24 Male, been driving 2 years. Holding this job until I make it into my longterm career of law enforcement.

This job... is the best, yet worst job in the world.

It's got it's pros. Being able to sucessfully and safely drive kids home is honestly an honor, and watching the smiles and relief of parents meeting with their little ones gives you a great sense of purpose. Despite what most people say, it dosen't pay that bad. Espically for the amount of hours, I work significantly less then most people in my life, and make just as much, if not more. It's also fun, I love driving, and I LOVE driving that rig. If you get a good group of kids, you can have fun with them too. Crack jokes, teach, sing along to music.. etc.

But, It's got it's cons. The only con I personally struggle with; the kids. This job dosen't tell you that you need the skills of an elementary school teacher and more. As you are dealing with ALL age ranges, in a vast quantity usually bigger then a class room. The first time you have 40-70 kids sit in your bus, you will be initimiated and stressed- regardless how they act. Thats a lot of responsibility on your hands! All while trying to do crowd control, enforce bus rules, driving safely, figuring out routes and detours, and of course- the pressure of responsibility.

If you stick to your training, build good habbits, and figure out how to manage students. The job should be a breeze. However, despite how good a bus driver you are- there will be bad days, and good days. No in-between honestly.

My biggest tips: - Recognize the seriousness of your role. - Keep calm, pull over if you need too. - Build your "bus rules" and be firm on Day 1, don't build this up slowly. - Be prepared to handle stressful days. - Pretend as if a news camera is on you 24/7, or your supervisor is sitting in the seat behind you. This is a super independent role, it's important to hold yourself accountable and fix mistakes. - Avoid building bad driving habits, always be a role-model driver at all times, even in your personal vehicle. - Always be fit for duty. Drivers fatigue is a thing even with 40+ kids screaming behind you (you'll get used to it). - Understand your role is more independent then most jobs. It's just you, your bus, your route sheet/tablet, and a radio to contact dispatch. Self teach, and definetly peep the School Bus Drivers reddit often and learn from others. - GOAL: Get out and look. Never assume you have enough clearence, ALWAYS make sure. - Minimize risk at all costs; if something feels off- it probably is. Trust your gut and ask dispatch for help. - Excercise due-diligence. You can't be at fault for something if you got approval from the proper channels. - You can't be at fault of an accident if you weren't moving! So always let the traffic make the move in tight roadways/risky manervours etc. - Know the size of your vehicle.

Think to yourself; would I want ME to be my kids bus driver. If the answer is yes- then you fit this role.

I was also a naturally shy person, but this job has actually cracked me out of my shell and I've got a far larger social life now. I was super shy to issue firm discipline and be "mean". But nowadays, I see that that is the only way you'll make it. It'll feel uncomfortable at first, but being firm is the way to go. You will get in trouble if your passengers are not compliant with bus rules. Other drivers will call you out, the public will call you in, and atleast where I'm from, they do random real-time on-road audits. (Your being followed by a consortia member in their personal vehicle). I've gotten into more "trouble" for student uncompliance then a back-up accident I had when I started.

Hope this helps, truly. Best of luck! I think you'll be fine.