Most people at some time or another will ask themselves an inevitable question. “Why do I do this job?” Obviously many will respond with the answer that they have to work to earn a living. However, it often goes a little bit deeper than that. In truth, people are drawn to particular roles and opportunities. Be it a natural characteristic, or a long-held desire, we often end up where we are supposed to. Of course that doesn’t mean that you’ll be an astronaut just because you fancied it as a child. However, most astronauts in their youth dreamed of well, being astronauts! Here we look at why people become couriers, how certain elements of the role attract a certain type of person and the pros and cons of life on the open road.
The good
- Flexibility
Couriers enjoy a little more flexibility than their office-bound counterparts. Often they are able to set their own schedule and workload and have a degree of independence factored into the role. Of course they still have to fulfil their duties but, if you are willing to work hard, then you can do well. Not working in an office helps, especially if you’re keen to avoid the “politics” of the same.
- Being self-employed
People tend to like their boss a little more when they can see them in a mirror. Again, self-employed couriers can enjoy the freedoms that this brings, though of course with the added responsibilities. Motivation however can be easier to find when you’re working for yourself and dictating your own earnings.
Holidays may prove a little problematical, but some enjoy the added freedom of knowing they’re dictating their own duties. There’s no desk and, as long as you can drive and have the right personality and attitude to work, then you should be able to learn the ropes. In the ever changing market place, there are also a lot of opportunities available for work, especially with retail moving increasingly online.
- Driving
It may sound a little cliché but there are some people who actually enjoy driving. Being away from work, keeping company with yourself, exploring new areas, or getting to know your own locality better, there are many benefits to life on the road. Some find peace in the solitude, or enjoy being able to listen to their favourite songs – perhaps even joining in when nobody is listening! Whilst nobody likes being stuck in traffic, some deal with it much better than others and those with the right temperament can even learn to enjoy it.
On top of the freedoms that your own company brings, driving between locations brings variety – be that of places, or of people. Seeing different faces every day, meeting new people, without the pressures of building long-term relationships, can be stimulating and rewarding in itself. Plus there’s the added bonus that many people seem to overlook. Delivering parcels to expectant recipients can be one of the most enjoyable experiences of them all. It’s like you yourself are giving a gift and receiving thanks and praise for the same. Putting a smile on the faces of others is pure joy. Not everyone reacts positively of course but one thing is certain, you’ll remember the ones that do more than the ones that don’t.
On top of the freedoms that your own company brings, driving between locations brings variety – be that of places, or of people. Seeing different faces every day, meeting new people, without the pressures of building long-term relationships, can be stimulating and rewarding in itself. Plus there’s the added bonus that many people seem to overlook. Delivering parcels to expectant recipients can be one of the most enjoyable experiences of them all. It’s like you yourself are giving a gift and receiving thanks and praise for the same. Putting a smile on the faces of others is pure joy. Not everyone reacts positively of course but one thing is certain, you’ll remember the ones that do more than the ones that don’t.
The not so good
- Demand
Whether you are self-employed or an employee, the amount of work you get depends on there being a demand for the services. It can be a cutthroat business with many competitors and there remains a degree of uncertainty. But this can be said of all employment during these tough times. If you are able to work for a good reliable company, or establish a great reputation of your own, then this can go a long way in dealing with these pressures.
- Employment
If you’re self-employed, we’ve already seen some of the disadvantages, including the lack of holiday pay. There’s also the risk of fewer employment rights and the set up costs can appear a little prohibitive. The hours can be antisocial, especially if you are trying to become established in the market. You’ll have to work hard at times but again that’s not so unusual. If you’re willing to put in the effort, as with any job, it can still be a great role to have.
It takes a certain dedication and enthusiasm to be a courier. Whilst at times it is a solitary job, there are many opportunities for interaction. As an employee, you’ll have the warehouse staff to deal with, your management and controllers to keep happy and, at the other end (of the journey), you’ll have the recipients. This might be an individual, who is hoping beyond hope that their parcel will arrive that day, or the company who are reliant on a fast and efficient service to stay in business themselves. Time critical deliveries etc. like those in manufacturing or on the frontline of the healthcare sector, for example, rely heavily on couriers. So it is clear that the variety of work is there. One day it could be a birthday present to an excited child, the next day a supply of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to a healthcare provider.
One final thought to have is that of role recognition. Even at the start of this year the role of courier was seen fundamentally different to how it is today. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed a lot of course, and it has also impacted on public perceptions. The number of home deliveries increased dramatically with the closure of shops and retailers. Online became the new normal and couriers had to play an important part.
One final thought to have is that of role recognition. Even at the start of this year the role of courier was seen fundamentally different to how it is today. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed a lot of course, and it has also impacted on public perceptions. The number of home deliveries increased dramatically with the closure of shops and retailers. Online became the new normal and couriers had to play an important part.
Had you asked somebody in early March to describe a courier, they may have used the term “white-van” in the description. By the end of March however that same person would probably be using the words “key-worker”. The recognition has finally been gained by the courier of today. Their role is no longer seen as supplemental but crucial. It is something that couriers probably believed long ago but one that has only recently become universally accepted.
There are many songs dedicated to a life on the open road. Heading out on the highway, free of all worries and looking for adventure. The lure of the open road has a great pull on a large number of people. Whilst it is probably true to say that working as a courier may not end up being quite as exciting as that of a rock and roll star, just think for a moment, what job can?