Should I try to get a job in the car industry?

M4 Driver · 24 Dec 2022 at 19:37

I've always liked cars. Show me a picture of a standard production car I can tell you what it is, the year they started making it, the car it replaced and/or the car that replaced it. Name me a car manufacturer I could name you all the cars in their range.

Throughout my childhood I couldn't wait to start driving and once I was 17 and got my first car I was driving it all the time, sometimes just for fun.

Unfortunately I've always struggled to get my head round useful things to know about cars such as the mechanics. I instantly forget everything and the more I try to learn it the more confused I get.

One of my best friends from school is a mechanic and I would always go to him when I had any car issues. Then I moved out of the area where it was no longer practical to go to my friend anymore and the prospect of going to a mechanic I couldn't trust like my friend made me really anxious.

I therefore ended up moving to London so I didn't have to rely on my car anymore. At the same time the further I got into my career as a Data Analyst the more I hated it and it made me anxious to the point I can no longer drive.

One thing I've considered is trying to become a Data Analyst in the car industry. What I hope is that by working in the car industry I will be able to enjoy my job more and reduce my anxiety so I can start driving again.

Is this a good idea? Or am I just kidding myself given I struggle to understand useful things to know about cars?

dlockers · 25 Dec 2022 at 13:08

A passion for the thing your employer makes is always useful. Apply for a data analyst role at a car company.

dowie · 25 Dec 2022 at 16:59

M4 Driver said:
Is this a good idea? Or am I just kidding myself given I struggle to understand useful things to know about cars?

Sounds like you have some other issues to work on tbh... but sure, it's usually a good idea to work in an industry you're passionate about.

M4 Driver · 28 Dec 2022 at 22:19

This is my thoughts on how to address my issues. I miss driving.

OspreyO · 2 Jan 2023 at 04:31

Get a job outside of London. Something you need to drive to.

Dyson · 2 Jan 2023 at 08:08

Have you spoken to someone about your anxiety? If not, it would probably help to deal with this first.
But yes, as others have said, it helps to work in an industry you're interested in.

M4 Driver · 8 Jan 2023 at 22:44

Yes I went to the doctor because for feeling unwell whilst driving and after some medical tests it was determined to be anxiety.

One of my first Data Analyst interview was with a company who had a database of car parts but I didn't get the job. after I became a Data Analyst the recruitment agency phoned me to see if I was still looking and were surprised at the industry I was working in because in their notes they had me down as a car enthusiast.

I can't remember the company or the agency now as it was a long time ago.