Posted: 4/24/2008 6:07:36 AM EDT
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I’m wondering if there are any Railroad workers here. I’m thinking about dropping my retirement papers (20 Years Active Duty) this fall and am looking at possible 2nd careers. I have looked at Union Pacific, and they have some positions open in some of the Western states I would like to retire to. A couple of the paths I’m looking at are Train Crew and Signal maintenance. I hear that Train Crew positions are some of the best paying, but require time away from home. Currently I’m away from home about 14-16 days a month, every month, so the family is used to me being gone. Do Train Crew guys spend all that much time away from home? And since they are on a 90 minute standby, does that mean you only get paid when they call you in, and are there lulls in work? I don’t want to get into a “Part Time” type of situation. Signal maintenance is another position I’m looking at since I do have a background in electronics maintenance and troubleshooting. I would think that this would require regional travel, but would you be required to overnight sometimes? I’m just wondering if there are any RR workers who can give me a straight up answer as to how they like their job, how’s the pay, job security, etc, etc. Thanks |
Depends on the type of work available in your area, how you want to work, how much you want to earn, and what your seniority will allow you to hold.
Railroads have been notorious for laying off employees when business drops off. Most railroads are cyclical, and the "off season" depends on where you are.
I enjoy what I do. But it's certainly not for everyone. It's a lifestyle unlike most others. Pay is pretty good, I'm happy in the $55-60k range but can earn up to $90-100k if I need to and don't mind being worked into a zombie. Job security is good once you've put in your time and have a little seniority. Might have to accept a few short term layoffs along the way. Personally, based on everything I have heard, I would give some consideration to the BNSF (who I work for). By most accounts they are a better outfit to work for than the UP. But if they don't operate in an area that you want to live in... |