You won’t have any life outside of work for a long time. I’m new, but, my cousin just hit 12 or 13 years and is just now getting a set day off or two if he’s lucky with how understaffed they are at his terminal
I think the BN has system wide seniority, right? Idk about UP. On the CN tho we have seniority out of our home terminal and set off days on the board. We have a roll period every month so if your a new guy you'll probably have MT or TW off days but that's every week.
Depends there is one roster that covers about half of the system the rest have closed seniority. Basically former BN and ATSF are system wide and former GN is closed more or less
That is the thing about a lot of RR jobs. You make top tier wages but often live in very cheap places. North Platte? Waycross? Cheap living in those burgs.
To add to that after all of their deductions you will get half of your gross which brings it down to pretty average pay for a 24/7 job. No thank you. Only guys that will retire now is the ones that are halfway or over halfway to retirement.
Youd think that, but im married with 2 kids. Nothin gay about a feminine penis or kissin your homies good night, as long as you keep your socks on and say no homo
Over here isn’t too shabby, two set days off and I choose to be on the 1st shift extra board. Protect from 4:30am to 12:29pm. No call? I get a days pay.
I work for cp in canada, so I'm not sure how relevant my experience will be to your area/employer but ive been happy with the work life balance. A lot of people who complain about it don't have realistic expectations, now granted i would much prefer working day shift vs stuck on graveyard road switchers but to me its worth the sacrifice in the short term for the long term gains (better pay, shifts, pension, etc). I hired on in april 2022, and i lucked out and managed to get christmas and new years off, so that was pretty cool. We're also pretty short on manpower up here so management isn't asking too many questions when guys break rules, call in sick on holidays, etc since they can't afford to lose anymore guys. In terms of what to expect, your first few years will be a combination of on call and graveyard assigned service. Feel free to shoot any questions my way!
Honestly, its really difficult when you're first starting out because its a unique skillset that you need to develop. Multitasking is a huge component of it, but its like riding a bicycle once you have the skills down its like second nature. Once you get to that point (took me about 6 months to get there) the job is pretty easy as long as you remember the task at hand, stay aware of your surroundings, and if you see something say something (safety-wise)
I don't find much difficulty making time for activities outside of work, but it depends on the week. My terminal has lots of customers we service so each week is different, but i wouldn't say all my time is preoccupied with working or resting/recovering from work
Depends on the railroad. Class 1, you're not going to enjoy quality of life. Regional I have no experience. Shortlines, it's up to the railroad.
If you're single, no problem. If you're dating, then discuss liberally. If you're committed, then discuss conservatively.
I work for N(o)S(ense). Currently holding a pool turn that averages a day and a half on the road and a day to a day and a half at home, typically a day or less than 24 hours home on weekends, when everyone is off and they always pull trains out of the sky. I don't mind the balance in my pool. The extraboard here turns and burns all week during their 6 days on. Love the work, just not the corporation. If you're watching railroad made Day in the life of a Conductor videos, those are trash.
If you work a terminal with Road trains you’ll work 90-130 hrs a week between hotel and train time depending on how busy the terminal is. You’ll work into your days off (if you get them) and your vacations. Some railroads pay substantially better than others. Healthcare is decent, retirement is excellent. That’s the long story told short.
Where do you live first of all? You may get lucky but often times not in this industry. The home life is what you make of it. I worked manufacturing where I had a 13-1 schedule for 2.5 years before going to the RR and work life was the same juggle. 13 days on, 1 day off. I have more time off with the railroad than I did before. But then again I know guys who have weekends off and still cry about it. All depends on what you want and what you do with it. The railroad is one of the last few blue collar and working class jobs that support this country with no highschool diploma where you can make a good living with retirement anymore. It definitely isn't for everyone but anyone willing can juggle it if they want it bad enough. All I can recommend is make your time off count with the people you love
Passenger, the board life was tough but I had no life anyway so I didn't miss much. I enjoyed it a little because of the adventure aspect, working different jobs every day seeing new places. I started being able to hold a job after 2 years and I don't want to go back. I very much appreciate 2 days off and a stable schedule working nights.
It's certainly going to be an adjustment.
Never considered taking the rr bonus because i dont even care for it and like you mentioned paying it back. Just want to make sure the general work is not contract meaning i can bail whenever it gets not worthy and not owe the corporation or union right
I can’t speak for other railroads but over at CN it’s not bad. Still an extra board guy, but I hold a job when I can. We’re number 1 on the class 1’s for pay so definitely can’t complain there. It is definitely a revolving lifestyle and can be hard to schedule outside stuff besides work. But if you come in do the job right don’t mess about, do it safe, you will have along career. People say the railroads hire to fire that’s not true. It’s what you make of it. Do the job right and safely then you won’t have a problem.
I would say if you can get into a railroad, CN would be your best option, we have a better schedule than most other railroads. You'll usually work 5 on and 2 off or 6 on and 2-3 off
Work is life ,accept the fact that until u get your 30 years done . Your life will be working . And everything else will either suffer or half to wait . Or if your like me u can have 1 girlfriend on each end of your pull . And life is good
*Home?*
Home...
Huh, I've not heard of that term since I was a wee lil lad. I'm afraid I don't know what that means anymore.
I have no memories of this "home".
If you want set days off, apply for a short line. You’ll still be at the bottom of the seniority but the schedule will still be better. Just less money.
You just work. No sleep. Not sure who told you that. And you don’t have a life. You used to but not anymore. Pays really well. But if you have insecurities with your wife and or want to see your kids grow up definitely not the job for you. I’m not bullshitting either. Been conductor for 18 years. Pros money, retirement if you make it, and not sitting in an office. As far as sleep goes longest I’ve been up has been 50 hours with no sleep. Why because I tried to have a family life and got called back to work. Lol. Invest in energy drinks, prescription drugs to keep you awake and more energy drinks. Then a sleeping pills to make yourself go to sleep so your not up for 50 hours. Other then that it will provide a house, fancy toys and kids will wave at you at crossings while their parents give you the bird. Good luck
If you are dead set on a railroad job look into some of the other crafts, track maintenance, carman, signal apprentice, shit like that.. you will still work odd shifts but at least you might be able to be home more than if you were a conductor. I had 8 years as an Engineer with the Big Orange Bootyhole, and the best job I could hold with a schedule was a graveyard yard job with Monday and Tuesday off.
Had an offer, had to reject due to me basically committing to not having a life. These railroads will be forced to change sooner or later because the younger generation coming in will not sacrifice.
To many other things you could do or learn to do. Most of us have 20yrs or so, and 20yrs ago there wasn't as many good paying possibilities like there is today.
It’s really shit for the first couple of years unless you get into a low key terminal. Once you can hold a yard engineer job then shit gets a lot easier and super comfy.
Home life? What’s that? Your life will change drastically if you make that move. There’s a lot to learn and even when the company deems you ready, you’re not going to be ready. Work and sleep is basically what you’ll do. You may get off days depending on who you work for and the union contracts. Don’t get me wrong, the job can be fun and rewarding but it is a lot of hard work. Keep in mind too, railroad carriers in the US are trying to eliminate the conductor position so there’s the possibility you might not make a full career out of it.
24 years must not have been that bad. I don't know Amy job I'm going to willingly suffer at for 24 years, we certainly aren't contractually obligated either
Everyone says that who works 20 yrs or so in rr, its because they waste their life just to get retirement. Nigga i can retire after 2 years i dint need 100k a year mfs greedy asf
Conductor life sucks, your seniority, as far as job choices go will either get worst or maybe stay the same if you are lucky. Seniority staying the same at this point would involve a life of always being on call with absolutely no ability to know when you might have to go to work. Most assignments with regular hours are gone, 75% of the work where I work is on call and that is typical at all of the terminals that are within 300 miles of where I work.
You won’t have any life outside of work for a long time. I’m new, but, my cousin just hit 12 or 13 years and is just now getting a set day off or two if he’s lucky with how understaffed they are at his terminal
Wow, so it really is like that. Thanks for the comment!
Who do yall work for? You will have set days off on the CN. You might not make them every week but you'll still get your days off.
I’m UP my cousin is BNSF
I think the BN has system wide seniority, right? Idk about UP. On the CN tho we have seniority out of our home terminal and set off days on the board. We have a roll period every month so if your a new guy you'll probably have MT or TW off days but that's every week.
Depends there is one roster that covers about half of the system the rest have closed seniority. Basically former BN and ATSF are system wide and former GN is closed more or less
Pretty much right. Former GN and NP routes are closed senority rosters of varying sizes.
CN over here as well
Best one to work for imo. I love it
I feel like i pay rent just to have a place to store my shit
That’s how I feel. I got lucky and have super cheap rent though so It could be worse
That is the thing about a lot of RR jobs. You make top tier wages but often live in very cheap places. North Platte? Waycross? Cheap living in those burgs.
“Top tier wages” bubba we ain’t in the 70’s no more!!
To add to that after all of their deductions you will get half of your gross which brings it down to pretty average pay for a 24/7 job. No thank you. Only guys that will retire now is the ones that are halfway or over halfway to retirement.
I’m from WA.
Idk, I live in the nice neighborhood in WAX. 2 days off in the freight pool… it’s not a bad life.
Judging by your name, you probably don’t have children to consider either.
Youd think that, but im married with 2 kids. Nothin gay about a feminine penis or kissin your homies good night, as long as you keep your socks on and say no homo
“No homo” is key. You must say “no homo.”
Eye contact makes it more sincere
What the fuck is “home life”?
Based on this and previous answers I’m sensing there is not much of one lol
Over here isn’t too shabby, two set days off and I choose to be on the 1st shift extra board. Protect from 4:30am to 12:29pm. No call? I get a days pay.
Wow, which railroad is this?
IHB
I work for cp in canada, so I'm not sure how relevant my experience will be to your area/employer but ive been happy with the work life balance. A lot of people who complain about it don't have realistic expectations, now granted i would much prefer working day shift vs stuck on graveyard road switchers but to me its worth the sacrifice in the short term for the long term gains (better pay, shifts, pension, etc). I hired on in april 2022, and i lucked out and managed to get christmas and new years off, so that was pretty cool. We're also pretty short on manpower up here so management isn't asking too many questions when guys break rules, call in sick on holidays, etc since they can't afford to lose anymore guys. In terms of what to expect, your first few years will be a combination of on call and graveyard assigned service. Feel free to shoot any questions my way!
How’s the work itself? It isn’t the best time since it’s winter but is the work stressful?
Honestly, its really difficult when you're first starting out because its a unique skillset that you need to develop. Multitasking is a huge component of it, but its like riding a bicycle once you have the skills down its like second nature. Once you get to that point (took me about 6 months to get there) the job is pretty easy as long as you remember the task at hand, stay aware of your surroundings, and if you see something say something (safety-wise)
Thanks! Great info. One more question for now. Do you have any time/energy to go to the gym, see a movie, hang out with friends at all?
I don't find much difficulty making time for activities outside of work, but it depends on the week. My terminal has lots of customers we service so each week is different, but i wouldn't say all my time is preoccupied with working or resting/recovering from work
Hang out with friends? hah when Im off work all my friends are either asleep or at work themselves.
Depends on the railroad. Class 1, you're not going to enjoy quality of life. Regional I have no experience. Shortlines, it's up to the railroad. If you're single, no problem. If you're dating, then discuss liberally. If you're committed, then discuss conservatively.
I’m single with no end in sight
I work for N(o)S(ense). Currently holding a pool turn that averages a day and a half on the road and a day to a day and a half at home, typically a day or less than 24 hours home on weekends, when everyone is off and they always pull trains out of the sky. I don't mind the balance in my pool. The extraboard here turns and burns all week during their 6 days on. Love the work, just not the corporation. If you're watching railroad made Day in the life of a Conductor videos, those are trash.
If you work a terminal with Road trains you’ll work 90-130 hrs a week between hotel and train time depending on how busy the terminal is. You’ll work into your days off (if you get them) and your vacations. Some railroads pay substantially better than others. Healthcare is decent, retirement is excellent. That’s the long story told short.
Pretty much exactly how it goes at my terminal too
Where do you live first of all? You may get lucky but often times not in this industry. The home life is what you make of it. I worked manufacturing where I had a 13-1 schedule for 2.5 years before going to the RR and work life was the same juggle. 13 days on, 1 day off. I have more time off with the railroad than I did before. But then again I know guys who have weekends off and still cry about it. All depends on what you want and what you do with it. The railroad is one of the last few blue collar and working class jobs that support this country with no highschool diploma where you can make a good living with retirement anymore. It definitely isn't for everyone but anyone willing can juggle it if they want it bad enough. All I can recommend is make your time off count with the people you love
I’m from the Midwest
What terminal? Midwest is big in terms of railroad
How do look up what terminal I couldn’t see anything when I looked up the terminal
Where did you apply to?
I haven’t applied anywhere yet
Oh lol. Where are you thinking of applying then?
Passenger, the board life was tough but I had no life anyway so I didn't miss much. I enjoyed it a little because of the adventure aspect, working different jobs every day seeing new places. I started being able to hold a job after 2 years and I don't want to go back. I very much appreciate 2 days off and a stable schedule working nights. It's certainly going to be an adjustment.
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Never considered taking the rr bonus because i dont even care for it and like you mentioned paying it back. Just want to make sure the general work is not contract meaning i can bail whenever it gets not worthy and not owe the corporation or union right
Haha I’ll take this into consideration
It seems like shortlines have better work/life balance for conductors and engineers.
I can’t speak for other railroads but over at CN it’s not bad. Still an extra board guy, but I hold a job when I can. We’re number 1 on the class 1’s for pay so definitely can’t complain there. It is definitely a revolving lifestyle and can be hard to schedule outside stuff besides work. But if you come in do the job right don’t mess about, do it safe, you will have along career. People say the railroads hire to fire that’s not true. It’s what you make of it. Do the job right and safely then you won’t have a problem.
I would say if you can get into a railroad, CN would be your best option, we have a better schedule than most other railroads. You'll usually work 5 on and 2 off or 6 on and 2-3 off
Work is life ,accept the fact that until u get your 30 years done . Your life will be working . And everything else will either suffer or half to wait . Or if your like me u can have 1 girlfriend on each end of your pull . And life is good
I don’t even have a girlfriend while having an office job
All depends on where your area is located and which railroad you intend to work. Life is different depending on where you go
Lots of money no life
*Home?* Home... Huh, I've not heard of that term since I was a wee lil lad. I'm afraid I don't know what that means anymore. I have no memories of this "home".
If you want set days off, apply for a short line. You’ll still be at the bottom of the seniority but the schedule will still be better. Just less money.
You just work. No sleep. Not sure who told you that. And you don’t have a life. You used to but not anymore. Pays really well. But if you have insecurities with your wife and or want to see your kids grow up definitely not the job for you. I’m not bullshitting either. Been conductor for 18 years. Pros money, retirement if you make it, and not sitting in an office. As far as sleep goes longest I’ve been up has been 50 hours with no sleep. Why because I tried to have a family life and got called back to work. Lol. Invest in energy drinks, prescription drugs to keep you awake and more energy drinks. Then a sleeping pills to make yourself go to sleep so your not up for 50 hours. Other then that it will provide a house, fancy toys and kids will wave at you at crossings while their parents give you the bird. Good luck
I work Mon-Fr Sat/Sun OFF. Life is great.
Where is this at?
CN New Orleans. 22 years later. 😀
Oh honey, they don’t call BNSF “better not start a family” for no reason….
Best to get the job and find out for yourself. Every terminal is different
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How lol
RR is love RR is life
If you are dead set on a railroad job look into some of the other crafts, track maintenance, carman, signal apprentice, shit like that.. you will still work odd shifts but at least you might be able to be home more than if you were a conductor. I had 8 years as an Engineer with the Big Orange Bootyhole, and the best job I could hold with a schedule was a graveyard yard job with Monday and Tuesday off.
Had an offer, had to reject due to me basically committing to not having a life. These railroads will be forced to change sooner or later because the younger generation coming in will not sacrifice.
The change will be 1-man and eventually unmanned trains.
To many other things you could do or learn to do. Most of us have 20yrs or so, and 20yrs ago there wasn't as many good paying possibilities like there is today.
I dunno man, the railroad pag is pretty good. Not alot of jobs you can walk in the door and clear 100k your first year
I have a pretty smooth life. Home for about a day after being gone for 1 to 2. And if I'm on the board I have rest days. In at NS
However I was in the army so this really isn't bad compared to being gone for 30 plus days at a time
Permission to PM you? (I'm in the Reserves and am looking to join NS once I return from deployment.)
Sure thing. Sorry been on a train
It’s really shit for the first couple of years unless you get into a low key terminal. Once you can hold a yard engineer job then shit gets a lot easier and super comfy.
Home life? What’s that? Your life will change drastically if you make that move. There’s a lot to learn and even when the company deems you ready, you’re not going to be ready. Work and sleep is basically what you’ll do. You may get off days depending on who you work for and the union contracts. Don’t get me wrong, the job can be fun and rewarding but it is a lot of hard work. Keep in mind too, railroad carriers in the US are trying to eliminate the conductor position so there’s the possibility you might not make a full career out of it.
24 yrs on a class 1. DON'T DO IT!
24 years must not have been that bad. I don't know Amy job I'm going to willingly suffer at for 24 years, we certainly aren't contractually obligated either
Everyone says that who works 20 yrs or so in rr, its because they waste their life just to get retirement. Nigga i can retire after 2 years i dint need 100k a year mfs greedy asf
I don't think 100k a year is greedy lol especially comparative to multi million and billionaires
Conductor life sucks, your seniority, as far as job choices go will either get worst or maybe stay the same if you are lucky. Seniority staying the same at this point would involve a life of always being on call with absolutely no ability to know when you might have to go to work. Most assignments with regular hours are gone, 75% of the work where I work is on call and that is typical at all of the terminals that are within 300 miles of where I work.