Careers in driving can be popular for a number of reasons. You generally get to work for yourself, have the opportunity to meet new people, and can make a relatively good income. But what are the disadvantages behind this? And is getting behind the wheel going to be the right career choice for you?

Below, we are going to be talking about four popular driving jobs and explain the pros and cons of each. Let’s get started!

Bus Driver

Bus drivers are tasked with transporting people from one place to another. This could be locally through town or across states and countries. Some drive regular routes, while others may take on private tours.

Pros:

• Depending on what type of bus you are driving, you may be able to enjoy shorter working hours.
• You work completely independently when out on the road.
• It is more social than other driving jobs, as you can chat with passengers.

Cons:

• Most schedules are irregular and can change last minute. You may also have to work weekends and on holidays.
• Driving under extreme conditions and during rush hour can be stressful and overwhelming.
• You are responsible for keeping your passengers safe, including small children.

Truck Driver

Truck drivers transport goods and materials over both long and short distances. Alongside delivering the loads, they have to communicate with their dispatcher and frequently check their cargo status.

Pros:

• This job is always in high demand, and you will always be able to find work.
• There is high-entry level pay, and this will improve over time.
• You often travel between many states and get to explore new destinations.

Cons:

• Truck accidents can be very dangerous and maneuvering such heavy vehicles can be stressful.
• Relationships can be impacted, as you may be away for weeks at a time.
• Driving for such long distances can get boring, and you need to have a great deal of patience.

Courier Driver

Courier drivers transport goods and parcels, but unlike truck drivers, they run on a smaller scale. They drive a van and make deliveries to both businesses and customer houses.

Pros:

• Most companies offer flexible hours, allowing you to start and finish early.
• It’s an excellent job for people that like hands-on work. You don’t have to worry about sitting behind a desk all day.

Cons:

• You may face fussy customers that complain about their parcel delivery, even if it is not your fault.
• If you run your own business, there are many hidden costs, such as vehicle maintenance and fuel expenses.

Taxi Driver

The role of a taxi driver is to transport passengers to their chosen destination. They charge a fare depending on the length of the ride.

Pros:

• Can be considered a flexible job, especially when working for yourself with a company like Uber or Lyft.
• It is highly sociable, and you get to meet new and exciting people daily.

Cons:

• Some customers can be rude and stressful to deal with. You may even get ones that try and run without paying.
• While you do earn tips, hourly pay can be quite low. This can lead to unpredictable earnings.
• Most profitable hours can be during the night, depending on where you reside.