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BNSF employment opportunity or stay in military...what do I do?
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I've been in the Air Force for nearly 18 years with 90% of my time spent overseas. I tried to get hired on with several different railroads when I graduated from high school in 1986, but was unsuccessful. So I decided the AF was the way to go. It's been pretty good to me, no complaints there. I was at about my 12 year mark with my enlistment nearly finished when Norfolk Southern was hiring in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area during the late 90's. It was so tempting for me, but like you had a family to consider along with tons of other things. I decided not to take the chance and rode it out. If I were single at the time or had no children I would have definitely "crossed over into the black (NS)." <br /> <br />If you don't like your aircraft AFSC, consider cross training if your career field is eligible. I did and it was a great decision for me. With just a little over 2 years left now, I'm hoping the railroads will be hiring then as they are now. NS, UP, BNSF are all posting conductor/train service positions on their websites. CSX also has some sort of "railroad college" that guarantees you employment with them if you're able to get accepted into the program. It runs around $4,300. <br /> <br />Like you deployments, long hours, always on the move, harsh conditions, adapting to constant change, and being outside in the elements to name a few....I've dealt with those also and would continue to deal with many of those factors working on the railroad. I'll gladly make the sacrifice. <br /> <br />The ultimate decision is yours. Discuss it thoroughly with your wife and include your children too. Yes, we all know deployments are on the rise due to the AEF implementation a few years back, so you may want to consider that too. Iraq is tough duty, especially in the summer when I was there last year. The 50% retirement isn't a gold mine, but it will make for a nice mortgage payment and it's a constant monthly income. Decisions, decisions, decisions!! If I were to rewind it all, I'm sure I would have chosen to stay in again...of course I was at 12 and you're at 10. <br /> <br />Let us know what you choose and best of luck whatever course you take. <br /> <br />Ed
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