What most people consider making a career change, they consider what they could be doing for their career in the future. They imagine going back to school, they imagine learning to code, or they even imagine switching industries entirely.
One of the most overlooked options, however, is learning to drive, especially if you’ve never had a licence or haven’t driven in years. It may not sound revolutionary, but getting behind the wheel can open up a surprising range of job opportunities that you might not have considered before it could also open up an entirely new lifestyle for you.
If you are considering this pathway and you’re wondering where to begin, resources like the What to Expect in a Driving Lesson guide can give you a solid foundation. Beyond taking driving lessons, though, here are some of the reasons why learning to drive could be the opportunity that you need for a bigger career move.
- Expand your job opportunities. Have you ever considered being a delivery driver or maybe a bus driver before? There are even field and sales roles that you can take on that will take you from place to place while you’re selling products or services. You may not have been able to do these jobs before or even apply for them because you didn’t know how to drive, but a license can open those doors for you. When you learn to drive, you instantly make yourself more flexible and more employable as a result.
- Boost your independence. Without having to rely on public transport, rides from others or limited commuting options is a huge plus when it comes to learning to drive. As you consider a new career path, driving can give you more freedom to explore opportunities that are further away from home. You could even take on those with the regular hours because you don’t have to worry about public transport anymore. This allows you to attend interviews, training, and networking events without the logistical headaches involved.
- You could open the self-employment door. If you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss, a drivers licence opens up for you. It’s a low barrier to entry into self-employment and it gives you the freedom that you need to set your own hours and build something that’s on your terms. Driving also helps to support side hustles that can grow into full time ventures, especially if you’re transitioning out of a 9-5 job and looking for flexible ways to earn more money.
- You could take on a career in a trade or skilled labour. If you’re considering training in a trade as part of your career shift, being able to drive is a non-negotiable option. Sometimes it also signals to employers that you’re ready to be a reliable and independent worker.
- Increase your earning potential. When it comes down to it, drivers can earn more. Whether it’s a requirement for overtime shifts, field assignments, or customer visits, being able to drive gives you access to roles and pay grades that may otherwise be out of reach. For many, the pay bump from driving related positions can quickly offset the cost of lessons, licensing, and even car ownership.
- It’s a valuable life skill to have even without a career change. There’s nothing wrong with learning to drive. It’s one of those foundational life skills that improves your quality of life overall. It’s not just about the commute, but about having more control over your time and your opportunities as you change careers. Having this independence can reduce stress and improve your confidence in unfamiliar professional environments.
- You gain access to new locations. Maybe your ideal career requires moving to a more rural area, working in a National Park, or travelling between cities. Driving makes it possible to live and work in places that aren’t accessible by public transport. This flexibility can dramatically widen your options, both in terms of where you live and what kind of lifestyle that you’re hoping to lead. If you want to become a traveling nurse? A regional sales manager or freelance photographer who works out of a van? Driving is a key part of all of those things to make them possible.
Considering a career change is a big step, but it’s about so much more than just resumes and cover letters. You have to give yourself new possibilities and new tools. Learning to drive is one of those deceptively powerful skills that can quietly change everything for you. Whether you’re starting over, shifting gears, or you’re just looking for something flexible, getting your driver’s license might be the smartest move that you make.
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