Question:
God, i love to have to make career decisions... I started this job with the gas tanker company and up to this point things are going well. I am almost finished with my training and will then be on my own (next week), here's the problem, the other job i applied to which is driving a bus for the county has contacted me and they are interested in me taking a physical and starting training in january..i dont know whether to ditch the tanker job and take the bus or stay where im at. In comparing the two jobs, the pay is better with the tanker (not in the long run, its about equal after 3-4 years), the benefits are a bit better with the county, and the county offers a fully funded state pension plan (no contribution from myself). Obviously the difference is dealing with all the characters that generally ride the bus, i drove a cab for 15 years so i know how people can be BUT the major difference is with my cab if they got out of hand i could boot them out, here you cant. I need some helpful advice from anyone who may have done this type of job in the past or knows someone etc...If i could stick the bus thing out in the long run it would probably be better but im worried about the riff raff and whatnot and i know i can put up with excessive bs (i am a truckdriver for gods sake) but im afraid the first time someone spit on me, i might lose it (u r not allowed to "lose" it, u cannot do anything to the passengers per broward county, u frankly have to let them treat you like crap). So, words of advice or wisdom on this matter would be appreciated....thanks. BOB

Answer:
Stay with the tanker job its a for sure thing plus can you go over a month with no pay? Plus the bus job is not a for sure thing yet. I have been told the same thing by companies before "Take the drive test, physical, and drug test and you got the job" well I would do those things and guess what no job (I am clean, I can drive, and I can pass a physical), in the meanwhile I passed good opportunities up. They usually just gave me the old excuse "We decided to go with someone who was more qualified, but you are number two on our list".
When you start to bus you have to stay as a bus driver its harder to get a job as a truck driver when they see the only driving experience you have is driving a automatic straight vehicle. But if you want to be a bus driver thats great thats what works for you. But if the job doesn't work out and you want to drive truck again, guess what, you get to pick from the training mega carriers, back at step one again. If you truck and get some experience then you can go to any trucking company that suits you. Plus you could always go back and get your passenger endorsement and drive bus if that is what your heart desires. That is just my opinion the decision is up to you, good luck either way.
Answer:
No way I would drive a bus, especially a 'city' bus.
My dad retired from a long career with a major interstate bus line. Whenever the riff-raff got out of line, he would just arrange for the local cops at the next scheduled stop, where the riff-raff would almost always be carted off in the back of a police car, pretty much on his word. This day and age, I doubt that would happen, and the anger level and criminal level of the riff-raff has surely increased for the worse.
Beyond that, on a city level... people that can't pay, people that get on the wrong bus, people with screaming babies or fighting kids, druggies, rapists, muggers.... no way, my man, no way at all
As to the pension, start your own pension plan now, stick to it with a passion, and you won't get screwed out of it when you retire (and you'll probably have more money to boot) or before you retire (like getting laid off before you are vested).

Answer:
I have several years experience driving a school bus and a motorcoach for a tour company here in Alaska. PM me with a phone number and I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have.-Arthur Spooner

Answer:
Every now and then brush up on your grammar, and sentence construction. Otherwise you look like a bufoon.
You could always go back to fuel tanking. Once the County door closes, it's closed, especially down here.
However, are you ready to get spit on? Called every name in the book, and have to take it? Pimpin ain't easy, but I'd stick with the tanker job. Might be easier to get days off so you can go watch your Dlophins get WAXED!!!
Don't be hatin!!!

Answer:
Drive the bus and earn that retirement fund.

Answer:
i think ive made my decision but i still dont know what it is..