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Hi Alan, loving these stories inspired by your decision to become a bus driver, looking forward to continuing reading!!

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Here's some titles:

"Multi-human relocator"

"Group spatial translator"

"Mass-transit facilitator"

"Transport experience provider"

"People mover"

Did the JD mention anything about "delighting" commuters, Alan? That's a word that's been bulshittified lately.

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Alas, titles do matter in some areas. Imagine training for and working in a career for some considerable years, and actively not being granted the title you've worked for and are.

We give nurses, doctors, police officers, builders, etc the titles that describe their work.

Archivists, not so much, at least not where I work. My employer holds a strong and intractable view that it is far too lofty a title for my staff, despite being, as they are, experts in their respective fields of research, outreach and digitisation. Meanwhile every single person working in their library is - a librarian!

A job title can mean a lot, and it can make you feel really valued - or not.

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Agree, totally, and I can see there is a real difference between a librarian and an archivist. My point is about making jobs sound grander than they are, and for what purpose. A reader reminded me of Subway advertising for "sandwich artists". It's a bit ridiculous to suggest making a six inch sub constitutes 'art'. But it probably made someone feel good about doing the job.

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Love it Al. Are you driving in Wellington? Great letter. Glad your Mum is ok.

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Not yet Meg. I start on 1 May.

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Zealandia Area Transit Manager

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My friend Andy suggests this:

In answer to "What are you up to for work these days Alan?" Maybe: "I get to do a thing I love, and every day over a hundred people thank me... you tell me what my new role is."

Brilliant!

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