of really cheery boy and girls in the industry.

 

[dodecahedron67]

From someone young in the industry, don't ditch studying. I'm doing a job in the industry whilst studying and it's made me realise how thankful I am to have my study subject to fall back on for jobs. Not saying there's not some moments that make it worthwhile, but jesus christ do some people you have to work with/for treat you like **** and make you want to rip your hair out

I think the best way to do it is to do a part-time/seasonal role whilst studying at college/uni/equivalent, that way you get to get a feel for if you really want to do it, whilst also having a fall back if it turns out you hate it.

Ts & Cs are mostly abysmal, pay isn't great unless you do tons of overtime, and morale among the industry is low - that doesn't mean don't come into the industry, just bear in mind it really isn't sunshine and rainbows.

 

[GusB]

The first thing I'll say is that the word "no" is not an adequate response to the questions posed; if you can't be bothered to compose a proper response, please don't bother responding at all.

[Mod hat off]

I'm not a bus driver, nor a parent so I can't provide any advice from any of those perspectives, but driving a bus is a respectable enough occupation. If you feel that an academic life isn't for you, or maybe that you're just not ready for it yet, there's nothing wrong with starting work straight from school. I would echo @Bletchleyite's comments about getting your GSCEs, and if you can maybe get a couple of A levels along the way, so much the better.

You'll have useful skills that you can use to earn and if you decide at some point it's not for you, you can move on. You'll still have those skills and can use them again later in life (subject to refresher training etc.)

The hours can be long and the pay isn't great, though. You've got a few years to decide anyway.

 

[telstarbox]

What do you think you would enjoy - the physical driving itself, meeting and helping people, being on the move, something else? That might help you to decide and/or try other jobs with similar elements in the meantime.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Bus driving has its ups and downs, but even these will differ based on different people's opinions. Terms and conditions also vary wildly between operators, so its not even as simple as just being a bus driver. Some people prefer local town routes and don't like straying too far from their local area comfort zone, where as others hate town work and are happiest on an interurban route. I hate short town circulars or Park & Rides where you spend a day doing the same run 15-30 times in a shift depending on route length as I find them tedious, where as some drivers specifically choose to go on Park & Ride rosters and love it! Some operators/depots may only do Mon-Fri/Sat daytime routes so the hours are maybe longer but more 'normal' working hours, where as others may cover all days of the week from 5am to midnight with the option of shorter shifts but working all kinds of different hours and dealing with a wider slice of society (which can be challenging, particularly of an evening). Personally I like shift work so would hate to be just do Mon-Fri day shifts, where as others would kill for such shifts. Some operators specialise in school runs sandwiched either side of a low-stress quiet set of daytime routes that are primarily used by concessionary pass holders, where as others will do routes that are more intensive and busy driving through tight and congested roads all day. Whether you get your breaks paid or deducted also varies - you may do a 12 hour shift but only get paid 9-10 hours, for example, once breaks/extended layover time is deducted. That adds up over a week when you may spend 48 hours on duty but only paid for 40 or so of them. A spreadover (also known as a split shift) can see your finish time be up to 16 hours after your start time, with a large break in the middle. You can also have as little as 8.5hrs between shifts a few times a week, meaning you might finish work at 11pm and be due back at work at 7.30am - many people may be just going to bed and waking up about those times in other jobs, and as you can imagine by the time you get home at night and have to leave in the morning, the amount of sleep you can get in that time isn't that great. This is a minimum over a restricted number of days per week, but it is legal so something to bare in mind.

As a result, there are so many variables that can be either positive or negative depending on an individual's personal preference, that it is hard to say whether you would or wouldn't enjoy the job and if it is for you. I'd definitely focus on your studies now and not be tempted to slack because you think you know now what you want to do. It could take time to pass your car test and then your bus test, and while there are vacancies galore meaning operators are crying out for drivers at the moment, it would still be good to have good results to put on your CV - not just for applying for a role, but should you find bus driving isn't for you in the longer term.

The job itself can be a thankless task at times. Some operators/councils giving impossible schedules but ignoring drivers feedback, with you instead having to face the brunt of passengers annoyed at the delay (ironically often delaying the bus further while they have their rant at you when getting on). Other road users doing all they can not to get stuck behind the bus, sometimes making dangerous manoeuvres causing you to have to brake hard and then getting a bad score on the on-bus telematics linked to your name, only to then be in front of you for the next few miles ultimately achieving nothing. Buses that leak in rain, buses that get boiling in summer and freezing draughty in winter, and being made to feel extremely uncomfortable if you dare to complain. But it does also have positives - on a good day you'll meet friendly people, maybe be able to help people with their days, possibly get a nice duty with a decent length break for a nice lunch break walk or mooch around town.

If travelling is your thing, after a time driving buses and passing the age of 21, you may then get the opportunity to join a coach company and undertake tour work on the continent. Even just doing some UK coach work will see you visit lots of attractions, often getting free entry and sometimes discounted food/drink. Coaching work does tend to pay less though, and you will be responsible for looking after the group while away such as problems with the hotel, cleaning the coach and its toilet, etc etc. The downside is this can see you spending a lot of time away from home and family, but if doing this while young before you have such commitments then it can actually be quite good. Bus work you'll generally know much further in advance what sort of shifts you'll be working, where as coach work you may not even know what days off you'll have next week until possibly Friday. Again, things vary between operators.

After that waffle though, to summarise I'd say the job has both positives and negatives, but these are very much open to different people's interpretations. If you become a bus driver at 18 and find you don't like it longer term, you will at least have work experience to put on your CV when applying for other things and a proven track record. It is worth bearing in mind that it's not typically a weekday 9-5 job, with long hours, and as such your social life will be impacted when you're possibly working 2/3 Saturdays a month. But it can also be an enjoyable job if you go into it knowing and expecting what comes with it, because you are passionate about it.

 

[Vespa]

Have you considered a bus mechanic apprentice, more money, transferable skills ?

It's another way into the bus industry if that's what you want to get into, there's more into it than being a bus driver, at 15 you won't be able to drive a bus until you're 18, it would give you the opportunity to understand the business before driving professionally.

My sister in law started out driving buses and decided to swap to bus mechanic, a work colleague used to drive vans then swapped it for buses (Stagecoach) and enjoyed it, try both and decide which keeps you satisfied and stimulated, you're likely to be working with either Arriva or Stagecoach as they're the main players in the business, there are some independents, their terms and conditions may vary.

If you mention the mechanic side of the business with transferable skills, it may sell to your parents.

Good luck.

 

[Stan Drews]

If you have an interest in the bus industry, it might be useful to get a non driving job with a local operator (perhaps one of the smaller ones, depending on where you live), which would help to give you a real life perspective of what to expect. Initially it could be eves/weekends/holidays.
There are many senior managers in the industry that began their careers as a driver, so progression is certainly available if you have the enthusiasm and can demonstrate the ability!
As others have said, try and gain the best qualifications you can from school, as you never know when they might come in handy.

 

[Hophead]

I can't speak about the bus industry, nor journalism, for that matter. However, I'd suggest that the latter may not quite be all you expect. Many young people working in the media on local-ish publications seem to mostly just rehash press releases regarding whatever may be semi-relevant that day, or trawl social media for free commentary on some local story. Both of these seem absolutely ripe for replacement by AI before too long. Working conditions in national publications don't seem especially pleasant either, if Private Eye is to be believed!

If you like a bit of writing and have an interest in buses, then something in communications, such as marketing or publicity for a bus company (and a smaller outfit may be glad of a literate driver who can assist in the office), or maybe writing for the trade press may combine your interests?

 

[NorwichRailFan]

Thanks for all your replys.

 

[Simon75]

In addition you may have travel a distance from your home to the depot/outstation, depending where it is.
Sometimes with the big operatiors, there maybe the option to loan you out to another depot.
Downside is having to learn that depots routes

 

[ComUtoR]

Differing perspectives from me..

As a Parent. First and foremost; I'd support my children and offer guidance. My Son gets a decent wage but insists upon trying to follow a "dead end" career. My job as a parent is to support him in what he wants to do and give him the best options and guidance to succeed. Its weird for parents and a lot of what we want for our children is based on what status we expect. However, I'd be proud of my kiddywinkles, no matter what career they choose. Based on 'status' among my friendship group. I'm a 'Train Driver' not a great job status wise and wearing a HVV to work puts you in a certain category. Based on 'earnings' I'm pretty well sorted

Academia isn't the be all and end all. I get paid a very good wage for what I do. It isn't an academic job at all. Putting on my parent hat. My Daughter wants to go into a non academic role. I've always taught her that there is so much beyond academic life and so many careers out there that are far beyond what the school system and traditional roles push you into.

My personal perspective is biased. My best friend was a Bus Driver for many years and his experience had too many negatives for me that I would never recommend it. However, my professional hat is very different. As a Bus Driver, you are in an industry where you have both lateral movement and you can always climb the greasy pole when moving upwards. My Son worked in a warehouse but he had access to an entire distribution industry. Working in the Transport industry must offer numerous avenues and career options. Getting a PCV licence could easily lead elsewhere.

As a Bus Driver; depending on location. You are looking at £30k+ That's generally considered to be a 'decent wage'. Is this about money or passion ?

 

[Egg Centric]

I am expecting to be a first time father in November and would massively discourage it for the blatantly obvious reasons it's going to be neither a career for life nor reasonably paid nor decent working conditions. I don't think it needs any more elaboration than that, they are obvious.

If they had an obsessive interest in buses I would encourage them into exploring other jobs that allowed them to apply that interest, such as starting a long distance coach company in Africa or so on.

OTOH I just read your OP - I wouldn't go into journalism either (in fact doing a full 3 year journalism course at university is probably an even worse idea than becoming a bus driver, essentially setting yourself up for a "graduate tax" for a few decades for a piece of paper employers will laugh at). Do something STEM please, if you have the aptitude for it. Money gives you options. You don't need to decide on your career at this point in life, just put yourself in a position to earn a decent wedge when you do decide.

You sound like you have the classical 'poverty of low expectations'. Set yourself up with the goal of getting yourself accepted into Oxbridge by the time you're done with sixth form. It may not be realistic, but for god's sake crazy ambitions are better than none. If academia clearly isn't an option - but you write fluently so I am skeptical of that - then do an apprenticeship but somewhere you have a chance to shine. Please don't accept career stasis until you're old enough (at least 27 at a guess) to know for sure that's what you want.

 

[Andy Pacer]

I am expecting to be a first time father in November and would massively discourage it for the blatantly obvious reasons it's going to be neither a career for life nor reasonably paid nor decent working conditions. I don't think it needs any more elaboration than that, they are obvious.

Why is it obviously not a career for life? Nor reasonably paid for that matter? Do you have industry experience?

For context, me (15) and my mum have been in an argument about my future career. I really want to become a bus driver, however she is set against it saying it is a dead end career and saying 'if it is a good career why do bus drivers look miserable all the time?' She wants me to go a more academic route (Journalism specifically because I expressed a mild interest in at about a year ago) but I don't feel like it is for me. I would like to ask all current and former bus drivers what the positives and negatives of the job and whether you would recommend it to someone like me. Thanks.

I'll give my opinion for what it's worth. I had a similar conundrum in my mid teens about whether to become a bus driver which I'd always wanted to do vs aim for University and then whatever afterwards.

I committed to do as well as possible at my GCSEs and onto A Levels which I did reasonably OK at. I then became a bus driver at 18 and have worked in the industry for over 20 years since.

The upside to this was I was earning good money at 18 and upwards, I'm now a home owner, comfortable financially and take many holidays/short breaks each year.

Even though I didn't go to university I'm now a manager in one of the "big groups" earning what I consider to be a good salary, job security and within an industry I have an interest. There's nothing to say that just because I'd gone to University and accrued a load of debt I'd be in a better situation both work wise and domestically than I am without it.

It's all food for thought and it's great you're asking, the previous replies are interesting as some are clearly based on opinion of the industry rather than facts or experience but they are still valid thoughts.

I think my main point is it doesn't have to be a dead end job, I took some "insurance" of further education qualifications but went out to wotk at 18 to this "dead end job" and have done pretty well.

 

[burns20]

I always wanted to be a bus driver growing up like my grandfather. My parents encouraged me to go into the forces or go to University.

I went to the University of Huddersfield to study Transport and Logistics Management and went into Commercial Department Roles at Stagecoach before doing my test and becoming a Bus Driver!

Now working as an Assistant Operations Manager for a family firm which offers a mix of office work plus bus and coach driving, never been happier.


Daniel King
Assistant Operations Manager
Lloyds Coaches

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

She wants me to go a more academic route (Journalism specifically because I expressed a mild interest in at about a year ago) but I don't feel like it is for me.

You're welcome to PM me if you want more information on that. I'll gladly tell you all you need to know.

I'd personally never turn away from academia as it's often a fantastic back up should you change your mind. I very nearly didn't go to uni so that I could run off with British Airways as cabin crew. Later, particularly as my passion for journalism grew, I decided it best to get my degree so that I'd have it - knowing I could always continue as a free lance voice artist or join BA after - and now I'm so grateful that I did as I really don't consider cabin crew a fitting career for me anymore.

You sound like you have the classical 'poverty of low expectations'. Set yourself up with the goal of getting yourself accepted into Oxbridge by the time you're done with sixth form. It may not be realistic, but for god's sake crazy ambitions are better than none. If academia clearly isn't an option - but you write fluently so I am skeptical of that - then do an apprenticeship but somewhere you have a chance to shine. Please don't accept career stasis until you're old enough (at least 27 at a guess) to know for sure that's what you want.

I agree with this wholeheartedly.

I wouldn't go into journalism either (in fact doing a full 3 year journalism course at university is probably an even worse idea than becoming a bus driver, essentially setting yourself up for a "graduate tax" for a few decades for a piece of paper employers will laugh at).

But 100% not this. Since commencing undergraduate studies at both Cardiff University and University of Sydney, this has enabled me to become a newsreader and then news editor at a South Wales radio station, and columnist and features editor of a national tabloid. Several of my friends from older years recently accepted jobs at the BBC, GB News and The Independent, and indeed I myself only declined an offer to study at BBC Cymru so that I could study in Australia. One of our external professors at Cardiff is actually Huw Edwards, who presents BBC News at Ten and did the same degree there himself.

Don't knock what we do, because a journalism degree from a good Russell Group uni (Cardiff and Sheffield are regularly voted the best for Journalism) combined with a passionate drive to succeed in the industry can get you to good places. Think what you want of the BBC, but I certainly don't consider working for them to be something other employers would "laugh at."

As I say, the OP is welcome to message me should he want to know more information.

 

[Contains Nuts]

I always wanted to be a bus driver growing up like my grandfather. My parents encouraged me to go into the forces or go to University.

I went to the University of Huddersfield to study Transport and Logistics Management and went into Commercial Department Roles at Stagecoach before doing my test and becoming a Bus Driver!

Now working as an Assistant Operations Manager for a family firm which offers a mix of office work plus bus and coach driving, never been happier.


Daniel King
Assistant Operations Manager
Lloyds Coaches

I agree with Daniel. There are several decent transport-related courses at universities across the UK, and larger operators even offer graduate trainee programmes which are a good way into the industry.

Even if you can get into an office job without becoming a driver I recommend getting your bus licence anyway as drivers are more likely to listen to you and respect you if you can do their job too.

I agree with several other comments that it can be a difficult job, but it’s very much how you approach it that decides whether you would enjoy it or not, and it depends on the area you are working in. Driving a double decker in a big city can be good money but is hard work and you get your fair share of unpleasant passengers, whereas driving an Optare Solo in the Scottish Highlands is less money but considerably more enjoyable, and probably more like a day out than a day at work. It all really depends on your definition of “living the dream!”

 

[Andy Pacer]

I agree with Daniel. There are several decent transport-related courses at universities across the UK, and larger operators even offer graduate trainee programmes which are a good way into the industry.

Even if you can get into an office job without becoming a driver I recommend getting your bus licence anyway as drivers are more likely to listen to you and respect you if you can do their job too.

I agree with several other comments that it can be a difficult job, but it’s very much how you approach it that decides whether you would enjoy it or not, and it depends on the area you are working in. Driving a double decker in a big city can be good money but is hard work and you get your fair share of unpleasant passengers, whereas driving an Optare Solo in the Scottish Highlands is less money but considerably more enjoyable, and probably more like a day out than a day at work. It all really depends on your definition of “living the dream!”

Absolutely agree on these points. The only caveat I would throw in is that it's possible to get a good managerial role without a university degree, particularly if you're willing to enter the industry as a driver which the OP was implying.

Definitely agree on doing the driving even if in an office/managerial role. It certainly helps me with Trade Union relations that they see me out driving some early mornings and weekends.

 

[Ken H]

15 is young. I was aiming at a completely different career until I was in my mid 20s, then had a sudden change of direction into another job. A job I am still doing even though I am over state pension age and don't really want to stop doing. That's how you get a guy with a geography and sociology degree developing financial software!

 

[Egg Centric]

Why is it obviously not a career for life? Nor reasonably paid for that matter? Do you have industry experience?

Because the OP is 15. It is highly unlikely when he is 65 that (in the UK) we will have an appreciable number of human bus drivers; tentative experiments with self driving taxis already exist and it's obvious where the direction of travel is. I don't need industry experience to look up bus driver salaries.

If he wants to go into the transport industry that is another matter. The question as posed was strictly about becoming a bus driver.

But 100% not this. Since commencing undergraduate studies at both Cardiff University and University of Sydney, this has enabled me to become a newsreader and then news editor at a South Wales radio station, and columnist and features editor of a national tabloid. Several of my friends from older years recently accepted jobs at the BBC, GB News and The Independent, and indeed I myself only declined an offer to study at BBC Cymru so that I could study in Australia. One of our external professors at Cardiff is actually Huw Edwards, who presents BBC News at Ten and did the same degree there himself.

Don't knock what we do, because a journalism degree from a good Russell Group uni (Cardiff and Sheffield are regularly voted the best for Journalism) combined with a passionate drive to succeed in the industry can get you to good places. Think what you want of the BBC, but I certainly don't consider working for them to be something other employers would "laugh at."

There will be high flyers in any industry. What happens to the median journalism graduate?

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Because the OP is 15. It is highly unlikely when he is 65 that (in the UK) we will have an appreciable number of human bus drivers; tentative experiments with self driving taxis already exist and it's obvious where the direction of travel is. I don't need industry experience to look up bus driver salaries.

If he wants to go into the transport industry that is another matter. The question as posed was strictly about becoming a bus driver.



There will be high flyers in any industry. What happens to the median journalism graduate?

I’d be interested to know what your field is.

 

[Andy Pacer]

Because the OP is 15. It is highly unlikely when he is 65 that (in the UK) we will have an appreciable number of human bus drivers; tentative experiments with self driving taxis already exist and it's obvious where the direction of travel is. I don't need industry experience to look up bus driver salaries.

If he wants to go into the transport industry that is another matter. The question as posed was strictly about becoming a bus driver.

Fair point, although I do stand by the point that a salary of around £30k per year without much overtime isn't bad (and I guess that's a median figure, south / London would probably be more than that).

 

[Bletchleyite]

Because the OP is 15. It is highly unlikely when he is 65 that (in the UK) we will have an appreciable number of human bus drivers; tentative experiments with self driving taxis already exist and it's obvious where the direction of travel is. I don't need industry experience to look up bus driver salaries.

If he wants to go into the transport industry that is another matter. The question as posed was strictly about becoming a bus driver.

You don't have to have a career for life.

The idea of a young person being a bus driver from say 18 to 20 or 21 then going to uni as a mature student has a lot going for it. They'll gain more from uni being more grown-up, they'll have some money behind them, and they'll have a trade to ply part-time while studying to bring in some extra funds. Or they might drift a different way, e.g. into bus management which will still be needed even if the buses drive themselves.

Seems a great idea to me.

 

[Andy Pacer]

You don't have to have a career for life.

The idea of a young person being a bus driver from say 18 to 20 or 21 then going to uni as a mature student has a lot going for it. They'll gain more from uni being more grown-up, they'll have some money behind them, and they'll have a trade to ply part-time while studying to bring in some extra funds.

Seems a great idea to me.

That's really what I was getting at. Going into the world of work at 18 was great for me, and I had by GCSEs and A Levels as a back up should the bubble burst!

 

[Bletchleyite]

That's really what I was getting at. Going into the world of work at 18 was great for me, and I had by GCSEs and A Levels as a back up should the bubble burst!

In some ways I wish I had. I'm "young for my year" and was very immature when I started uni, settling in would have been easier if I'd taken a gap year or two to work. It's not been a major issue of course, but it's something I'd definitely consider if it was possible to do it all again!

 

[Egg Centric]

I’d be interested to know what your field is.

Tech (and yes we are vulnerable to AI as well - but the difference is it can also be turned to our advantage)

Fair point, although I do stand by the point that a salary of around £30k per year without much overtime isn't bad (and I guess that's a median figure, south / London would probably be more than that).

5 years ago I'd have agreed. Since then lower wages have increased quite considerably (along of course with the cost of living). Minimum wage is about £22k per annum.

You don't have to have a career for life.

The idea of a young person being a bus driver from say 18 to 20 or 21 then going to uni as a mature student has a lot going for it. They'll gain more from uni being more grown-up, they'll have some money behind them, and they'll have a trade to ply part-time while studying to bring in some extra funds. Or they might drift a different way, e.g. into bus management which will still be needed even if the buses drive themselves.

Seems a great idea to me.

This could work, but don't overlook the social experience of being at university at the same age as everyone else and the challenges of going "back to school" after a few years of full time work. It would probably be easier to get laid though

Nothing stopping OP from best of both worlds - uni with being a part time driver, although I'm unsure if this is practicable.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I feel like it also must be said that the OP should do something because he wants to do it, not because his mother wants him to do it. Very important.

 

[Christophe]

I'm not a bus driver, though your situation is strikingly similar to my own when I was your age. For as long as I could remember, all I'd wanted to do when I grew up was be a bus driver. "You don't want to do that...." was all I was ever told from parents, teachers & careers advisors.

So I didn't. And I've regretted it ever since. By most peoples standards, I've got a great job now. But for me, I hate it. Totally not what I want to be doing with my life. The 'what if' will always be there, and at some point will get you. Realistically, chances are you're going to be working until you're knocking on 70 years old. You need to get 'something' out of what you do for a living imo.

My eldest son is similar age to you and will start his GCSE year in September. My approach to him is encouragement and support in his career ideas, even if I personally think some of them are mad!

I think Brian Souter pinched it off someone else, but I remember reading an article in which he was asked about careers. "That's easy" he said. "Work out what your passion is. And then find someone to pay you to do it"

 

[Bletchleyite]

So I didn't. And I've regretted it ever since. By most peoples standards, I've got a great job now. But for me, I hate it. Totally not what I want to be doing with my life. The 'what if' will always be there, and at some point will get you. Realistically, chances are you're going to be working until you're knocking on 70 years old. You need to get 'something' out of what you do for a living imo.

In which case why not, er, become a bus driver? (I actually see coach driving, though I don't want to do city bus as it's too stressful, as something I'd quite fancy as a "step down" type job assuming I'd fulfil the health requirements by the time I've paid my mortgage off).

Assuming you're not disqualified through health and can actually do the driving bit, it's quite easy to get into because there's always a shortage.

I feel like it also must be said that the OP should do something because he wants to do it, not because his mother wants him to do it. Very important.

A million times this.

Tech (and yes we are vulnerable to AI as well - but the difference is it can also be turned to our advantage)

The biggest threat automation and AI pose, and always have posed, are to "low-end" jobs.

Yes, GPT can write JavaScript. It isn't however going to necessarily write *good* JavaScript, nor deal with the situation where the customer doesn't really know what they want. That's where high-value consulting comes in (in IT).

IT has killed a load of jobs but also created a whole industry that simply didn't exist 60 years ago.

Nothing stopping OP from best of both worlds - uni with being a part time driver, although I'm unsure if this is practicable.

It might be easier to do it full time for a few years first to get the training paid for. I doubt a bus company would pay for the training for someone wanting to e.g. do 2 evenings a week and every other Sunday.