question about a job

[SnakeEater]

hey guys I have a question about a job that I am thinking about persuing. I still dont' know what I want to be when I grow up but I do know I want to make a lot of money so I can have a better life than my parents. Let me start my telling you all about a friend of mine. He recently got a job working for a railroad company. he is a conductor now and eventually will take some classes and become an engineer. he told me how much he is making...like $80 to 100K per year. And he literally just started. his last check was $4800 after taxes. I told him I'm very interested in this and he gave me info to check out on it. I am going to get more info tomorrow from the National Academy of Rail Road Science and some other sites etc. My dad told me its a good living to. I really want to get into this field especially if I can make that kind of dough. So I guess my question to all of you is this a good career to get into? Also how hard is it to even get on? If I go to school for it and do alright will I even be able to get a job within 6 months? Where can I get good info on this career path? Thanks to everyone who reads this. Any advice would help.

[Agent-GHQ]

"I'm..... walking on the railroad."

Oops, oh ok, so you want a high paying job. Well, we all do but what's more important is will you be content and happy with your work and with the people you work with?

I try to keep the income just below the higher tax bracket. Paying too too much on tax is not good either.

[Reznor]

I try to keep the income just below the higher tax bracket. Paying too too much on tax is not good either.

lol, yeah, or how else would you be able to army build 100+ if you had them nasty taxes ;p

I honestly don't know anything on the subject of railroad engineering and what not, but my first suggestion would be just to read up online. Hit forums that may be related to the subject matter, you may find opinions of people who have been in that field.

Thats about all I can offer though.

[Dr. Henry E. Miller]

I spent 2 years working as a qualified brakeman on the ground, a half year before that as a trainee. I moved up departments to block operator earlier this spring. I love my job, although there is some stress in the dispatchers/block operator chair I look forward to the challenge of work every morning. Trainservice is a great job and is challenging, but stepping over third rail at 3am with just a fusee for lighting to throw a switch is not something I miss!

Now I work for a commuter railroad that doesn't handle much freight, my position is a one with guaranteed hours and I know when I'm going to be home, it was the same in trainservice as a brakeman. I knew I was gonna have my own bed every night/morning.

On a freight carrier it is different, if you an over the road crew which you no-doubtly end up you will spend some nights in Hotels, and work some late nights/mornings because you will be low on the seniority list. You'll spend a year or two on the "extra" list where you could be called to your home terminal, or even deadheaded out to another terminal 24 hours a day. Railroading can take a lot out of you sometimes, especially over the road freight. It's possible to not be home for a few days depending on how big the crew districts are on the railroad you hire on with.

Qualifying! Get ready to spend a lot of time with your nose in the book of rules and operating standards, you'll have to learn psychical characteristics of the line, signal definitions, how to read back paperwork, how to work with freight cars etc and pass a mutitude of tests on this subject. From your location I'm assuming the road to hire out with out there is BNSF, I don't know exactly what there training process entails or what qualifications you'll need right away.

The railroad I work for is one of the toughest to qualify on due to a rule book thats full of different overlapping standards and a heavy amount of older operating practices. On a road like BNSF or UP it's probably more standardized and not all over the place like my book of rules, but you'll still need to know that book INSIDE and OUT. Safety is number one on the tracks and you don't want to be the guy who leaves someone hanging during a move, or ends up getting someone hurt.

Railroading is a great career path to get into, railroads tend to have strong unions, strong benefits and amazing retirement. If you do hire on get ready for your life to be changed. The stronger your resume the better, if you have a history in work around heavy equipment or an enviroment where safety is key you'll have a hand up, a clean record is KEY, they wont hire anyone with a history. Look around the website of your local railroads and see what positions are hiring out in your area, and good luck!

[statesofeuphoria]

Damn, with that kind of scratch i think I'll check into railroading as well.

[hectorxd]

You will also have to consider how much time you will spend away from home if you plan on having a family and kids in the future who would like to see you. Also it comes down to who you work with and if you like them.

[gunslingercbr]

don't just consider money, consider quality of life. if you would like to have a family, and spend 5 nights a week and the weekends with them, I'd assume working the rails wouldn't be conducive to that.

[jbowman]

Dont know much about the subject except a friend of mine who had no prior railroad exp, only bartending and mortgage experince got a job with a company called CTX here in Jacksonviille and he started at right under $70k. He started class/training Jan/Feb of this year and has been there since. The only thing he doesnt like is the hours, he says they are all over the place.

[TheBaroness]

I don't know why people care about making a lot of money so much....I have a high paying job and it's nice to be able to go into your wallet and buy anything you want but you realize that things like family and friends are far more important than money.

[statesofeuphoria]

I don't know why people care about making a lot of money so much....I have a high paying job and it's nice to be able to go into your wallet and buy anything you want but you realize that things like family and friends are far more important than money.


**cough** bullshit **cough**cough**


j/k

[Dakullprt]

**cough** bullshit **cough**cough**


j/k

Here are some options, depending on where you live and the cost of fuel and how busy you can stay.

Dumptrucks, Owner Operators (this is what I do) For a tri axl-axle you should be able to get about $75 to $85 per hour for your service. Expenses should run you no more than $1600 dollars weekly. Thats based on a $1800 truck payment and $7000 for insurance. Get your hand into everything network. First think you should buy is a good used Loader Dozer. Your home everynight the kids all want to come to work with you.

Duely, Hauling freight with those things pays insane amount I have one my cousin drives it for me this thing alone pays the bills and for my toys. (not gi joe my sons mini dragsters and my gsx-r 1000)

Hauling the dead from the morg to the funral homes. I don't know much detail but every pick up is at least $150 then you charge by the mile.

I can't tell you much about the trains, but I hear the commercial on the radio every now and then about how to get started and the pay.

Like everyone else said Family and doing what you like is real important.

[Mike T]

My brother in law had an offer from the railroad and didn't take it. The money was great...right in line with what you say. However, the "in joke" acronym for the company name was "better not have a family". The reason is that you are away from home for long stretches of time and it is very hard on family life. He said that most married men ended up divorced over it. As he had 2 kids, the money simply wasn't worth it.

Now, if you're single, it's something different entirely since you don't have those pressures. It can be a great career. But, everything has a down side you also have to weigh.

[NeoDragonKnight]

Sometimes these high paying jobs sound great, but theres always reasons why they pay so high (some other obviously ones that pay high are garbage men, and embalmers **shudder**), like people said, youd be having erratic hours, and less family time, if you are willing to take that sacrifice go for it. You can always change after a few years as well if you find it not for you, just be prepared with a fall back plan.

[Dr. Henry E. Miller]

However, the "in joke" acronym for the company name was "better not have a family". The reason is that you are away from home for long stretches of time and it is very hard on family life. He said that most married men ended up divorced over it. As he had 2 kids, the money simply wasn't worth it.

This is why I like working for a commuter railroad, I know for a fact I wont be away from my wife and my kid for 2-3 nights at a time, I'll know exactly when I'll be at work and for what hours during the day, of course with my seniority being low I do work odd shifts here and there. Although I do miss out of some of the "grittier" elements of railroading, and I had to punch tickets, which is one of the reasons I transfered departments into dispatching. If you've ever had to deal with a Westhamptonite arguing with you weather or not they should pay the on-board fare at 6:45 in the morning you'd understand.

[CURRAHEE CHRIS]

First thing I would tell you is never take a job because of the pay- take it because it is a career (there is a BIG difference between a Job and a Career) that you are interested in.

Sounds like you are making a major decision in your life based upon what someone is telling you they are making- there can be a ton of variables in that equation which just may not pan out for you.

Just because one career option offers a lot of money, it all depends on how you make that money work for you. There are multi-millionaires in this country who are broke and filing Chapter 11. If you are not disciplined, don't know what to do with your money, then you'll still be looking for that next job in 5-10 years where you will make $125+ or more. Taking a job based on salary expectations can be a very very dangerous and slippery slope.

All the best.
CC

[coola784]

well whatever you decide to do you have to think about jobs that you will get paid in no matter how bad the economy gets. unfortinetly we are in some what of a depression and the only jobs i can think of off the top of my head is in the medical fieds. that you will alweys get paid good in. anyway this is what my g/f tells me since she is a ultrasound tech.

I myself am a art major and she is alweys telling me that i need to minor in something else as a back up but in my opionion i want to do something i have fun doing and dont dread going to work everyday. my goal is to draw for a comic book company along with some advertiseing and whatever else i can get into to make money threw art. but it sounds like the railroad company pays good! so good luck if thats what you decide to do.

[GGPiKE]

First thing I would tell you is never take a job because of the pay- take it because it is a career (there is a BIG difference between a Job and a Career) that you are interested in.

Sounds like you are making a major decision in your life based upon what someone is telling you they are making- there can be a ton of variables in that equation which just may not pan out for you.

Just because one career option offers a lot of money, it all depends on how you make that money work for you. There are multi-millionaires in this country who are broke and filing Chapter 11. If you are not disciplined, don't know what to do with your money, then you'll still be looking for that next job in 5-10 years where you will make $125+ or more. Taking a job based on salary expectations can be a very very dangerous and slippery slope.

All the best.
CC

Very good advice right there. I can't begin to tell you how true that is.

4 years ago I went into the insurance industry purely for the potential of making a lot of money. I stuck in out for the first couple of years, building a client base, etc . . . but I was absolutely miserable. To the point that I dreaded getting up in the morning and almost made myself sick on a weekly basis. Long story short, I decided to go back to school for something I've always liked, graphic design. I'm now doing packaging design for a very well known company. I make less, but I absolutely love what I'm doing and look forward to going to work every morning.

[SnakeEater]

thanks all for your input. I contacted the school and I'm just waiting to hear back from them. Why not base a job on pay??? If I dont' like the job I am young enough where I can quit and try something else. One thing that sounded bad about the job is the hours but I don't necessarily have to do the same thing as my buddy. I could try and get those "normal hours". As of right now I am just looking into it. I want a lot of money so I can be debt free and have my own home etc. Thanks for the advice everyone.

[CURRAHEE CHRIS]

I'm now doing packaging design for a very well known company. I make less, but I absolutely love what I'm doing and look forward to going to work every morning.

There you go!! Good for you!! That's a great story. I myself got out of the army and went to college and am now a CPA. I got a great salary, benefits and all but the army was far more rewarding work.

Another thing I have found to be true as I have gotten older- your life is really dictated by two variables- time and money- you either got all of the time and none of the money or all of the money and none of the time. We all do the best we can to manage those two variables. Taking the better paying job may give you all the money to buy the stuff you want but you may never be able to enjoy it!!

Best of luck to your snakeater- I am sure it will all work out for you. Don't be in a rush- life is a marathon, not a sprint. Trying to sprint in a marathon will only lead to disaster.

[NeoDragonKnight]

thanks all for your input. I contacted the school and I'm just waiting to hear back from them. Why not base a job on pay??? If I dont' like the job I am young enough where I can quit and try something else. One thing that sounded bad about the job is the hours but I don't necessarily have to do the same thing as my buddy. I could try and get those "normal hours". As of right now I am just looking into it. I want a lot of money so I can be debt free and have my own home etc. Thanks for the advice everyone.


I think almost everyone thinks "Why not base a job on pay?" when they first start working or studying. Its natural to think that way, the difference is most of us who are saying dont base your decision on it have had the experiance of a high paying job (or even low paying) and being absolutely miserable, and have learned that harsh lesson already and I dont think we want you to have to learn the hard way unless you have to. You are doing the right thing though by asking peoples input, especially from people that have been in the work force for a long time. Ask as many people who have different angles for input to get a broad picture, in the end though its up to you. You can always change like I said, but its a long process to go back to school, so try to make the right decision the first time. Good luck to you dude.

[Steels]

I'm a conductor w/ CSX. They told me when I hired out that the railroad isn't a career, it's a lifestyle. If your single w/o kids and don't mind working ALOT, on call 24-7, go for it. I wasn't prepared for the amount of schooling, studying, and tests. There's alot to know, and memorize. You can make good money, don't listen to the rumors-everyone makes out different, but the guys making 80-100k are most likely working the extra list, working every 8 hours, and are at 100% rate. So your working alot more than the avarage joe. You get paid good $, but not great money. You make alot by working alot, and by claims-which is kinda hard to explain. But the railroad, for most of us, is your life, and not just a job or career. Your there all the time. If you got any questions ask...

[SnakeEater]

I went to a local community college for about 5 years and I am 4 classes away from my associates. But my problem is I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up! If it were up to me i'd have my own toy comic job where I make money selling what I love! But unfortunately I don't have the funds to do that. And the market where I live is absolutely terrible for toys and comics as well. I'm talking aweful. Money isn't the most important thing in life and I know money won't make you happy in the end. Sure it can buy me some sweet toys or whatever but in the end what really matters. I do eventually want to get married and wouldn't want my career to get in the way of anything like that. I've been single for 25 years and it really sucks but ahh well. At least I'm not w/someone that i'm misserable with either. I guess I just want to find a decent job where I am happy and still have time to do my own thing. I currently am a bartender/server/trainer at buffalo wild wings and I also work part time for Nutro selling dog food. If I could work Nutro more I would love to do that. the pay is decent but its a bit boring. But then again it's also not the least bit stressful. Ahhh well I guess I will figure it out eventually. Thanks ya'll!

[Dr. Henry E. Miller]

If you got any questions ask...

I got one, what's it like dealing with the slop that is North Jersey Consolidated Terminal? I've heard stories that thats the place crews go to die....

[Steels]

Ya know when I first got assigned to qualifiy there all I heard was the horror stories, but it isn't THAT bad. I have however made it to Jersey in like 4 hours only to sit, rot and outlaw waiting to yard my train.

[Dr. Henry E. Miller]

Ya know when I first got assigned to qualifiy there all I heard was the horror stories, but it isn't THAT bad. I have however made it to Jersey in like 4 hours only to sit, rot and outlaw waiting to yard my train.

Nothing like telling a freight crew "You boys are gonna wait for a while, put your feet up, things just went to shit ahead of you".

Then we got complaints from some commuters about an "unsightly" train sitting near the station for 2 hours....

It's a circus every day!

[delta]

It's a circus every day!
So what do they actually do when they catch some hobo's or gutter punks train hopping?

[Steels]

Nothing like telling a freight crew "You boys are gonna wait for a while, put your feet up, things just went to shit ahead of you".

Then we got complaints from some commuters about an "unsightly" train sitting near the station for 2 hours....

It's a circus every day!

I've heard that before...

[Steels]

So what do they actually do when they catch some hobo's or gutter punks train hopping?

Depends who catches them. For the most part-tell them to beat it.

[Dr. Henry E. Miller]

So what do they actually do when they catch some hobo's or gutter punks train hopping?

I caught a couple gutter punks tagging up a couple of stone hoppers in Queens one night, one pulled a knife out, so I started swinging a brakehose around, a heavy rubber tube with a metal gasket on the end with sharp edges tends to scatter them quickly. I also had my trusty brake-club, a relic from the old days, a thick wooden stick with a 2 pound ball of steel at the end for dealing with all kinds of reluctant objects.

[starrcommand]

There are many careers that are good when you start, especially if you arent married or have kids. A couple good ones that pay decent and have good benefits are Firefighters and Police. You start on the shit list working crap hours and long hours but the pay is good. Then when you work up the chain you get better hours and can spend time with your family, 20 years and retire with a nice pension. But you put your life in danger. Most tell me its rewarding but stressful. My uncle retired Paramedic and my fiancee's father is a retired FF. They say its best if your not married when you start, they have seen a lot of men divorce b/c of it. But it eventually gets better.

[delta]

Depends who catches them. For the most part-tell them to beat it.

I caught a couple gutter punks tagging up a couple of stone hoppers in Queens one night, one pulled a knife out, so I started swinging a brakehose around, a heavy rubber tube with a metal gasket on the end with sharp edges tends to scatter them quickly. I also had my trusty brake-club, a relic from the old days, a thick wooden stick with a 2 pound ball of steel at the end for dealing with all kinds of reluctant objects.

Scary stuff

[Hicks_Royel]

I don't know why people care about making a lot of money so much....I have a high paying job and it's nice to be able to go into your wallet and buy anything you want but you realize that things like family and friends are far more important than money.

Then send your money to me.

Since you're young, and this is something you want to do, then there's no reason not to consider it. Work the rails for a few years, save up some money, go to school with the knowledge you have from field work and use that to specialize into a true career where you spend your nights at home with your family.

[Lody666]

Having dealt with the Dept of Homeland Security and DOT-I'd get in soon if I were you. That area is set to undergo some major changes regarding the shipping of Hazarous Materials, esp in residential and heavily populated areas.

Chlorine esp is on the top of the list.

[Dr. Henry E. Miller]

Scary stuff

Back in the 40's-70's unofficial protocol for those types was a sawed off 12 gauge full of rock salt!

[BBTS Owns ME]

Money is super important. Dont let anyone tell you different! But being happy is more important. Remember that.

[delta]

Back in the 40's-70's unofficial protocol for those types was a sawed off 12 gauge full of rock salt!

Damn!! Ouch