I've been working as a bus driver in London since 2004. I've always liked the work. As the driver, you get to be in your own little cocoon. There's a lot of freedom as well - you're essentially your own boss. No-one tells you to drive faster or slower. I do one route a lot which means that I sometimes get to see the same people everyday. It's great when they're respectful - sometimes they bring sweets and fruit for me to say thank you! Other times I like to take different routes so I get to see different parts of London. Altogether, these experiences have kept me working as a bus driver for 16 years now.
Following the end of a relationship, I no longer have a place to live. For the first time in my life I found myself homeless. I'm currently staying with a friend but it isn't a situation I can continue to be in for the long run. It's hard not having somewhere to call home - I don't feel like I have a place I belong to and it can often be lonely. COVID-19 hasn't helped. Amongst other things it's meant that my company has run a skeleton service, so my hours and pay have been reduced. It's made a stressful situation even more stressful.
Things have started improving since Beam got in touch. I feel more hopeful that I'll be able to find a place to live soon and move on from this situation. When I do get into my new place, I'm looking forward to having a good rest. It's been four months now that I've been without a place, living with no stability. I'm looking forward to feeling the peace of having a home.