Brian - Finding purpose behind the wheel of my dream job

I’ve gone through hell with my mental health and achieving my dream of becoming a bus driver has been an important part of building up the confidence needed to start turning my life around.

My hope for the future has been restored since connecting with Flourish Australia’s New Outlook service in Wollongong 5 years ago and having a job I absolutely love gives me a real sense of purpose that gets me up and going each morning.

Driving a bus for a living appealed to me simply because I love driving so with the support of my job network provider, I got my Heavy Rigid Truck Licence and approached Premier Buses. I just wish I’d started sooner!

Bus driving is all about your practical skills and I was required to complete a driving assessment where they took me out on the road for a couple of days to be sure I could manage before rostering me for the school run.

I now do a school run Monday to Friday, morning and afternoon, which works out to 17 hours a week. In time, more hours will become available to me which I’m looking forward to. I’m able to save money toward buying a car of my own which will make my life a LOT easier!

I’ve come such a long way in my recovery since starting with New Outlook and continue to work on strengthening my mental wellbeing.

With the support of my GP and Psychiatrist, I’m managing the depression and anxiety I experience so well that I no longer require medication and any time I’ve felt stuck, talking with the people at Flourish Australia has helped me to keep moving forward.

It’s a short walk from my work to New Outlook where I like to pop in for a coffee and a chat for a few hours each day to recharge. Anyone can drop in without referral and everyone’s recovery journey is unique. I’ll gladly share what I’ve learned along the way if it can be helpful to someone else who’s struggling.

For me, after a lifetime of looking for a career path to feel passionate about through trial and error, like doing 12 hour days in 45 degree heat in the Nullarbor, achieving my dream job has been life changing! I really appreciate being paid to sit in air conditioned comfort doing what I love to do – drive!