Helen shows the drive to thrive . . .

AFTER opting for redundancy from her teaching job, mother- of- three Helen Roffey decided it was time for a change of direction.

But because the 50-year-old, from Orpington, Kent, still enjoyed helping students to learn new skills, she opted to become a driving instructor and in 2012 retrained with RED Driving School.

Helen likes the flexibility of her role, being her own boss and spending time with her husband and daughters.

‘Within reason, my time is mine to organise, so I am able to be there for my family whenever they need me.

‘I learn something new about being a driving instructor and teaching methods every day. I’ve always believed that if you dare to teach, you must also never cease to learn.’

Helen adds: ‘I choose to work six days a week — some days are very long, some are shorter — but because I work Being her own boss: Helen Roffey hard, my business is thriving. Most of my customers are from personal recommendations, which is positive feedback I’m getting it right.

‘ Every day is different. I have met some wonderful people, both as customers and among my peers.

‘ The variety of people of all ages and from so many different walks of life make this job anything but boring.

‘ Being a driving instructor is one of the best jobs in the world — I wish I had done it years ago.’

To find out more on how to become a Red driving School instructor, visit red driving school. com/join-red