Ex-finance worker Domino Homer, swaps finance for freight as she follows her lifelong ambition of becoming a lorry driver. Since finding huge success in her new role, Domino is now inspiring other young women to follow in her tracks, as research* reveals that over 90% of the nation has never considered the logistics sector as a career path.
Domino worked predominantly in the financial industry since leaving school, but her heart always yearned for the open road. So when she heard from a family friend about the industry’s need for more HGV drivers, she began her new exciting career.
Her journey, which saw her pursue a career driving an HGV, began with her saving up enough money to complete her Class 2 licence in 2021.
Consequently, Domino earned her Class 1 licence in 2022. Domino now works for family-run company Buffaload Logistics, a member of Generation Logistics partner Cold Chain Federation, who supported her as a new pass driver.
Domino’s day-to-day routine in her role now reflects the freedom of the open road, commenting, “Working night shifts, I drive to set deliveries and collections throughout my shift, meeting new people, watching the world go by through a big widescreen and listening to my favourite podcasts.” She continues, “I enjoy the peace I give myself and the challenges I face.”
Domino’s previous experience in the financial industry equipped her with vital communication skills, enabling her to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and navigate the varied situations she encounters in her day to day work effectively. When discussing her finance career, Domino comments: “Although I gave each job everything, it was never what I really wanted to do.”
When reflecting on her proudest career moment, she states, “I had the absolute honour of meeting the Queen in 2013 following an invitation to one of her garden parties at Buckingham Palace.” In memory of the late Queen Elizabeth, a dedicated truck and trailer was created by Buffaload to honour and remember her. Whenever Domino is allocated this specific vehicle she says, “I am filled with tremendous pride and have had people stop to take photos and compliment the vehicle and what it stands for.”
In the male-dominated world of lorry driving, Domino’s story is both inspiring and empowering. When asked about people’s perceptions of her being a woman in a traditionally male environment, , she comments, “Members of the public, fellow drivers and staff at the destinations we visit are very friendly and treat me like any other lorry driver.”
When asked about her advice for those torn between careers, Domino passionately advocates, “Follow your heart; the only way you’ll know if your dream job is right for you is to give it a go. Life is too short to have regrets so go for it and don’t let anything stop you. If it turns out that you were wrong, you can always change your career in the future and that’s exactly what I did.”
Bethany Windsor, Programme Director at Generation Logistics added: “Domino’s story is not just about a career change; it’s a testament to the power of determination and self-belief. As she continues her journey down the open road, she stands as an inspiration for others to explore diverse career avenues, beyond traditional routes.”
www.generationlogistics.org/find-your-future/
*From Generation Logistics
