Choosing a car to match your job

Your job is, of course, one of the most important aspects of your life. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to have all that you have. Money is obviously necessary, but a lot more comes with the security of a job. Bringing home the bacon and being able to tell people how you spend the majority of your day is great, but just being a part of the societal machine gives people a lot of comfort. As much as we like to complain about Monday mornings, we’d be pretty lost without the busy schedules and rewarding tasks.

In order to get things right in a job, you need to have a bunch of things going for you. You also need to have everything around you prepared and suited to the work you do. A significant aspect is the car you drive. Sure, if you have lots of money and a cushy job, then you’re probably not going to be worried about your wheels. Not everyone has that blessing, though, unfortunately – they need to cater to their lifestyle.

If you’ve just passed your test and are looking for a car that suits your life and job, then you’re probably going to mull over a bunch of options. For now, however, here are a few things you should probably take into account when looking at things from a professional, occupational standpoint:

How Much Can You Afford?

This should, of course, come into your thinking immediately. A car is pretty darn expensive to buy and then to maintain. If you’re going to commit to something like a car, then you’re going to have to consider how often you’re going to use it, and how much it costs to keep running.

If you’re just using your car to get to work and back for a temp labour job, then you probably shouldn’t invest a whole lot. If it gets you from A to B nicely, then that’s all that will matter.

Do you need to store much?

People who have a manual job may have many tools and pieces of equipment, that need to be stored in the back seat(s) or boot. If you’re a self-employed worker that has lots of baggage, then you’re not going to benefit from owning a tiny car as that will make everything cramped and cluttered.

A more spacious five-door car, a people-carrier, or a large van is the kind of thing someone with equipment will need. It seems like it should be an obvious thing to do, but you’d be surprised at the number of people that don’t do this.

How far are you travelling?

If your daily commute is a long one, then you’re going to need something that is both reliable and economical. Choosing economy could save you a great deal of money over the course of a year, so it’s important to do the sums on your mileage and fuel cost.

Reliability is something that nobody would choose not to have. Nevertheless, unreliable cars are out there, so you need to be savvy when selecting one. A car that has been modified, or messed with, may have underlying issues. A car that has been well-looked after and serviced regularly is your best bet.

Think About Perception

Look, you obviously need the right car for your situation in terms of the functionality. It’s a big machine that gets you from A to B. Sometimes, however, you need to be able to look the part. Sure, looks aren’t everything, but we’re all a little judgemental at times. First impressions matter massively not only in our personal lives but in a professional, business sense, too.

If you’re looking to organize a meeting with a potential client or investor, then you’re going to need everything to go swimmingly – that includes the first impressions. Let’s say you turn up to the meeting in a beaten up, old thing that looks like it’s on its last legs – that’s not exactly going to scream ambition or hope, is it?

There is, of course, nothing wrong with a used car, but the condition it is in will be judged. This isn’t to say you should spend lots of money on the best possible thing, but consider how it’s going to be viewed by people you hope to conclude deals with.

Life Outside Of Work Matters, Too

Of course, we’re talking about your occupational life here, but that’s not the be-all and end-all in your life. You have recreational time as well, so that’ll need to be prioritized, too. If you have a family, for instance, then you’ll want something that can hold enough people comfortably until Monday comes along again! A car that can be used for more than one purpose would be a priceless purchase!

** This is a collaborative post