Smooth Starts: Essential Tips for Your First Day as a Delivery Driver

Introduction: From Nairobi Streets to Romanian Routes

If you are a professional driver in Kenya plotting a move to Romania, you are looking at a smart blend of EU-level standards, growing logistics demand, and a cost of living that stretches your salary further than in many Western European hubs. Whether you plan to join a parcel delivery company in Bucharest, operate a regional van in Cluj-Napoca, or build a long-term path toward international trucking out of Timisoara or Iasi, your first day as a delivery driver sets the tone. It is your chance to impress dispatch, adapt to European driving norms, and learn the technology, customer expectations, and workflows that define Romania's logistics scene.

This guide delivers an actionable, step-by-step playbook for your first day and beyond. It covers gear to bring, how to interact with Romanian customers, route planning essentials, what to expect at onboarding, the legal and licensing framework (including EU CPC and digital tachograph training), and practical relocation steps for Kenyan nationals. You will also find accurate salary ranges, living costs in major cities, Romanian workplace culture insights, and a relocation checklist that removes the guesswork.

By the end, you will be ready for a smooth start, a compliant career, and a confident next chapter in Romania.

Why Romania? EU Membership, Lower Costs, Higher Opportunity

Romania is an EU member (since 2007), which means EU-aligned road transport rules, professional training standards, and access to a broad European market. For drivers, this translates into:

Strong demand: E-commerce growth and EU trade have fueled a steady need for delivery and trucking professionals across Romania.
Competitive pay vs. cost of living: Take-home pay for drivers in Romania usually stretches further than in high-cost Western EU countries, especially outside Bucharest.
Gateway to the EU road network: Romanian companies often run cross-border operations to Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, and beyond. Your Romanian experience is a platform for international routes.
Variety of roles: From last-mile delivery on vans to regional distribution, bus driving in city fleets, and international trucking.

Quality of life matters too. Romania offers dynamic cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi), mountain and seaside getaways, robust mobile internet, and generally friendly locals. As a newcomer from Kenya, you will find many cultural similarities around hospitality and community.

Job Market Overview: Delivery to Long-Haul, You Have Options

Typical Employers and Roles

If you are eyeing a first day specifically as a delivery driver, you will likely join one of these sectors:

Parcel and courier services (last-mile delivery): FAN Courier, Urgent Cargus, Sameday, DPD Romania, GLS Romania, DHL Express Romania.
Retail and e-commerce fleets: eMAG/Sameday network, large supermarkets with internal logistics.
Food and on-demand delivery: Tazz by eMAG, Glovo (some roles are contractor-based; confirm employment type and benefits).
Regional distribution networks: KLG Europe Romania, DB Schenker Romania, DHL Freight, Aquila, and local 3PLs.
Passenger transport (if you pivot later): STB (Bucharest public transport), CTP Cluj-Napoca, STPT Timisoara, CTP Iasi.

Entry Points for New Arrivals

Delivery van driver (B/C category license): Ideal for a first EU job, offers structured onboarding and route-training.
Warehouse-to-driver pipeline: Some companies start you in a depot role while you complete local licensing or CPC training, then transition you to driving.
Assistant/driver helper: For large-item delivery crews; great for learning customer etiquette and POD (Proof of Delivery) systems.

Where Jobs Cluster

Bucharest: Largest pool of courier and last-mile roles, busiest depots, higher volume of same-day and next-day services.
Cluj-Napoca: Fast-growing tech and e-commerce hub, regional distribution, strong quality-of-life appeal.
Timisoara: Western gate to EU corridors; many companies run routes to Hungary and further into Central Europe.
Iasi: Growing logistics services in the northeast, good balance of cost and opportunities.

Legal Requirements: Work Permits, Visa, and Staying Compliant

As a Kenyan national, you will need work authorization before arriving to work in Romania. The typical process involves two major steps:

Work permit approval in Romania

Your prospective employer applies for a work authorization (permits are issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration - IGI). You usually provide copies of your passport, proof of qualifications/experience, and criminal record certificate from Kenya.
Once approved, the employer receives the work permit decision.

Long-stay employment visa (D-type)

With the work permit approval, you apply for a D-type long-stay visa for employment at the Romanian embassy/consulate in or accredited to Kenya. You submit your passport, work permit approval, proof of accommodation or invitation, means of support, travel insurance, and criminal record certificate.
Visa processing times vary, commonly a few weeks to a couple of months.

After entry into Romania

Obtain a residence permit for employment from IGI within the legal timeframe after arrival (typically within 30 days from entering on the D-type visa). Your employer often guides you.
Keep copies of your residence card, work contract, and health insurance on you. Drivers are frequently asked for identification during roadside checks when operating company vehicles.

Tip: Start the process early. Many employers will offer administrative support.

Certification and License Recognition: Turning Kenyan Credentials Into EU Readiness

Professional driving in Romania is governed by EU standards. Plan the following carefully:

Converting Your License

Private car licenses: Some non-EU licenses can be exchanged for a Romanian one if there is a bilateral agreement. Kenya is typically not on the standard exchange lists. Expect to obtain a Romanian license by enrolling in a driving school and passing theory and practical exams.
Professional categories (C, CE, D): To drive trucks or buses professionally in the EU, you need the relevant category on a Romanian license plus a Driver CPC (Code 95) qualification.

Typical path if your Kenyan license is not exchangeable:

Acquire residence permit (needed for exam registration and license issuance).
Undergo medical and psychological evaluations at authorized centers.
Register with a driving school for category B (if needed), then C/CE or D, depending on your goal.
Complete theory classes and practical lessons.
Pass the exams administered by the Romanian authorities.

For last-mile delivery in vans up to 3.5 t:

A Romanian category B license is enough for most courier roles (no tachograph or CPC required for light vans under 3.5 t). However, employers may prefer drivers with prior delivery experience.

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence - Code 95)

For trucks (C/CE) and buses (D), EU law requires CPC. Because Kenyan CPC is not an EU qualification, you will need initial qualification training (CPI) or periodic training in Romania, depending on experience and the local authority's assessment.
CPC cards are issued by Romanian authorities and display Code 95 on your license or as a driver qualification card.

Digital Tachograph Training and Card

For vehicles subject to tachograph rules (generally over 3.5 t for goods transport, depending on regulation updates), you need a digital tachograph driver card issued in Romania. Apply after you have your Romanian ID/residence and relevant license. Many employers help with this application.
You must understand EU Regulation (EC) 561/2006 on drivers' hours and Regulation (EU) 165/2014 on tachographs.

ADR (Hazardous Goods) Certification

ADR is valuable for boosting pay and employability. You can take ADR courses (basic and specialization modules) in Romania at certified training centers. Exams are typically overseen under the Ministry of Transport via authorized bodies. ADR is not usually needed for entry-level delivery vans, but it opens doors in fuel, chemicals, and certain distribution jobs.

Timelines and Practical Tips

Count on 2-6 months from starting your paperwork to being fully ready for heavy vehicle roles, especially if you need to pass from B to C/CE and complete CPC.
For a quick start in Romania, many newcomers begin with light-van delivery while working toward C/CE and CPC in parallel.

Salary and Benefits: What to Expect

Salaries vary by city, role, experience, and whether you work domestic or international routes. The ranges below are realistic starting points as of recent market conditions:

Last-mile delivery driver (van, category B):
- Bucharest: approx. 3,500 - 5,500 RON net per month (roughly 700 - 1,100 EUR), plus performance bonuses and overtime.
- Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi: approx. 3,200 - 5,000 RON net (650 - 1,000 EUR) depending on company and route density.
Regional/short-haul truck driver (C/CE, domestic):
- approx. 4,500 - 7,500 RON net (900 - 1,500 EUR), sometimes higher with night shifts, ADR, or premium routes.
International truck driver (C/CE, EU routes):
- Typically higher due to per diems and international allowances. Ranges can reach 9,000 - 15,000 RON net equivalent (1,800 - 3,000 EUR) depending on rotation schedules, countries covered, and company policy.
Bus driver (city):
- approx. 3,800 - 6,500 RON net (770 - 1,300 EUR), influenced by overtime and allowances.

Common benefits:

Meal vouchers (tichete de masa) credited monthly.
Overtime pay or route-based incentives.
Health insurance contributions via your employment contract.
Paid leave (check your contract for exact days).
Training sponsorship: Some companies pay or co-finance CPC, ADR, and tachograph courses after a trial period.

Always confirm if the salary quoted is gross or net and how per diems are handled for international work.

Cost of Living: Budgeting for Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi

Housing (monthly rent):

Bucharest: Studio/1-bedroom 400 - 700 EUR; 2-bedroom 600 - 1,000 EUR depending on area and condition.
Cluj-Napoca: Studio/1-bedroom 350 - 600 EUR; 2-bedroom 550 - 900 EUR.
Timisoara: Studio/1-bedroom 300 - 550 EUR; 2-bedroom 500 - 800 EUR.
Iasi: Studio/1-bedroom 300 - 500 EUR; 2-bedroom 450 - 750 EUR.

Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet):

100 - 180 EUR per month for a typical apartment, higher in winter for heating.

Mobile and internet:

Prepaid SIM with generous data: 5 - 10 EUR per month; home internet: 8 - 15 EUR.

Groceries and daily expenses:

150 - 250 EUR per month for a single person cooking at home; eating out is 6 - 12 EUR for a simple meal in many areas.

Transport:

City public transport monthly pass generally 15 - 25 EUR equivalent depending on the city and zones.
Fuel: approx. 6.5 - 7.5 RON per liter for petrol or diesel.

With careful budgeting, a delivery driver can save a meaningful portion of income, especially outside central Bucharest.

Cultural Integration: Language and Workplace Culture

Basic Romanian goes a long way, especially for doorstep interactions. Learn these phrases:

Buna ziua! - Good day!
Buna dimineata! - Good morning!
Multumesc! - Thank you!
Va rog. - Please.
Unde preferati sa las coletul? - Where do you prefer I leave the parcel?
Semnati aici, va rog. - Sign here, please.
Aveti ramburs. Puteti plati cash sau cu cardul. - You have cash-on-delivery. You can pay cash or card.
O zi frumoasa! - Have a nice day!

Workplace culture:

Punctuality: Dispatch expects on-time starts and adherence to time windows.
Direct communication: Keep your dispatcher updated about delays, address issues, or damaged parcels.
Document discipline: Proof of Delivery (POD), cash-on-delivery (COD) reconciliation, and return procedures are essential.
Respect and professionalism: A friendly, solution-oriented tone with customers matters as much as speed.

Practical Steps to Relocate: A Step-by-Step Guide

Research and shortlist employers

Target companies in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.
Prioritize those offering visa support and structured onboarding for foreign hires.

Secure a job offer

Prepare a CV highlighting your Kenyan driving experience, safety record, and any ADR or fleet experience.
Mention familiarity with handheld scanners, route planning apps, and customer service.

Employer applies for your work permit

Provide requested documents: passport, passport photos, police clearance, medical fitness certificate, and driving records if available.

Apply for the D-type long-stay employment visa

Submit documents to the Romanian consulate/embassy. Include proof of accommodation or invitation, travel insurance, the work permit approval, and means of support.

Travel to Romania and register for residence

Within the legal timeframe, apply for a residence permit at IGI.

Begin orientation and local compliance

If your role is last-mile delivery (van), your Romanian category B license may be required. If you cannot exchange your Kenyan license, enroll in a driving school promptly while working in a support role if needed.
For medium-term growth to trucks: plan C/CE licensing, CPC initial qualification, ADR modules, and tachograph card application.

Complete employer onboarding

Learn the company TMS (transport management system), scanner workflows, and daily check-in/out procedures.

Move into your route and probation period

Most companies have a 1-3 month probation with daily performance feedback.

Your First Day as a Delivery Driver in Romania: What to Expect and How to Shine

Your first day will influence your reputation with dispatch, supervisors, and teammates. Here is a detailed, hour-by-hour style breakdown you can adapt to any Romanian delivery company.

Pre-Day Preparation (the night before)

Documents in a folder:
- Passport and residence permit (or visa if in initial period).
- Work contract and company ID (if provided).
- Romanian driving license (B for vans), or temporary permit documents if applicable.
- Health insurance card or proof of coverage.
- If applicable: CPC card (Code 95), tachograph card, ADR certificate.
Personal gear:
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes with good grip.
- Reflective safety vest (mandatory when outside the vehicle on the roadside).
- Lightweight gloves for handling parcels.
- Smartphone with local data, power bank, and car charger.
- Pen, small notepad, and permanent marker.
- Reusable water bottle and packed lunch/snacks.
Apps and maps:
- Install Google Maps and Waze (local drivers often prefer Waze for real-time traffic).
- If given, install the company's courier app and log in in advance.
Route familiarity:
- Study your depot location and the general area of your first route. Check peak traffic patterns.
- Learn basic Romanian phrases for delivery confirmations and COD transactions.

Arrival at the Depot (typically 6:00 - 8:00 AM)

Check in with dispatch/hub supervisor. Be 15-20 minutes early.
Safety briefing: Listen for vehicle inspection procedures, loading rules, and any route-specific cautions.
Equipment handover:
- Handheld scanner or smartphone with courier app.
- Vehicle keys and fuel card (if used).
- Company ID and branded vest/cap if provided.
- COD envelope or POS terminal for card payments if the service supports it.
Vehicle check (document any issues):
- Lights, indicators, brakes, mirrors.
- Tire condition and pressure.
- Windshield washer fluid, wipers.
- First aid kit, warning triangles, fire extinguisher, reflective vest.
- Cargo area cleanliness and securing straps where applicable.
- Note damage or faults to the supervisor before departure.

Loading and Sorting (allow 30-60 minutes on Day 1)

Understand your manifest: number of stops, time windows, COD notes, fragile items, returns/pickups.
Sort parcels by route sequence: load last-out items first, first-out items last. Group by streets or neighborhoods.
Heaviest parcels at floor level near the side or rear door for safe handling.
Scan every parcel as loaded if the system requires it; verify counts match your manifest.

Route Kickoff and Navigation

Punch out from the depot following dispatch instructions.
Use Waze/Google Maps but cross-check with the company's TMS routing. Learn how to override or reorder stops if traffic changes.
Keep a steady pace. Safety first: observe Romanian speed limits, school zones, and pedestrian crossings.

Customer Interaction Basics in Romania

Doorstep etiquette:
- Greet with a smile and a simple "Buna ziua" or "Buna dimineata".
- Confirm the recipient's name and parcel details.
- For COD: Explain the amount owed and acceptable payment methods. Say: "Aveti ramburs de [amount]. Puteti plati cash sau cu cardul." Keep receipts organized.
- Ask for a signature or code as required: "Semnati aici, va rog." or "Va rog sa imi spuneti codul de livrare."
If the recipient is absent:
- Follow company policy: leave a notice, attempt a neighbor handover if permitted, or schedule redelivery.
- Update the app with delivery status and reason for failure.

Handling Common First-Day Challenges

Apartment blocks and intercoms: Many Romanian cities have coded entries. Call the phone number on the waybill or use the intercom. Learn terms like "scara" (staircase/entrance), "etaj" (floor), and "apartament" (apartment).
Rural addresses: Use landmarks and call ahead. Always log attempted deliveries for traceability.
Parking: Park legally and safely. Use hazard lights sparingly; wear your reflective vest when stepping onto the roadway.
Fragile or large parcels: Ask for help at the depot if an item requires team lift. Document pre-existing box damage with photos in the app.

Mid-Shift Communication

Keep dispatch updated on delays, road closures, or high-traffic corridors.
If a customer refuses a parcel or cannot pay COD, confirm return instructions immediately.
Ask procedural questions early; it shows diligence and avoids end-of-day reconciliations issues.

Breaks and Legal Rest

Even in vans under 3.5 t, take periodic breaks for safety and productivity.
For vehicles subject to tachograph rules (trucks), comply strictly with EU hours: daily driving limits, breaks after 4.5 hours of driving, daily and weekly rest. Never let anyone pressure you to exceed legal limits.

End-of-Day Wrap-Up

Return to the depot on schedule.
Reconcile COD cash and card receipts accurately; count twice, sign the forms, and hand over to the designated cashier.
Process returns and undelivered parcels by scanning them back into inventory.
Provide quick feedback to dispatch: areas with repeated access issues, addresses that need correction, or suggestions to improve route sequencing.
Clean the vehicle and note any new maintenance issues.

First-Day Success Checklist

Arrived early and prepared with documents and gear.
Completed vehicle safety checks and documented issues.
Loaded parcels in sequence, verified counts.
Communicated proactively with dispatch and customers.
Closed the day with zero cash discrepancies and accurate PODs.

EU Driving Regulations and Romanian Road Rules You Must Know

EU drivers' hours: Regulation (EC) 561/2006 sets limits on daily/weekly driving time, breaks, and rest periods for vehicles subject to the rules (typically trucks and buses). Know the 4.5-hour driving limit before a 45-minute break, daily driving max, weekly totals, and rest requirements.
Tachographs: Regulation (EU) 165/2014 covers tachograph use and data. Learn to insert your card, select duties (driving/other work/rest), and make manual entries when needed. Never drive without a valid card in vehicles that require one.
Working Time Directive: Directive 2002/15/EC governs working time for mobile workers, including loading, waiting, and other tasks. Your employer's TMS should align with this.
Romanian road rules:
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Headlights on outside built-up areas during the day is recommended; follow company policy and local rules.
- Winter: Use winter tires when roads are covered with snow or ice. In mountainous regions, chains may be mandatory for heavy vehicles.
- Safety equipment: Reflective vest, triangles, fire extinguisher, and first-aid kit in the vehicle.
- Speed limits: Typically 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on national roads, 100 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways unless posted otherwise.

Common Challenges for Kenyan Drivers and How to Overcome Them

Driving on the right side: Practice in low-traffic areas. Keep the vehicle centered in the lane; use mirrors diligently. On multilane roads, the right lane is the slow lane; overtake on the left.
Winter driving: Slow inputs on steering, braking, and acceleration. Keep greater following distance. Carry de-icer, scraper, gloves, and warm layers. Check road conditions in mountain passes.
Tolls and vignettes:
- Rovinieta (road vignette) applies on national roads for most vehicles and must be purchased for the correct category. Company vehicles typically have this handled by fleet managers.
- Specific tolls exist for certain bridges (for example on the A2 Danube crossing). Follow company guidance on electronic toll payments.
Working time and pressure: Use the app to record attempts, delays, and reasons. You are protected by EU rules on working time and, for tachograph vehicles, drivers' hours. Do not shortcut safety or compliance to chase unrealistic targets.

Success Tips From Other Expats in Romania's Logistics Scene

Learn the neighborhoods: In Bucharest, sectors are numbered (Sector 1-6). In Cluj-Napoca, memorize ring roads and key intersections. The more you internalize the map, the faster and calmer your day.
Build rapport with your dispatcher: Share quick daily updates and ask clarifying questions. They will steer better routes your way once they trust you.
Keep your kit minimal but complete: A pocket flashlight, spare phone cable, and a couple of parcel straps solve half of first-day headaches.
Practice Romanian numbers and street terms: Street numbers may be non-sequential. Ask neighbors for help politely when needed.
Photograph problem deliveries: Always attach photos in your app to reduce disputes.
Dress for the season: Romanian winters can dip below freezing, while summers get hot. Ventilate the van and rotate heavy lifts.
Invest in your future: Once settled, plan for C/CE, CPC, tachograph card, and eventually ADR. Better qualifications mean better pay.

Opportunities: Where Your Career Can Go Next

International trucking via Timisoara or Arad to Western Europe.
City bus driving with STB (Bucharest) or CTP (Cluj-Napoca, Iasi) once you have category D and CPC.
Depot team lead, route planner, or dispatch roles after 1-2 years of strong performance.
ADR-specialized distribution (fuel stations, medical supplies) with higher pay brackets.

First-Day Gear: A Practical Packing List

ID and work documents folder (passport, residence, license, contract).
Company-issued scanner/device, plus:
- Phone, power bank, 12V charger.
- Spare stylus or gloves compatible with touchscreens.
PPE: reflective vest, gloves, and in winter a warm hat and thermal layers.
Parcel handling: small box cutter, tape, and marker.
Health and comfort: water, snacks, basic pain reliever, sunscreen in summer.
Paper backups: printed route map or key addresses in case of device failure.

Customer Service Scripts You Can Use

Greeting: "Buna ziua! Colet pentru [Name]."
Access: "Putem folosi interfonul? La ce etaj sunteti?"
COD: "Aveti ramburs de [amount]. Preferati cash sau card?"
Signature: "Semnati aici, va rog."
Absent customer: "Am incercat livrarea. Va putem reprograma pentru maine?"
Farewell: "Multumesc! O zi frumoasa!"

End-of-Day Metrics Dispatch Will Watch

Delivery success rate vs. planned stops.
On-time performance in time windows.
POD accuracy and photo evidence rate.
COD reconciliation accuracy.
Customer feedback or complaints.

Hit these targets consistently and your probation will likely convert to a stable contract quickly.

Conclusion: Start Small, Think Big, Drive Far

Your first day as a delivery driver in Romania is about preparation, communication, and calm execution. Bring the right documents and gear, master your company's app, respect EU and Romanian rules, and treat every doorstep as a chance to build trust. With demand strong across Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, you have room to grow from last-mile vans to regional or international trucking once you secure CPC, tachograph competence, and perhaps ADR.

If you are relocating from Kenya, start with the visa and work permit, target employers that support training, and be ready to invest in your Romanian license path. The reward is a European career with solid earnings and quality of life.

Ready to roll? Shortlist employers, prepare your documents, and map your first-day success using the checklists above.

FAQ: Kenyan Drivers Starting Delivery Jobs in Romania

Do I need a Romanian driving license to start in last-mile delivery?

Most companies require a valid Romanian category B license for vans. If your Kenyan license cannot be exchanged, you may need to enroll in a Romanian driving school and pass the exams. Some employers may place you in a support role while you complete licensing.

What is CPC (Code 95) and do I need it for a van?

CPC (Code 95) is the EU Driver Certificate of Professional Competence for professional drivers of trucks and buses. For vans up to 3.5 t engaged in last-mile delivery, CPC is generally not required. If you move to C/CE or D vehicles later, CPC becomes mandatory.

How do I get a tachograph card and when do I need one?

You need a tachograph card for vehicles subject to tachograph rules (typically trucks over 3.5 t engaged in commercial transport). After obtaining your Romanian license and residence, apply through Romanian authorities with your ID, photo, and fee. Your employer can guide you on the application.

What starting salary can I expect as a delivery driver in Bucharest?

A realistic net range is about 3,500 - 5,500 RON per month (roughly 700 - 1,100 EUR), with variations based on performance bonuses, overtime, and company policy.

Are winter tires mandatory in Romania?

Winter tires are required when road conditions are wintery (snow, ice). In mountainous routes, chains may be required for heavy vehicles. Many companies switch to winter tires seasonally as a best practice.

How does the work permit and visa process work for Kenyan citizens?

Your employer in Romania first obtains a work permit approval. With that, you apply for a D-type long-stay employment visa at the Romanian consulate. After entering Romania, you register for a residence permit at IGI. Your employer typically assists with timing and documents.

Which Romanian cities offer the best prospects for delivery drivers?

Bucharest has the most roles and highest volume. Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi also provide steady opportunities, often with slightly lower living costs than the capital.

What are the main EU driving rules I should know even as a van driver?

Even if your van is below tachograph thresholds, know and follow the Working Time Directive principles on safe hours and breaks. For trucks, strict adherence to Regulation (EC) 561/2006 and tachograph use is mandatory. Never exceed safe working hours.

How can I make a great impression on Day 1?

Arrive early, do thorough vehicle checks, load in delivery sequence, communicate proactively with dispatch, keep COD reconciliations exact, and use polite Romanian phrases with customers.

Will ADR certification help my career in Romania?

Yes. ADR is not needed for basic van delivery, but it significantly improves your employability and pay for specialized distribution or fuel and chemical logistics.

What if a customer refuses a parcel or cannot pay COD?

Follow company policy: document the reason in your app, photograph the parcel if needed, and return or reschedule as instructed by dispatch. Never leave COD parcels without proper payment and proof.

Can I move from delivery vans to international trucking?

Absolutely. Many drivers start on vans to learn local roads, then upskill to C/CE, obtain CPC and tachograph card, and transition into domestic and later international routes with higher pay.