Thinking of career change to HGV Class1 driver

[Mikebentley]

Due to current restructuring at work and the offer of up to 22 months redundancy pay I am considering training as a Class 1 HGV driver. I am 46 years old and earn around £32000 p.a. I was wondering if any of you out there have any knowledge of this Industry, good or bad. Any advice would be helpful as I am currently a Senior uniformed public servant with 17 years service and this would be quite a change for me. thanks Mike

[Mikebentley]

Thanks for all your feedback/advice so far. I never thought that I would be in this position after 17 years working in some of England's toughest prisons, 14 of which as a Senior Officer, but I suppose that's just the way it is. I now with two kids under 8 need to consider my options, they have taken away my pension which was worth sticking it out for so If I am to keep ahead I now need a viable new career for the next 15 years. I already work stupid hours eg 07:15 to 21:15 with a 45 minute commute either end or this weeks 7 nights of 12 hours plus the commute so early starts late finishes and nights don't bother me much. Again thanks for the links and advice. Mike

[Mikebentley]

Thanks for the replies, NorfolkInClue I appreciate yours as it does give some balance. I'm in Worcestershire and currently commute 2 hrs a day, sometimes for a poxy 4 hr shift! The plan would be to get my foot in the door and then work my way up to the better jobs/pay by proving myself. I would also consider possibly leasing my own vehicle further down the line and going self employed dependant on how well I do. I can afford to not earn what I earn now initially but believe I have the skills to stand out for the right reasons. I know my job/employer has gone to the dogs over the last 4 years and feel that the haulage industry would be new to me and so I will be less bothered by what it was like and therefore make the best of the opportunity. PS I am not a romantic who thinks it will be like "Convoy" but am a realist. I do however love to be on the road even if I'm not moving.