Railroad Jobs

[Trainnut484]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jrw249

What is meant by 6x? Six days out? Six round trips?

6x means 6 times out, or sixth on the list to be called into work.

Take care[:)]

[Trainnut484]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jrw249

What is meant by 6x? Six days out? Six round trips?

6x means 6 times out, or sixth on the list to be called into work.

Take care[:)]

[Anonymous]

I'm not too sure about these schools. Maybe things have changed and maybe some railroads require it (as far as I know, CSX always has), but they sound like the "Government Jobs in Your Area" ads to me. They may be beneficial, but not always necessary. It was stated that the UP hires "off the street" at times. Not exactly true. For transportation jobs they usually use some sort of placement service to get people. If MUDINURI's warnings haven't scared you away, before shelling out the money for a third party training program check with the Illinois job service or, as mentioned, the American Job Bank. The UP and other railroads will often hire through them. Also, the UP website has jobs posted and instructions on how to apply via an employment agency. Others might do their own hiring. I believe CP Rail still does.

I've always kind of missed working for the railroad, and have occasionally thought about going back. I hinted not too subtly to my wife last night that I might be interested in doing so. She actually took it surprisingly well. She said she can't imagine why I'd want to, but that she's always been behind my decisions. She actually made a few jokes about it. It takes a pretty special person to be the spouse of a railroader.

[Anonymous]

I'm not too sure about these schools. Maybe things have changed and maybe some railroads require it (as far as I know, CSX always has), but they sound like the "Government Jobs in Your Area" ads to me. They may be beneficial, but not always necessary. It was stated that the UP hires "off the street" at times. Not exactly true. For transportation jobs they usually use some sort of placement service to get people. If MUDINURI's warnings haven't scared you away, before shelling out the money for a third party training program check with the Illinois job service or, as mentioned, the American Job Bank. The UP and other railroads will often hire through them. Also, the UP website has jobs posted and instructions on how to apply via an employment agency. Others might do their own hiring. I believe CP Rail still does.

I've always kind of missed working for the railroad, and have occasionally thought about going back. I hinted not too subtly to my wife last night that I might be interested in doing so. She actually took it surprisingly well. She said she can't imagine why I'd want to, but that she's always been behind my decisions. She actually made a few jokes about it. It takes a pretty special person to be the spouse of a railroader.

[jrw249]

My wife also said she would support me going into railroading, however, I would sort of feel guilty /selfish doing it.

[jrw249]

My wife also said she would support me going into railroading, however, I would sort of feel guilty /selfish doing it.

[Anonymous]

I certainly cannot blame you for having reservations. When making such decisions, one must take the needs of their loved ones into consideration.

[Anonymous]

I certainly cannot blame you for having reservations. When making such decisions, one must take the needs of their loved ones into consideration.

[Anonymous]

Hello All. I was surfing the other day and found this site and this topic. My husband works for BNSF. I just wanted to let the ones know that are interested in a railroad job that everything that these men have said about it is true. The money and insurance are great, but the homelife does suffer. Luckily, my son is only two. I am hoping in the next few years, our lives are more settled and in one location. We have moved too many times to count because my husband refuses to be furloughed....we are just like any other family and has bills, the money has to keep coming in.

As far as the extra board, pool jobs, regular jobs, etc...the extra board is nice with the guaranteed pay, but sometimes you only work once a week. Then, its nice for me. We can actually feel like a family, until the phone rings. :) My husband is constantly bidding for the other jobs. Sometimes he lucks out.

I understand his work life and am patient with him. I know I have to be to keep us strong and together. But, you know, its a joint effort. He talks about others and their lives and the infidelity that is associated with the job. Yes, I have to admit that it has crossed my mind that it could happen. When I have asked him about it, his response is, I know what I have at home.

I realize that the majority of people here are men and sorry for the intrusion, but I just thought you would want to hear an opinion from a wife of a person that works for the railroad.

Thanks.
TW

[Anonymous]

Hello All. I was surfing the other day and found this site and this topic. My husband works for BNSF. I just wanted to let the ones know that are interested in a railroad job that everything that these men have said about it is true. The money and insurance are great, but the homelife does suffer. Luckily, my son is only two. I am hoping in the next few years, our lives are more settled and in one location. We have moved too many times to count because my husband refuses to be furloughed....we are just like any other family and has bills, the money has to keep coming in.

As far as the extra board, pool jobs, regular jobs, etc...the extra board is nice with the guaranteed pay, but sometimes you only work once a week. Then, its nice for me. We can actually feel like a family, until the phone rings. :) My husband is constantly bidding for the other jobs. Sometimes he lucks out.

I understand his work life and am patient with him. I know I have to be to keep us strong and together. But, you know, its a joint effort. He talks about others and their lives and the infidelity that is associated with the job. Yes, I have to admit that it has crossed my mind that it could happen. When I have asked him about it, his response is, I know what I have at home.

I realize that the majority of people here are men and sorry for the intrusion, but I just thought you would want to hear an opinion from a wife of a person that works for the railroad.

Thanks.
TW

[edblysard]

Aploigize for what?
Sit and talk a spell, read Mookies postings, she has a quick and intelligent wit.
Nora askes, and answers questions.
Kathi Kube writes for the magazine that sponsers this site.
And as far as I can tell, not a single man has been worried or upset by the presence of these women.
And if they are worried, well, they are missing out on a viewpoint needed to balance things out.
Both my wife and I work, me for the railroad, she for the State of Texas.
three daughters from 4 to 16.
Being a family takes work and input, plus a lot of tolerence from both of us.
And I hope your husband gets enough wiskers to stay put though, it does make it easier.
Check Mookies and Nora's postings.
Along with having a fantastic sense of humor, the Mook has made a lot of contributions here, and Nora has here own train photo website.
Like i said, stick around, we could use the addition of stories and viewpoints from the other side of the tracks!
Stay frosty,
Ed

[edblysard]

Aploigize for what?
Sit and talk a spell, read Mookies postings, she has a quick and intelligent wit.
Nora askes, and answers questions.
Kathi Kube writes for the magazine that sponsers this site.
And as far as I can tell, not a single man has been worried or upset by the presence of these women.
And if they are worried, well, they are missing out on a viewpoint needed to balance things out.
Both my wife and I work, me for the railroad, she for the State of Texas.
three daughters from 4 to 16.
Being a family takes work and input, plus a lot of tolerence from both of us.
And I hope your husband gets enough wiskers to stay put though, it does make it easier.
Check Mookies and Nora's postings.
Along with having a fantastic sense of humor, the Mook has made a lot of contributions here, and Nora has here own train photo website.
Like i said, stick around, we could use the addition of stories and viewpoints from the other side of the tracks!
Stay frosty,
Ed

[jrw249]

QUOTE: Originally posted by woods

Hello All. I was surfing the other day and found this site and this topic. My husband works for BNSF. I just wanted to let the ones know that are interested in a railroad job that everything that these men have said about it is true. The money and insurance are great, but the homelife does suffer. Luckily, my son is only two. I am hoping in the next few years, our lives are more settled and in one location. We have moved too many times to count because my husband refuses to be furloughed....we are just like any other family and has bills, the money has to keep coming in.

As far as the extra board, pool jobs, regular jobs, etc...the extra board is nice with the guaranteed pay, but sometimes you only work once a week. Then, its nice for me. We can actually feel like a family, until the phone rings. :) My husband is constantly bidding for the other jobs. Sometimes he lucks out.

I understand his work life and am patient with him. I know I have to be to keep us strong and together. But, you know, its a joint effort. He talks about others and their lives and the infidelity that is associated with the job. Yes, I have to admit that it has crossed my mind that it could happen. When I have asked him about it, his response is, I know what I have at home.

I realize that the majority of people here are men and sorry for the intrusion, but I just thought you would want to hear an opinion from a wife of a person that works for the railroad.

Thanks.
TW

Thanks for your input. Question? You said the extra board is nice with guaranteed pay and may only work once a week? Does that means he gets paid whether he is working or not?

[jrw249]

QUOTE: Originally posted by woods

Hello All. I was surfing the other day and found this site and this topic. My husband works for BNSF. I just wanted to let the ones know that are interested in a railroad job that everything that these men have said about it is true. The money and insurance are great, but the homelife does suffer. Luckily, my son is only two. I am hoping in the next few years, our lives are more settled and in one location. We have moved too many times to count because my husband refuses to be furloughed....we are just like any other family and has bills, the money has to keep coming in.

As far as the extra board, pool jobs, regular jobs, etc...the extra board is nice with the guaranteed pay, but sometimes you only work once a week. Then, its nice for me. We can actually feel like a family, until the phone rings. :) My husband is constantly bidding for the other jobs. Sometimes he lucks out.

I understand his work life and am patient with him. I know I have to be to keep us strong and together. But, you know, its a joint effort. He talks about others and their lives and the infidelity that is associated with the job. Yes, I have to admit that it has crossed my mind that it could happen. When I have asked him about it, his response is, I know what I have at home.

I realize that the majority of people here are men and sorry for the intrusion, but I just thought you would want to hear an opinion from a wife of a person that works for the railroad.

Thanks.
TW

Thanks for your input. Question? You said the extra board is nice with guaranteed pay and may only work once a week? Does that means he gets paid whether he is working or not?

[Anonymous]

Yes. Depending on your location, midwest, west coast, etc.. the pay varies. Most locations have a brakemans extra board, switchmans extra board, and conductors extra board. Whether you work or not when on these boards, just the fact of being on call, constitutes pay for one working week. Sometimes he will work maybe one or two days per week. That totally pay usually does not equal what is guaranteed...but will still get his guarantee pay. Its nice, but you cant make real plans unless watching how the board is moving real close. I mean real close too. The conductors extra board is the highest paying, of course. Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Depending on your location, midwest, west coast, etc.. the pay varies. Most locations have a brakemans extra board, switchmans extra board, and conductors extra board. Whether you work or not when on these boards, just the fact of being on call, constitutes pay for one working week. Sometimes he will work maybe one or two days per week. That totally pay usually does not equal what is guaranteed...but will still get his guarantee pay. Its nice, but you cant make real plans unless watching how the board is moving real close. I mean real close too. The conductors extra board is the highest paying, of course. Hope that helps.

[wabash1]

never feel like you need to say your sorry, your imput is very welcome here. its nice to see new people here and feel free to comment when you want to. if somebody says otherwise as vice unihead ill punch them in the nose. then have kevin eat them,

[wabash1]

never feel like you need to say your sorry, your imput is very welcome here. its nice to see new people here and feel free to comment when you want to. if somebody says otherwise as vice unihead ill punch them in the nose. then have kevin eat them,

[Anonymous]

Hangout for awhile Woods. Where does the hubby work now? I too am a nomadic BNSF employee.
Ken

[Anonymous]

Hangout for awhile Woods. Where does the hubby work now? I too am a nomadic BNSF employee.
Ken

[JoeKoh]

Hi woods
welcome to the forum.I have taken pictures of bnsf run through power on Csx here in Ohio.I know about chasing 2 year olds.I have one(matt) with chickenpox.Hes getting better.
stay safe
Joe

[JoeKoh]

Hi woods
welcome to the forum.I have taken pictures of bnsf run through power on Csx here in Ohio.I know about chasing 2 year olds.I have one(matt) with chickenpox.Hes getting better.
stay safe
Joe

[Mookie]

I am glad to welcome another female point of view. Keeps you guys from getting too rowdy - yeah right!

But I would like to contribute something to this mix. This thread seems to take a piggy bank point of view at the subject of railroad jobs. I think - and we are all glad I do once in awhile - that you should approach it from a standpoint of is this something you really want to do for many years? Is this a job I can do day in and day out and still enjoy working? The money is good - but it is an offset to the lousy hours and the lack of a social/home life. If you want social/home life above a job that you enjoy - get a desk job. Or like Ed - do local work and forget the piggy bank. (sorry Ed, didn't mean to dig in your piggy bank!)

But you need to like your job first. And with as many people as there are in the USA - there are women out there that will marry railroaders. Just like cops get married. You can't blame your job for breaking up a marriage that wasn't meant to be in the first place. You should both be adults by the time you marry and accept the fact that this is not a job for everyone. Don't get married and then go for the job unless you and your spouse have sat down many times and discussed the pros and cons.

Don't get the job and then decide to marry on a whim w/o first doing a lot of soul searching about the compatability of your relationship and the job. This is not a trip to the moon - your normal work day won't involve you putting your life on the line (hopefully) or fighting disasters, fires, hurricanes.

Be adult and accept that with any job, there are certain responsibilities. You don't get on an engine, travel 20 miles, get off and go home. Be realistic! You forfeit your holidays (sometimes) your social life (sometimes), but this isn't a labor camp. You do get time home and some holidays will fall so you are home for at least part of it. There is no law that you can't celebrate a holiday on the day before or after. A birthday the day after. Geez what a concept! Be flexible and don't sweat the minor details.

Have yet to see a railroad worker, that works fairly steady, live in a shack and have to have food stamps. Get my point? I have lived the life and the details of no home, no pool, no pets doesn't scare me. We had no pool, but in Nebraska who would want one!

If it is want you think you really, really want - go for it. The rest - just use your good common sense or borrow some if you are lacking. Columbus did and I for one am glad he did!

Mookie

ps give me 4 stars and move over Ed - I am getting the hang of this!

[Mookie]

I am glad to welcome another female point of view. Keeps you guys from getting too rowdy - yeah right!

But I would like to contribute something to this mix. This thread seems to take a piggy bank point of view at the subject of railroad jobs. I think - and we are all glad I do once in awhile - that you should approach it from a standpoint of is this something you really want to do for many years? Is this a job I can do day in and day out and still enjoy working? The money is good - but it is an offset to the lousy hours and the lack of a social/home life. If you want social/home life above a job that you enjoy - get a desk job. Or like Ed - do local work and forget the piggy bank. (sorry Ed, didn't mean to dig in your piggy bank!)

But you need to like your job first. And with as many people as there are in the USA - there are women out there that will marry railroaders. Just like cops get married. You can't blame your job for breaking up a marriage that wasn't meant to be in the first place. You should both be adults by the time you marry and accept the fact that this is not a job for everyone. Don't get married and then go for the job unless you and your spouse have sat down many times and discussed the pros and cons.

Don't get the job and then decide to marry on a whim w/o first doing a lot of soul searching about the compatability of your relationship and the job. This is not a trip to the moon - your normal work day won't involve you putting your life on the line (hopefully) or fighting disasters, fires, hurricanes.

Be adult and accept that with any job, there are certain responsibilities. You don't get on an engine, travel 20 miles, get off and go home. Be realistic! You forfeit your holidays (sometimes) your social life (sometimes), but this isn't a labor camp. You do get time home and some holidays will fall so you are home for at least part of it. There is no law that you can't celebrate a holiday on the day before or after. A birthday the day after. Geez what a concept! Be flexible and don't sweat the minor details.

Have yet to see a railroad worker, that works fairly steady, live in a shack and have to have food stamps. Get my point? I have lived the life and the details of no home, no pool, no pets doesn't scare me. We had no pool, but in Nebraska who would want one!

If it is want you think you really, really want - go for it. The rest - just use your good common sense or borrow some if you are lacking. Columbus did and I for one am glad he did!

Mookie

ps give me 4 stars and move over Ed - I am getting the hang of this!