Do you know how being a private chauffeur is different? If you are looking to become a private chauffeur, you need to understand that it is very different from corporate chauffeuring roles. Some people will suit being a chauffeur for a private household a lot. And will prefer it over corporate roles! But it certainly isn’t for everyone. Find out here if you have what it takes to be a private chauffeur.
What Is A Private Chauffeur?
When we talk about a ‘private’ chauffeur, we simply mean a chauffeur working for a private, domestic household. This could be a family with children. A couple. Or even one Principal. But the key difference is that you are not hired by a corporate firm, but solely working for this household or Principal.
In corporate roles, you might have worked for only a select group of people – the board of directors, for example. Or perhaps you were the chauffeur at the company’s disposal. Meaning that anyone from the company could use your chauffeuring services when needed.
In a private chauffeur role, you will only work for the household or family directly. That does not mean there might not be lots of ‘corporate’ drives. To and from work, to and from the airport, etc. But a private chauffeur might also work for the other family members, and take care of the cars on the family grounds too. You might be running personal errands too, working with children and pets. You will therefore have a much closer relationship to your Principal and family, than you would in a corporate role.
Flexibility
So how is being a private chauffeur different? Firstly, working for a private household, expect the need for much more flexibility in the chauffeuring schedule. As you will not solely do corporate driving, which is mainly centred around working days and hours. In a private chauffeuring role, evenings and weekends can play a big part too. And as with any family, things might change at the drop of a hat. So as a chauffeur, you will need to be happy with being much more flexible. Evenings, weekends and early mornings might well be part of your working hours. As well as bank holidays.
Of course, your working hours would and should never be more than as agreed in your contract, and as per the laws in the country you will be working. But there might be structures where you, for example, work several days on, and several days off. This might mean that you will work long hours or shifts on the days that you will be on call.
Working With Children
Another way on how being a private chauffeur is different, are the people you will be working with. Many private chauffeurs work in private households where there might be children and sometimes even pets. And they will regularly use your chauffeuring services!
Many private households will use the chauffeur to do the school run, for example. This might include driving several children to different schools and picking them up in the afternoon too. If you are not used to working with or driving children, this is completely different from driving adults! Firstly, make sure you have an up to date DBS, otherwise, you should not be working near or with children. Secondly, it goes without saying that safety plays an enormous part in this. Finally, you must enjoy it too. Chauffeuring children can be a lot of fun, but it is something that you need to enjoy too!
Discretion
Finally, how being a private chauffeur is different, is that discretion plays an even larger role in your job. Any chauffeur, private or corporate, knows that discretion is of the utmost importance. But working for a private household, you will be even more part of your Principals lives. And of their families!
You might be working on or around their property. See or overhear very private conversations. And for the family to be comfortable around you, they need to know they can trust you. The family should be able to live their normal life, without restrictions around you. Whether that is when you are at the property, or in the car. So more so than in corporate, discretion becomes a big part of the job. Can you be trusted with everything you hear and see? If so, being a private chauffeur might well be right for you!
How Can Polo & Tweed Help?
Are you more clear now on how a private chauffeur is different from a more corporate role? If you are interested in becoming a private chauffeur or looking for a new role, Polo & Tweed can help! We work with many clients all over the world looking for the next private chauffeur to fit into their household. If you want to apply for any of your jobs or want to find out more, contact us! So why not get in touch and we can get the process started for you, and find you your new dream private chauffeur job.