Why Be A Driver?

In riding home on a trolleybus, I heard another tale about an attempt to leave transit operator for another description.

I could not understand why many experienced bus drivers were getting the cold shoulder or disinterest in seeking other jobs with the city. My friend driving the bus on my ride home came up with a plausible reason for non-interest in consideration for another city job: It’s because Human Resources knows we are of most value to the city by keeping our driving job. A different job title or job class number may seem easier or like a promotion, but the fact of the matter is, our experience is our gold. 

Not being fazed by the crazies, or knowing how or when to write a report becomes a key that can’t be entered into an hourly rate. We drivers are a class unto ourselves. Only those who have driven a bus before us understand the how and why of our thinking, and compassion for our split second decision-making that can appear incorrect from the black and white on a desk. The fear of what if can be a weapon used by those who do not drive, but we only find peace when we realize we cannot change their priorities. We cannot control what time they choose to enforce the rulebook. Only our intuition can be our guide.