Discussion
I'm in a bit of a rut and not sure what to do.
For the last ten years I've wanted to join the police. Eight years ago I joined the Specials and I love it. Due to recruitment freezes and other personal matters I didn't apply until 2015 (maybe 2016) as a PC. Sadly I've failed twice at my assessment centre. I've got one more in May (I appealed my last one, and I get to resit it).
Meanwhile I've been at Tesco since 2007. It was only ever going to be a part time job before uni (that never happened). I'm a delivery driver mainly there. I hate it. It's the same thing day in day out. I count down the hours until I can go home. I spend most my time wishing my life away.
I need a change. However I can't find anything that interests me. I'm looking on job sites daily. Its the same thing. Care work, call centres or retail (which I want to get out of). I look after my disabled brother and if I'm honest I wouldn't want to do it for anyone else (I did do it a few years ago, and whilst I enjoyed some of it, most the time it was very hard work for crap money).
Next problem is I only have some basic GCSEs (maths and English included and some college degree in media. I see some jobs that want degrees as a minimum (at the moment I'm not in a position to go to uni).
Its really a thread to see if anyone can suggest some jobs that may be worth looking into. I have ten plus years experience in customer service, plus eight years within the police so a fair few skills between the two jobs. Any suggestions/advice would be great .
For the last ten years I've wanted to join the police. Eight years ago I joined the Specials and I love it. Due to recruitment freezes and other personal matters I didn't apply until 2015 (maybe 2016) as a PC. Sadly I've failed twice at my assessment centre. I've got one more in May (I appealed my last one, and I get to resit it).
Meanwhile I've been at Tesco since 2007. It was only ever going to be a part time job before uni (that never happened). I'm a delivery driver mainly there. I hate it. It's the same thing day in day out. I count down the hours until I can go home. I spend most my time wishing my life away.
I need a change. However I can't find anything that interests me. I'm looking on job sites daily. Its the same thing. Care work, call centres or retail (which I want to get out of). I look after my disabled brother and if I'm honest I wouldn't want to do it for anyone else (I did do it a few years ago, and whilst I enjoyed some of it, most the time it was very hard work for crap money).
Next problem is I only have some basic GCSEs (maths and English included and some college degree in media. I see some jobs that want degrees as a minimum (at the moment I'm not in a position to go to uni).
Its really a thread to see if anyone can suggest some jobs that may be worth looking into. I have ten plus years experience in customer service, plus eight years within the police so a fair few skills between the two jobs. Any suggestions/advice would be great .
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I got the paperwork late before hand, so didn't have the full amount of time to prepare for it. Plus its the worst thing I've ever had to do. Not like real life at all with the role plays. I've paid to do a course to hopefully help with it, as although I want to be a PC its getting to that stage in life were I need to start looking at other careers (and stay as a Special).
Why are you not in a position to go to uni?
The bulk of career prospects are going to be going down that route unless you are keen to start your own business, go into doing a trade, army/navy etc or something more commercial like the merchant navy but that will obviously require some training elsewhere.
The bulk of career prospects are going to be going down that route unless you are keen to start your own business, go into doing a trade, army/navy etc or something more commercial like the merchant navy but that will obviously require some training elsewhere.
DoubleTime said:
Why are you not in a position to go to uni?
The bulk of career prospects are going to be going down that route unless you are keen to start your own business, go into doing a trade, army/navy etc or something more commercial like the merchant navy but that will obviously require some training elsewhere.
I've yet to find a course that interests me. Plus I have dyslexia and struggled all through school with most things so the idea of doing more isn't that appealing. The bulk of career prospects are going to be going down that route unless you are keen to start your own business, go into doing a trade, army/navy etc or something more commercial like the merchant navy but that will obviously require some training elsewhere.
I did look at the army a few years ago. Lost six stone, retook my English GCSE, took my BARB test and scored enough for what I wanted...but failed the medical due to having dodgy kidneys.
Happy to pay for courses...might look at the merchant navy on lunch.
This.
You need a plan. Without a plan you’ll be in the same position in 5 years.
The plan doesn’t need to conquer the world, it just needs to describe the realistic steps towards your realistic goal.
Good luck with the Police; if that goes well then you’re sorted.
If it doesn’t, what’s your next ideal realistic career? Identify that then the plan to get there becomes much easier.
Good luck!
You need a plan. Without a plan you’ll be in the same position in 5 years.
The plan doesn’t need to conquer the world, it just needs to describe the realistic steps towards your realistic goal.
Good luck with the Police; if that goes well then you’re sorted.
If it doesn’t, what’s your next ideal realistic career? Identify that then the plan to get there becomes much easier.
Good luck!
LosingGrip said:
I've yet to find a course that interests me. Plus I have dyslexia and struggled all through school with most things so the idea of doing more isn't that appealing
Universities are much, much better than schools at supporting things like dyslexia, plus they have the funds to help (and the SU will be supportive).Plenty of people with all severities of dyspraxia, dyslexia, autism, etc (or severe physical handicaps) have successfully passed degrees, post docs and doctorates.
If you don't believe me, google "dyslexia support" and any University. Or go on an open day and chat to a few people. No cost involved.
Absolutely Vaud.
I did terrible in School, and I do mean terrible. I don't think I finished with anything worthy at all. Not so much thick, just lacked interest and fooled around too often.
Did various jobs after leaving at 15 then eventually decided to try an access course in uni. Then on to do a masters distance learning as my post grad whilst working which I actually enjoyed more than the undergrad.
It's all about mindset, discipline and determination.
I'm not saying uni will be for you OP, it isn't for everyone, but if there's one thing this forum is good for is calling a spade a spade.
Listen to the advice being given.
I did terrible in School, and I do mean terrible. I don't think I finished with anything worthy at all. Not so much thick, just lacked interest and fooled around too often.
Did various jobs after leaving at 15 then eventually decided to try an access course in uni. Then on to do a masters distance learning as my post grad whilst working which I actually enjoyed more than the undergrad.
It's all about mindset, discipline and determination.
I'm not saying uni will be for you OP, it isn't for everyone, but if there's one thing this forum is good for is calling a spade a spade.
Listen to the advice being given.
If you have put up with delivery driving for so long I assume you like driving at least?
Shortage of driving instructors in various areas, £28 per hour (minus fee's) and can train in your spare time over a couple of months. Extended theory / hazard perception test, extended driving test then the part 3 teaching test. Main wants are good customer services and enjoying what you do, nobody wants to sit and learn off somebody watching the clock!
Edit: Also worth adding, we currently have an ex army / police officer training with us, dare say 20% of our instructors have been army/police at some point
Shortage of driving instructors in various areas, £28 per hour (minus fee's) and can train in your spare time over a couple of months. Extended theory / hazard perception test, extended driving test then the part 3 teaching test. Main wants are good customer services and enjoying what you do, nobody wants to sit and learn off somebody watching the clock!
Edit: Also worth adding, we currently have an ex army / police officer training with us, dare say 20% of our instructors have been army/police at some point
OP - you currently work for one of the largest single employers in the UK. Many people in that business have progressed from roles like yours to something more stimulating and rewarding. If you are prepared, passionate and determined, searching in you own back yard could be the answer!
G
G
If you like being outdoors / in a team / not caring if people are stuck waiting for a train & late to work then can i suggest;
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/
I have a friend who works for them and now owns 2 houses (no wife/gf/kids & very frugal with cash) with overtime was earning £40k plus.
He spent a fair wodge of time in a hut watching films on netflix. USed to be on the tracks and now works in an office (he much preferred being outside but career progression stopped that!)
Loads of opportunities if you arent wanting desk style employment.
(Train drivers also get £££ but my god that must be dull)
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/
I have a friend who works for them and now owns 2 houses (no wife/gf/kids & very frugal with cash) with overtime was earning £40k plus.
He spent a fair wodge of time in a hut watching films on netflix. USed to be on the tracks and now works in an office (he much preferred being outside but career progression stopped that!)
Loads of opportunities if you arent wanting desk style employment.
(Train drivers also get £££ but my god that must be dull)
strain said:
If you have put up with delivery driving for so long I assume you like driving at least?
Shortage of driving instructors in various areas, £28 per hour (minus fee's) and can train in your spare time over a couple of months. Extended theory / hazard perception test, extended driving test then the part 3 teaching test. Main wants are good customer services and enjoying what you do, nobody wants to sit and learn off somebody watching the clock!
Edit: Also worth adding, we currently have an ex army / police officer training with us, dare say 20% of our instructors have been army/police at some point
I keep looking at driving instructors...I love driving. I've recently passed my police response course and it was honestly the best thing I've done training wise. Hugely passionate about driving and road safety in general so will look into this a bit more (I'm assuming you are one? If you have any advice that would be greatly appreciated). Shortage of driving instructors in various areas, £28 per hour (minus fee's) and can train in your spare time over a couple of months. Extended theory / hazard perception test, extended driving test then the part 3 teaching test. Main wants are good customer services and enjoying what you do, nobody wants to sit and learn off somebody watching the clock!
Edit: Also worth adding, we currently have an ex army / police officer training with us, dare say 20% of our instructors have been army/police at some point
Gio G said:
OP - you currently work for one of the largest single employers in the UK. Many people in that business have progressed from roles like yours to something more stimulating and rewarding. If you are prepared, passionate and determined, searching in you own back yard could be the answer!
G
I keep looking at other jobs within Tesco. Five years is the longest I've been in one department so think thats something to do with it. I used to love this role, now its just the same thing. Trouble is I've done most things at store level (other than manager roles, did do a bit of team leader when they had that position but didn't fit in). G
iwantagta said:
If you like being outdoors / in a team / not caring if people are stuck waiting for a train & late to work then can i suggest;
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/
I have a friend who works for them and now owns 2 houses (no wife/gf/kids & very frugal with cash) with overtime was earning £40k plus.
He spent a fair wodge of time in a hut watching films on netflix. USed to be on the tracks and now works in an office (he much preferred being outside but career progression stopped that!)
Loads of opportunities if you arent wanting desk style employment.
(Train drivers also get £££ but my god that must be dull)
I saw a thread about network rail and had a look...they didn't have any jobs locally at the time, but do keep looking from time to time.https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/
I have a friend who works for them and now owns 2 houses (no wife/gf/kids & very frugal with cash) with overtime was earning £40k plus.
He spent a fair wodge of time in a hut watching films on netflix. USed to be on the tracks and now works in an office (he much preferred being outside but career progression stopped that!)
Loads of opportunities if you arent wanting desk style employment.
(Train drivers also get £££ but my god that must be dull)
Well done!
I’ve looked into it before, looks pretty rewarding but you’ll need a lot of clients to make it financially worth it is the advice I had.
Alternatively I can recommend the motor trade. I’m a main dealer service advisor. I have a similar background to you. I thoroughly enjoy it now I’m in the right dealership! Although I suspect you may earn more as a driving instructor. My take home averages about £1500 monthly, which is plenty for me. Long term plan is to work myself up to management level in the company I work for.
I’ve looked into it before, looks pretty rewarding but you’ll need a lot of clients to make it financially worth it is the advice I had.
Alternatively I can recommend the motor trade. I’m a main dealer service advisor. I have a similar background to you. I thoroughly enjoy it now I’m in the right dealership! Although I suspect you may earn more as a driving instructor. My take home averages about £1500 monthly, which is plenty for me. Long term plan is to work myself up to management level in the company I work for.
sparks_E39 said:
Well done!
I’ve looked into it before, looks pretty rewarding but you’ll need a lot of clients to make it financially worth it is the advice I had.
Alternatively I can recommend the motor trade. I’m a main dealer service advisor. I have a similar background to you. I thoroughly enjoy it now I’m in the right dealership! Although I suspect you may earn more as a driving instructor. My take home averages about £1500 monthly, which is plenty for me. Long term plan is to work myself up to management level in the company I work for.
I've spoken to a independent franchise (not Red, AA/BSM etc), someone I used to work with at Tesco left to go there full time (he used to do Tesco and driving instructing). He's also been highly recommended from a Facebook page I've been recommended to join. A 40 hour week (which he can provide if I want it) will see a take home of around £1,600 a month after tax/fees/fuel. I'm not expecting that from the start though. I’ve looked into it before, looks pretty rewarding but you’ll need a lot of clients to make it financially worth it is the advice I had.
Alternatively I can recommend the motor trade. I’m a main dealer service advisor. I have a similar background to you. I thoroughly enjoy it now I’m in the right dealership! Although I suspect you may earn more as a driving instructor. My take home averages about £1500 monthly, which is plenty for me. Long term plan is to work myself up to management level in the company I work for.
I'll have to hand my PH membership in...but I really know nothing about cars to work in a dealership! I can drive and thats it ha.
Bus driving? You get trained up to drive a bus, and as they say, it takes a certain type of person to be able to be a bus driver.
I was a Home Shopping Delivery Driver for Asda for nearly 5 years until I became a bus driver in October 2016, best job I've ever had, but working for a good company and having a decent rota helps.
Potentially something worth looking into if you're customer focused too, as I am, doing customer facing jobs since I left school (27 now).
And even if you don't like it, you've got a licence to take away with you that means you'll never be out of a fairly well paid job if you ever wanted one.
Just a thought.
I was a Home Shopping Delivery Driver for Asda for nearly 5 years until I became a bus driver in October 2016, best job I've ever had, but working for a good company and having a decent rota helps.
Potentially something worth looking into if you're customer focused too, as I am, doing customer facing jobs since I left school (27 now).
And even if you don't like it, you've got a licence to take away with you that means you'll never be out of a fairly well paid job if you ever wanted one.
Just a thought.
wazztie16 said:
Bus driving? You get trained up to drive a bus, and as they say, it takes a certain type of person to be able to be a bus driver.
I was a Home Shopping Delivery Driver for Asda for nearly 5 years until I became a bus driver in October 2016, best job I've ever had, but working for a good company and having a decent rota helps.
Potentially something worth looking into if you're customer focused too, as I am, doing customer facing jobs since I left school (27 now).
And even if you don't like it, you've got a licence to take away with you that means you'll never be out of a fairly well paid job if you ever wanted one.
Just a thought.
It’s a good shout. Pay is pretty decent at circa £10 per hour. I was a Home Shopping Delivery Driver for Asda for nearly 5 years until I became a bus driver in October 2016, best job I've ever had, but working for a good company and having a decent rota helps.
Potentially something worth looking into if you're customer focused too, as I am, doing customer facing jobs since I left school (27 now).
And even if you don't like it, you've got a licence to take away with you that means you'll never be out of a fairly well paid job if you ever wanted one.
Just a thought.
sparks_E39 said:
It’s a good shout. Pay is pretty decent at circa £10 per hour.
Less than what I'm on now. Just ordered my books for part one...almost £60 later. Thankfully I had a couple of them already!
Need to wait until pay day to do my DBS check...they certainly don't make it easy to do...need all sorts of ID. Can I find any of it? Can I fk...
I've also got some training for part two. The bloke I've spoken to on the phone doesn't think I'll have too many issues with this part as I've recently completed three weeks training with the police.
All rather exciting.
OP a word of caution about the driving instruction job
I have been doing it for nearly two years now so let me offer my honest advice an opinion.
Pros:
Self employment - Choose your own hours
Very rewarding, especially with people passing, it's not just them that passes, it's a part of you as well.
Good money can be made if you put loads of hours in.
No boss to answer to.
You will become a much better/safer driver than most of the population
Cons:
Self employment - You have to fund your own holidays and pension etc.
Fixing your hours can be hard, flexibility is required if you want to offer a good service
You have to arrange your time well, there's a lot of time you don't get paid for, time organising your diary, contacting customers, travelling to customers is all work you're not getting paid for, you may work 8 hours a day but you won't get paid for 8 hours.
Customers constantly trying to crash your car, think of anything that could possibly happen, it will happen.
It's a challenging job, you need to be calm in the most frustrating situations.
No guarantee you will qualify
You will hate other drivers
Advice:
Training can usually be done for £1500 but there will likely be hidden costs such as deposits, roof box costs, sticker costs, study materials, test costs etc. Budget for £2500-£3000
Make your running costs as low as possible, I started with a £3200 7 year old Micra (Auto), people honestly don't care what they learn in, I've spent the last 3 months using a 11 year old Chevrolet Lacetti (£1200) after my Micra was writen (not at fault). Again people don't give a st what they learn in so there's no point spending £10,000 over two years on a lease for a BMW with nothing at the end. I just bought a 6 year old Agila with only 30k on the clock for £3700.
There's nothing wrong with leasing, just don't go silly.
Fuel is your biggest cost by a country mile, my 1.2 Agila (Auto) costs about £100 a week (The Chevrolet 1.6 was £200!)
There's quite a decent demand for Automatic right now, it's much more relaxing to teach.
Personally I aim to do around 30 hours work a week which works out at about 40 actual time spent working, here's an idea of costs for your consideration.
30 hours x £22.50 average (it fluctuates with special deals etc.) = £675
- £80 Franchise fee
- £100 Fuel
- £20 Insurance
- £5 Tax
- £10 car care
- £25 Car maintenance
These are estimates for me, you may get a more efficient car or better insurance etc etc.
That leaves £435ish, I take away 25% for tax and NI (Normally more than enough to cover)
£330ish is left take home
When you work it out I'll actually earn about £11-£12 an hour before deductions, now if you put more hours in you can earn more per hour because many of your costs are fixed, Franchise fee, tax, insurance etc don't change.
If you don't mind you can do 40 paid hours (around 50-55 actual) a week and take home almost double
I hope this has been informative for you, if you'd like any info feel free to ask
I have been doing it for nearly two years now so let me offer my honest advice an opinion.
Pros:
Self employment - Choose your own hours
Very rewarding, especially with people passing, it's not just them that passes, it's a part of you as well.
Good money can be made if you put loads of hours in.
No boss to answer to.
You will become a much better/safer driver than most of the population
Cons:
Self employment - You have to fund your own holidays and pension etc.
Fixing your hours can be hard, flexibility is required if you want to offer a good service
You have to arrange your time well, there's a lot of time you don't get paid for, time organising your diary, contacting customers, travelling to customers is all work you're not getting paid for, you may work 8 hours a day but you won't get paid for 8 hours.
Customers constantly trying to crash your car, think of anything that could possibly happen, it will happen.
It's a challenging job, you need to be calm in the most frustrating situations.
No guarantee you will qualify
You will hate other drivers
Advice:
Training can usually be done for £1500 but there will likely be hidden costs such as deposits, roof box costs, sticker costs, study materials, test costs etc. Budget for £2500-£3000
Make your running costs as low as possible, I started with a £3200 7 year old Micra (Auto), people honestly don't care what they learn in, I've spent the last 3 months using a 11 year old Chevrolet Lacetti (£1200) after my Micra was writen (not at fault). Again people don't give a st what they learn in so there's no point spending £10,000 over two years on a lease for a BMW with nothing at the end. I just bought a 6 year old Agila with only 30k on the clock for £3700.
There's nothing wrong with leasing, just don't go silly.
Fuel is your biggest cost by a country mile, my 1.2 Agila (Auto) costs about £100 a week (The Chevrolet 1.6 was £200!)
There's quite a decent demand for Automatic right now, it's much more relaxing to teach.
Personally I aim to do around 30 hours work a week which works out at about 40 actual time spent working, here's an idea of costs for your consideration.
30 hours x £22.50 average (it fluctuates with special deals etc.) = £675
- £80 Franchise fee
- £100 Fuel
- £20 Insurance
- £5 Tax
- £10 car care
- £25 Car maintenance
These are estimates for me, you may get a more efficient car or better insurance etc etc.
That leaves £435ish, I take away 25% for tax and NI (Normally more than enough to cover)
£330ish is left take home
When you work it out I'll actually earn about £11-£12 an hour before deductions, now if you put more hours in you can earn more per hour because many of your costs are fixed, Franchise fee, tax, insurance etc don't change.
If you don't mind you can do 40 paid hours (around 50-55 actual) a week and take home almost double
I hope this has been informative for you, if you'd like any info feel free to ask
Edited by Valgar on Tuesday 20th February 23:01
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