(Big) Potential Career Change

[Jimbo999]

Hi all, this is my first time visiting.

I’m currently a Doctor working in the NHS and considering a big career change!! Much to my colleagues amusement, I’ve always wanted to be a train driver…

My colleagues have told me that I would be insane to leave medicine to pursue it.. but I currently really do not enjoy my job. I’m concerned that I’m thinking the grass is greener being a train driver.. being a childhood dream and all..

Ive got to a point now where I want to seriously look into pursuing it.. but obviously I’m quite apprehensive. If anybody has any advice (for or against pursuing this new career) then I would be very appreciative.

FYI I’m late 20s and not geographically tied down.

Thanks

J

 

[Neatro]

I don't see why you shouldn't change careers if that's what you want to do as a career.

I think the biggest change for me was from being quite social with colleagues, friends and other people to talk to frequently to being on your own and in your own head quite a lot of the time.

Obviously shift patterns will probably be similar if not shorter so you'll be fine there.

Just wait for trainee positions and apply, and the best of luck.

 

[baz962]

Hi all, this is my first time visiting.

I’m currently a Doctor working in the NHS and considering a big career change!! Much to my colleagues amusement, I’ve always wanted to be a train driver…

My colleagues have told me that I would be insane to leave medicine to pursue it.. but I currently really do not enjoy my job. I’m concerned that I’m thinking the grass is greener being a train driver.. being a childhood dream and all..

Ive got to a point now where I want to seriously look into pursuing it.. but obviously I’m quite apprehensive. If anybody has any advice (for or against pursuing this new career) then I would be very appreciative.

FYI I’m late 20s and not geographically tied down.

Thanks

J

It's a brilliant career .I can't compare it to being a doctor , having never been one. Great work and life balance and decent money , although compared to a doctor I don't know. Decent annual leave and pension. You will only be on between 20k to 40k training wage though to begin.

 

[43066]

Ive got to a point now where I want to seriously look into pursuing it.. but obviously I’m quite apprehensive. If anybody has any advice (for or against pursuing this new career) then I would be very appreciative.

I’m a train driver, also from a professional background (not a medic), who eventually gave into the “childhood dream” you refer to .

A few years in, the job has good and bad points, but overall I haven’t looked back and certainly don’t regret making the switch. Generally I enjoy it, there’s no office politics, and it’s relatively low stress. It isn’t intellectually stimulating but one of the + points of work life balance is that you have the time to find that in other areas of your life.

Obviously it will all depend on your personal motivations, what you’re looking for and what you’re looking to get away from in your current role!

If there’s anything more specific feel free to ask.

 

[LokiB]

Hi all, this is my first time visiting.

I’m currently a Doctor working in the NHS and considering a big career change!! Much to my colleagues amusement, I’ve always wanted to be a train driver…

My colleagues have told me that I would be insane to leave medicine to pursue it.. but I currently really do not enjoy my job. I’m concerned that I’m thinking the grass is greener being a train driver.. being a childhood dream and all..

Ive got to a point now where I want to seriously look into pursuing it.. but obviously I’m quite apprehensive. If anybody has any advice (for or against pursuing this new career) then I would be very appreciative.

FYI I’m late 20s and not geographically tied down.

Thanks

J

I'm not a driver so can't say anything about the job BUT I can say if your current job doesn't make you happy try something that will.

I'm just starting my railway journey but wish I'd have been given this advise 10 years ago.

 

[Horizon22]

I'm going to presume (based on your age) that you are a relatively junior doctor? My parents and other family friends both have medical/nursing backgrounds and they've often said that being a junior doctor can be very stressful and causes people to seriously contemplate their career in medicine although they eventually power through. Surely something drew you to medicine in the first place? (Of course if it was pressure by family then by all means leave!)

Once you get up to registrar or senior house officer level & on the path to consultant, it can often be more rewarding (both in terms of your preferred discipline & salary). Obviously it depends if you feel you can wait out the next 5-8 years to get to that point.

That being said if it truly is your dream by all means pursue it - the salary of a qualified driver will be equivalent to a consultant and the shift patterns are thing you will be used to (albeit more extreme start and end times like 0300 or 0100 as opposed to full night shifts) but no 12hr days. It's probably even more competitive than medical school places though!

 

[GG96LFC]

Hi all, this is my first time visiting.

I’m currently a Doctor working in the NHS and considering a big career change!! Much to my colleagues amusement, I’ve always wanted to be a train driver…

My colleagues have told me that I would be insane to leave medicine to pursue it.. but I currently really do not enjoy my job. I’m concerned that I’m thinking the grass is greener being a train driver.. being a childhood dream and all..

Ive got to a point now where I want to seriously look into pursuing it.. but obviously I’m quite apprehensive. If anybody has any advice (for or against pursuing this new career) then I would be very appreciative.

FYI I’m late 20s and not geographically tied down.

Thanks

J

Having spent 6 years working in the NHS (albeit not as a doctor) I can 100% say that making the move to become a train driver was the best decision. Whilst the shifts can be quite extreme, they are definitely no worse than the hours you’d get in the NHS. And as a driver you shouldn’t have to worry about those awful 13/14 hour shifts you sometimes get in the NHS!
Days off work are organised much better for a train driver than in the NHS (in my opinion), planning days out is much easier. The culture and atmosphere I’ve experienced so far as a driver is about a million times better than the awful atmosphere of bullying and harassment I’ve seen at some of the hospitals I’ve worked at.
And whilst a driver will sometimes have to deal with the odd question from a member of the public, I much prefer that to being sweared at and spat on by a patient who I’m trying to help after a 13 hour A and E night shift!
Whilst I can’t speak from a doctors point of view, as an ex NHS employee, I’d say if you have the slightest thought of applying to be a driver, go for it!
Feel free to send me a private message if you like

 

[Twotwo]

This is a tough one. Hopefully everyone's replies will help you make a decision. This is just my thoughts..

So you've obviously trained quite a few years to become a doctor. Would it feel like a waste of time if you did move careers? Like someone else pointed out, junior doctors are poorly treated but things do get better and the money increases too. So do you ride out the bad to get the good? Something obviously attracted you to the doctor grade, is it the satisfaction? Would you still get the same as a driver?

Now, the shift hours are crazy. Think the earliest booking on time in my depot is half 3 and the latest finish is 2 something plus there's night work. Some jobs are going to be **** and some jobs are going to be good. Are you okay with going through days at work and having no interaction with anyone etc.

Not to mention training money is between 25-35k are you able to live of this for up to 18 months?

A lot of people that have joined the railway have come from emergency services such as the police force and fire services because their conditions ain't as good. Cant say ive really heard people in the health care profession moving over?

 

[Eviga Resande]

I'd say "are you mad?" considering the lucrative nature of senior positions as a doctor. Then again, my former sector was pretty lucrative for me for almost 20 years, and then the pandemic hit, employers (both past and potential) started showing their true colours, offers dried up (seems like 40 is the new barrier for age discrimination in my former sector, as opposed to 50 just ten years ago) - and then I thought, why the hell not pursue a career in transport? So, take what I say with a mountain of salt and follow your heart. Still a long way to go for me, but the signs are positive (I'm passing initial sifts, for example).

 

[fabs]

I'm married to a consultant surgeon and would say that in terms of basic salary a driver is nowhere near what a consultant can be earning. Having a medical degree certainly indicates that you will have little difficulty in learning the theoretical part of the job; however in terms of passing the psychometric assessments and practically driving trains you will either 'have it' or you won't.

However, you can't put a price on happiness. You have to be in it to win it and you'll always have your medical degree to fall back on in a few years (with a little refreshing no doubt) if it isn't the job you hoped it would be.

 

[43066]

I'm married to a consultant surgeon and would say that in terms of basic salary a driver is nowhere near what a consultant can be earning.

The NHS basic consultant salary is achievable for many train drivers, with some overtime. A couple of high paying TOCs actually aren’t so far off the basic figure.

But as I understand it a consultant combining public/private work can earn well into the hundreds of thousands per year, which is streets ahead of what any train driver can earn.

If you’re properly determined as a train driver, you could gross £100k, but it would be an utter beasting. The job is more about work life balance (but it’s good to have the overtime
capability in reserve).

If ultimate earnings are the goal, look elsewhere.

 

[Bucephalus]

Hi all, this is my first time visiting.

I’m currently a Doctor working in the NHS and considering a big career change!! Much to my colleagues amusement, I’ve always wanted to be a train driver…

My colleagues have told me that I would be insane to leave medicine to pursue it.. but I currently really do not enjoy my job. I’m concerned that I’m thinking the grass is greener being a train driver.. being a childhood dream and all..

Ive got to a point now where I want to seriously look into pursuing it.. but obviously I’m quite apprehensive. If anybody has any advice (for or against pursuing this new career) then I would be very appreciative.

FYI I’m late 20s and not geographically tied down.

Thanks

J

Hey there J. Late 20's? You've got enough time to forge a career in the railway and go back to medicine if you want.

I guess you have to think about why you got into medicine in the first place. If you have a passion for people then the hours of solitude in train driving might not be desirable. Also there is the monotony of driving back and forth to consider such as 1000+ trips in a year for an intense metro depot (presumably). For some people (like me) that would be appealing but it won't be for everyone.

As you're still tiny-young I would suggest just to apply for a driver job anyway, have a bash at the psychometric tests; if you pass then go for it, if you don't pass then maybe it's not the right role for you. Dilemma solved

 

[mike79yorks]

Hi all, this is my first time visiting.

I’m currently a Doctor working in the NHS and considering a big career change!! Much to my colleagues amusement, I’ve always wanted to be a train driver…

My colleagues have told me that I would be insane to leave medicine to pursue it.. but I currently really do not enjoy my job. I’m concerned that I’m thinking the grass is greener being a train driver.. being a childhood dream and all..

Ive got to a point now where I want to seriously look into pursuing it.. but obviously I’m quite apprehensive. If anybody has any advice (for or against pursuing this new career) then I would be very appreciative.

FYI I’m late 20s and not geographically tied down.

Thanks

J

Really interesting read. I’m in a comparable position in one sense. I’ve spent 11 years plus teaching and would love to make the switch. I’m under no illusions about how hard that will be given the (seemingly) huge interest in each trainee role. Ons practical issue I’m finding is that I live in a semi-rural area in the north and I’m right on the edge of one hour’s commute to a major station. Having to relocate before securing a trainee position is a big decision (mortgage/family, etc). Good luck with any change you make.

 

[RedYellowGreen]

If you're contemplating leaving the medical field for reasons such as lack of mental simulation, then I'd seriously suggest thinking very carefully and talking to real life train drivers face to face. Most of us are generally disgruntled, but then again, I can only speak for Metro.

This is a huge decision. If you have the option of returning to medicine, then by all means have a go, but if you're washing your hands of it, then think very carefully.

If you're an absolute trainosexual, well, your decision may already be made.

 

[4F89]

More money, less stress.... why not?

 

[43066]

If you're an absolute trainosexual, well, your decision may already be made.

Never heard that one before .

You’ve alighted on a valid point. It strikes me that those who seem happiest in the driver grade often seem to have a copy or two of Rail magazine tucked away in their bag.

Of course taking an interest in the job, beyond what’s required to do it competently and safety, is in no way a requirement. I would imagine driving trains for a living must be a mighty hard furrow to plough if you have absolutely no passion for the railway at all, though.

 

[choochoochoo]

The other thing to bear in mind is where your profession can take you.

Train driving sadly leaves you stuck in the UK. Barring possibly the rare overseas options in the sandpits of the middle east and maybe australia ??

Medicine opens up the whole world to you. Yes I know there may be conversion exams etc. but much easier to take your trade abroad.

 

[TheEdge]

Never heard that one before .

You’ve alighted on a valid point. It strikes me that those who seem happiest in the driver grade often seem to have a copy or two of Rail magazine tucked away in their bag.

Of course taking an interest in the job, beyond what’s required to do it competently and safety, is in no way a requirement. I would imagine driving trains for a living must be a mighty hard furrow to plough if you have absolutely no passion for the railway at all, though.

It's very noticeable at my depot that the most jaded, cynical and difficult drivers are the ones just in it to get the money every four weeks. I really don't understand how you can go through a career like driving without having something else making you want to do it than just the money.

 

[MostlyHarmless]

If you're seriously considering it then look out for vacancies and apply - you've nothing to lose! What I would say is that the competition is intense for every trainee vacancy and the whole process can take a long time so you'll need to be prepared for that - although it will give you plenty of time to think about whether the career change is for you or not.

 

[Manchester101]

I mean this genuinely and with good intentions, but this question is *almost* pointless until you’re at the DMI stage.
As others have said, there is a long road to a driver’s job and many assessments.

I’d recommend applying, going through the process and then posing the question.

 

[Horizon22]

It's very noticeable at my depot that the most jaded, cynical and difficult drivers are the ones just in it to get the money every four weeks. I really don't understand how you can go through a career like driving without having something else making you want to do it than just the money.

Certainly an issue that those motivated only by money in driver roles are more noticeable in their cynicism.

 

[iwasyoungonce]

You have so many more options in medicine not least that its transferable to anywhere in the world and your current skills are in demand in the corporate world R&D, Pharma, HEMS etc.
Why not just go down to your local heritage centre and volunteer on your days off.

 

[Stigy]

It's very noticeable at my depot that the most jaded, cynical and difficult drivers are the ones just in it to get the money every four weeks. I really don't understand how you can go through a career like driving without having something else making you want to do it than just the money.

I agree. I’ve never understood how people can get by in any job solely for the money. The money in train driving is very good, and I can see how that’s an appeal. To join this job because of the money alone, in my opinion, can be quite dangerous (it can be boring at the best of times, so just having money as a motivation to get out of bed isn’t great). Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a train spotter or enthusiast etc, but I applied because I wanted to be a train driver. There surely has to be a certain element of professional pride?

 

[the sniper]

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a train spotter or enthusiast etc,

With over 4500 post on here, you ain't fooling anyone with that... Save your excuses for the messroom and keep that Rail mag well hidden...

 

[chaser]

Im from outside the railway and from my opinion, I am coming in blind to the job with only the experiences of speaking and listening to others who are already drivers. I've spoken with quite a few since the process to see whether I was making the right decision.
A lot of us who leave completely different professions probably have a level of push (from the previous career) and pull (to the railway) which will influence our decisions.

 

[Stigy]

With over 4500 post on here, you ain't fooling anyone with that... Save your excuses for the messroom and keep that Rail mag well hidden...

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Feb 2022 ==

Im from outside the railway and from my opinion, I am coming in blind to the job with only the experiences of speaking and listening to others who are already drivers. I've spoken with quite a few since the process to see whether I was making the right decision.
A lot of us who leave completely different professions probably have a level of push (from the previous career) and pull (to the railway) which will influence our decisions.

A lot of time, if you’re coming from an industry where the money is okay but not exceptional, and morale is at an all time low, it’s quite an easy decision to make. It’s when you potentially have a lot to lose where it gets more complicated. The railway isn’t perfect, but the wages are generally good, the pension is still half decent (usually) and when you have a day off, you actually have a day off.

 

[LeeMck9]

I’m currently awaiting a trainee drivers course with Northern having served 17 years in the Police. Like many have said before me on here the time has come and while still at a reasonable age that I want a change of career. My initial concerns don’t have anything to do with the practical side of the training (being honest, it hasn’t even crossed my mind that failing it is possible) my concerns are more the first year training wage and being able to transfer my pension in. (And actually getting a start date before my 9 months is up) Yes it is a risk leaving one stable career for another but why stay where you are if you’re not happy. Worst case scenario, you could always return to it if things didn’t work out.

 

[iwasyoungonce]

I’m currently awaiting a trainee drivers course with Northern having served 17 years in the Police. Like many have said before me on here the time has come and while still at a reasonable age that I want a change of career. My initial concerns don’t have anything to do with the practical side of the training (being honest, it hasn’t even crossed my mind that failing it is possible) my concerns are more the first year training wage and being able to transfer my pension in. (And actually getting a start date before my 9 months is up) Yes it is a risk leaving one stable career for another but why stay where you are if you’re not happy. Worst case scenario, you could always return to it if things didn’t work out.

I don't think you can transfer into the RPS from outside schemes and as for the OP transferring his NHS pension I think a doctors pension would be far better than a train drivers over a working lifetime

 

[Stigy]

I’m currently awaiting a trainee drivers course with Northern having served 17 years in the Police. Like many have said before me on here the time has come and while still at a reasonable age that I want a change of career. My initial concerns don’t have anything to do with the practical side of the training (being honest, it hasn’t even crossed my mind that failing it is possible) my concerns are more the first year training wage and being able to transfer my pension in. (And actually getting a start date before my 9 months is up) Yes it is a risk leaving one stable career for another but why stay where you are if you’re not happy. Worst case scenario, you could always return to it if things didn’t work out.

YOU could return if things didn’t work out, as a rejoiner Police Officer, but that’s not the case for a lot of people (emergency services are generally easy enough to return to I appreciate). If you leave and your former job is recruited for, chances are you’d not be able to return, at least not particularly easily.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Feb 2022 ==

I don't think you can transfer into the RPS from outside schemes and as for the OP transferring his NHS pension I think a doctors pension would be far better than a train drivers over a working lifetime

You can, but I’m led to believe it’s very unlikely and not the case in all areas of the railway. It may just be BTP who can transfer as they’re within the RPS?

 

[iwasyoungonce]

Its a messy area depends on a number of variables but I was told NO