Trainfan25 Are there anymore suggestions you guys can give me?
Are there anymore suggestions you guys can give me?
I absolutely hated high school, I couldn't wait to get out. I stunk at math, science was stupid and history was boring. The only two subjects I cared for were women and cars(this hasn't changed). I had no idea what I wanted to do at 15, matter of fact when I graduated high school I still wasn't sure. My obsession with custom and classic cars lead me to attend a two year tech college after HS to learn auto body repair. Upon finishing I got a job in a body shop sweeping floors, doing body work, prepping, sanding, and detailing. It took me a few months to realize that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life breathing in dust and fumes all day long.
So 10 years ago I decided to go to work for the railroad. I still like my job minus the BS and politics, the pay is nice but the lifestyle sucks. I had to pull strings just to be off for the birth of my son. The railroad doesn't give a hoot about you or your problems, they expect you to be ready when they call you. PERIOD.
I understand you not liking school and not being interested in college, I've been there. But at the same time it's good to have something to fall back on when.. not if but when you're furloughed, or fired. These are two very real aspects of this job that the magazines dont tell you about in their warm fuzzy little articles. It's a cold unforgiving world on the rr, so have a backup plan so you and your family dont sit in the dark hungry.
My advice, get an education or learn a trade or do both but always have a parachute for when the stink hits the fan. And whatever you do, dont blab to the hiring recruiters about how much you love trains and your life long dream is to be an engineer, you're application will get tossed quick.
Trainfan25 Yes I'm in the 10th grade and I will think more about this and talk to my counselor. Are there anymore suggestions you guys can give me? Thanks
Yes I'm in the 10th grade and I will think more about this and talk to my counselor. Are there anymore suggestions you guys can give me?
Thanks
I wasn't going to sound off on this, everyone else has covered it pretty well, but I will say this:
If you're going to be successful in life find something to do that's useful, really useful to others. Keep that in mind and you won't go wrong.
And remember, you've only lived 15 years out of a probable lifespan of 75 to 85 years, you've still got plenty of time to figure out what you want to do. And remember Winston Churchill's advice to his children on a career choice. Sir Winston said "Do what you like, but LIKE what you do!"
Good luck lad!
Firelock76 Trainfan25 Yes I'm in the 10th grade and I will think more about this and talk to my counselor. Are there anymore suggestions you guys can give me? Thanks Sir Winston said "Do what you like, but LIKE what you do!" Good luck lad!
Sir Winston said "Do what you like, but LIKE what you do!"
If you like what you do - you will never work a day in your life!
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
It's been said here (and many other places) that the second best day in a railroader's life is the day (s)he get's hired.
The best day is the day they leave the railroad.
That said - I recently attended a talk by a now-retired fire chief (and I'm reading his book now). One comment he made (and many others have made as well) falls into line with what BaltACD just posted:
"I can't believe they pay me to do this!" That's the kind of job to have. If you find it in the railroad, great. Just don't be a "one trick pony." Gain a well-rounded education and you can't go wrong. Many folks find math to be a bugaboo for them - or some other subject. Do the best you can in each and you'll have no regrets. I failed one marking period of typing in HS (at the time intended mostly for girls headed for the secretarial pool and an entire school year long). It's probably the most valuable thing I learned there.
That's the kind of job to have. If you find it in the railroad, great.
Just don't be a "one trick pony." Gain a well-rounded education and you can't go wrong. Many folks find math to be a bugaboo for them - or some other subject. Do the best you can in each and you'll have no regrets.
I failed one marking period of typing in HS (at the time intended mostly for girls headed for the secretarial pool and an entire school year long). It's probably the most valuable thing I learned there.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Should I atleast try to apply at 18 before worrying about college
I would think that some practical experience working with heavy equipment might be better than simply spending four years in college. And college is expensive...if you're going to spend THAT much (or mom and dad are) then you should be lining your self up for something that pays well into the six figures... What would you study in college...engineering?..art history? You'd be better off going to a vocational school...learn to run and/or fix excavators (a six week course)...at least then you gain some experience with heavy equipment, and transitioning to rail might come easier. I'm not down on college...I went to college and don't regret it.. But college is a big investment to make in both time and money.... alot of art history and science majors drive trucks (I know...I employ some of them).... I just don't see the point of education overkill unless you can afford the luxury of taking four years out of your life just to learn for the sake of learning.
Trainfan25 Should I atleast try to apply at 18 before worrying about college
You have to be 18 to work for the railroad. But if you are going to go to college, then you have to apply really early in your senior year for most places. If you get accepted to college, then land a railroad job, then you get to choose what you want to do.
But seriously, you have plenty of time to think about this. A lot can happen in 3 years. The railroads may still be hiring like crazy, or not. Way too early to tell.
The cool thing with the railroad is that there are people from all different backgrounds working here. From guys with advanced degrees and retired from their first career field to people right out of high school.
PS. If I'm not mistaken, you should be able to take the PSAT in 10th grade. Make sure you do, and talk to your guidance counselor (hopefully you have a decent one. Mine sucked.)
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
First, wait until you are 18 to answer this question for yourself. But don't narrow your sights on what you are going to do on your 18th birthday or the day after you graduate from high school now. You might want to talk with a few engineers or other railroad people first. But I feel they are often jaded by how they've been handled. Also, I've known those who have been fascinated by trains and railroading who do go to work for the railroad but quickly leave because it is not the glamorous job it appears to be, or just not what they thought. To many it is just a job, very few today dedicate themselves to careers in virtually anything. Sometimes one gets the job but the company dissapears out from underthem, etc. So the best advice is to be the best prepared for anything. Really, the more educated you can get the more prepared for anything you''ll be. There are so many curves, dead ends, brick walls and narrow canyons to travel, if you don't know how to handle them you'll be nowhere. Persue plan A, but also have 25 more back up plans because you never know what is going to happen next.
RIDEWITHMEHENRY is the name for our almost monthly day of riding trains and transit in either the NYCity or Philadelphia areas including all commuter lines, Amtrak, subways, light rail and trolleys, bus and ferries when warranted. No fees, just let us know you want to join the ride and pay your fares. Ask to be on our email list or find us on FB as RIDEWITHMEHENRY (all caps) to get descriptions of each outing.
Sadly many employers use education simply as a screening tool...in tough economic times everyone wants a college degree regardless of the actual requirements of the job...its simply a way to cut down the number of applicants. So from that standpoint the college degree is a good idea. However, keep in mind that a college degree depreciates in value over time, unless you've actually worked in your field of study and have kept up with it.
You are considering working for the railroad as an alternative to college and if you could get a railroad job after high school you would do that instead of going to college. That suggests you have a real passion for railroads. At your age it is unusual to have a passion for any kind of life's work. The issue is how do you use your passion when you are not old enough to actually work for the railroad.
Right now you should try to involve yourself in railroad related activities which you can do at your age. Any railroad related activity will be a good thing because as you get involved you will meet other people with similar interests and some will have real experience.
Some places have railroad museums or railroad related projects such as restoring an old station. You can volunteer and participate in their activities.
Do any railroad companies near by offer summer internships? You are not paid or only paid a small stipend but you gain experience and inside knowledge of how railroads work.
I already mentioned pursuing the history of railroads, especially local railroads.
If any of your classmates share your interest you might try to start a railroad club at school.
Do you live near an Amtrak stop? If so you might check with Amtrak for internships. Some Federal Government Agencies offer a "Stay in School" program. It is summer work for students. You can check the Amtrak website for opportunities. Also, your Senator and Member of Congress have people who work with constituent services. They may be able to assist you in learning about opportunities with Amtrak.
Finally, there will be people who will warn you that your have a romanticized idea of railroading; it is not what you think it is and ultimatedly you will be disappointed and turn away. Ignore them. Part of growing up is learning what we do not want as well as what we do want. If you try to be involved with railroads and latter change your mind that can be as valuable as making them your life's work. The important thing is setting a goal (as you have) and following it for a while. Maybe your interests will change; if so you will change with them. But follow your bliss.
PS. Is there any chance you could simply try riding trains? If you check the Amtrak website you will learn how to get a student id card that will get you a small reduction in fares. Also, Amtrak has specials. You are in school so you have some vacations. You can start with short trips--to the next station down the line--and come back.
I do realize that the railroad isn't all fun and games. I see alot of people saying the railroad isn't a place for people who love trains. To me thats like saying don't be a veterinarian if you love animals. I think that if you can do your job responsibly and safely and have a liking for trains you can be successful.
John WR Finally, there will be people who will warn you that your have a romanticized idea of railroading; it is not what you think it is and ultimatedly you will be disappointed and turn away. Ignore them.
Finally, there will be people who will warn you that your have a romanticized idea of railroading; it is not what you think it is and ultimatedly you will be disappointed and turn away. Ignore them.
Why? On this thread we have railroaders (that are interested in railroads) giving this young man some advice. Why should he ignore it? I think the advice he gets from the railroaders on here would be worth more than a railroad club or riding Amtrak.
One of the only other pieces of advice to offer is be aware of your state's financial aid policies (if you need it). In Pennsylvania, if you didn't go to school in the fall immediately following your high school graduation, you would lose the opportunity for a lot of financial aid. Granted (heh) with all the turmoil in the country, financial aid and loans are getting harder to get, but still... something to think about. I know people always say "you can go back to school later". Well, that is true, but it isn't as easy as people make it sound.
Trainfan25 I do realize that the railroad isn't all fun and games. I see alot of people saying the railroad isn't a place for people who love trains. To me thats like saying don't be a veterinarian if you love animals. I think that if you can do your job responsibly and safely and have a liking for trains you can be successful.
Many people out here like trains. And they are successful. But it's like any other job - there's many bad days for the good ones. Riding around in trains can be fun, but switching out a yard full of cars at night in a 33 degree rain? Not so much so.
Do the railroads really look at/care about high school grades? What do they mainly look for when they are hiring?
It depends on when you apply and to which railroads. I applied in 1981. I was rejected because I didn't have 20/20 uncorrected vision (i.e. I wear glasses) and I didn't have any relatives on any of the railroads that I applied at. I don't know what the qualifications are now...although I've read they now allow glasses. Not sure if having a relative on the railroad helps now. I don't think anyone checks HS grades... hiring people just don't have the time for that.. so long as you can come up with a HS diploma you should be good to go.
zugmann John WR Finally, there will be people who will warn you that your have a romanticized idea of railroading; it is not what you think it is and ultimatedly you will be disappointed and turn away. Ignore them. Why? On this thread we have railroaders (that are interested in railroads) giving this young man some advice. Why should he ignore it? I think the advice he gets from the railroaders on here would be worth more than a railroad club or riding Amtrak. One of the only other pieces of advice to offer is be aware of your state's financial aid policies (if you need it). In Pennsylvania, if you didn't go to school in the fall immediately following your high school graduation, you would lose the opportunity for a lot of financial aid. Granted (heh) with all the turmoil in the country, financial aid and loans are getting harder to get, but still... something to think about. I know people always say "you can go back to school later". Well, that is true, but it isn't as easy as people make it sound.
THIS.^^ There is nobody on this forum or anywhere else that is more qualified to give advice to someone who is interested in a career on the railroad than actual railroaders. We have something that not everyone does, it's called real world experience. You can choose to ignore our advice if you want to, but we'll be straight with you. I wont sugar coat anything, ask me a question about this crazy world we call the railroad and I give you a straight honest answer.
What do recruiters look for? They want someone who is looking for a career, not a summer job. They want commitment. They do look at job history, and how long you spent at this job or that. Now coming right out of high school you wont have much job experience but dont let that discourage you. I know several guys who hired out at 18 and 19 with next to no work experience. Shift work experience is a big plus as you will work all hours of the day and night.
Safety Safety Safety. That's what they beat into your brain from the moment you hire on. If you are fortunate enough to land an interview safety is your first priority. Tell them about how important it is to you. Safety is a condition of employment.(Get used to hearing this)
My best advice is keep your nose clean. Stay out of trouble and you'll be fine.
Georgia Railroader zugmann John WR Finally, there will be people who will warn you that your have a romanticized idea of railroading; it is not what you think it is and ultimatedly you will be disappointed and turn away. Ignore them. Why? On this thread we have railroaders (that are interested in railroads) giving this young man some advice. Why should he ignore it? I think the advice he gets from the railroaders on here would be worth more than a railroad club or riding Amtrak. One of the only other pieces of advice to offer is be aware of your state's financial aid policies (if you need it). In Pennsylvania, if you didn't go to school in the fall immediately following your high school graduation, you would lose the opportunity for a lot of financial aid. Granted (heh) with all the turmoil in the country, financial aid and loans are getting harder to get, but still... something to think about. I know people always say "you can go back to school later". Well, that is true, but it isn't as easy as people make it sound. THIS.^^ There is nobody on this forum or anywhere else that is more qualified to give advice to someone who is interested in a career on the railroad than actual railroaders. We have something that not everyone does, it's called real world experience. You can choose to ignore our advice if you want to, but we'll be straight with you. I wont sugar coat anything, ask me a question about this crazy world we call the railroad and I give you a straight honest answer. What do recruiters look for? They want someone who is looking for a career, not a summer job. They want commitment. They do look at job history, and how long you spent at this job or that. Now coming right out of high school you wont have much job experience but dont let that discourage you. I know several guys who hired out at 18 and 19 with next to no work experience. Shift work experience is a big plus as you will work all hours of the day and night. Safety Safety Safety. That's what they beat into your brain from the moment you hire on. If you are fortunate enough to land an interview safety is your first priority. Tell them about how important it is to you. Safety is a condition of employment.(Get used to hearing this) My best advice is keep your nose clean. Stay out of trouble and you'll be fine.
I have a question if you don't mind. Do you or did you enjoy your career as a railroader? On different forums I've seen railroad employees say they hate their job but love the paycheck that they recieve. Do you take pride in being a railroader?
Trainfan25 Georgia Railroader zugmann John WR Finally, there will be people who will warn you that your have a romanticized idea of railroading; it is not what you think it is and ultimatedly you will be disappointed and turn away. Ignore them. Why? On this thread we have railroaders (that are interested in railroads) giving this young man some advice. Why should he ignore it? I think the advice he gets from the railroaders on here would be worth more than a railroad club or riding Amtrak. One of the only other pieces of advice to offer is be aware of your state's financial aid policies (if you need it). In Pennsylvania, if you didn't go to school in the fall immediately following your high school graduation, you would lose the opportunity for a lot of financial aid. Granted (heh) with all the turmoil in the country, financial aid and loans are getting harder to get, but still... something to think about. I know people always say "you can go back to school later". Well, that is true, but it isn't as easy as people make it sound. THIS.^^ There is nobody on this forum or anywhere else that is more qualified to give advice to someone who is interested in a career on the railroad than actual railroaders. We have something that not everyone does, it's called real world experience. You can choose to ignore our advice if you want to, but we'll be straight with you. I wont sugar coat anything, ask me a question about this crazy world we call the railroad and I give you a straight honest answer. What do recruiters look for? They want someone who is looking for a career, not a summer job. They want commitment. They do look at job history, and how long you spent at this job or that. Now coming right out of high school you wont have much job experience but dont let that discourage you. I know several guys who hired out at 18 and 19 with next to no work experience. Shift work experience is a big plus as you will work all hours of the day and night. Safety Safety Safety. That's what they beat into your brain from the moment you hire on. If you are fortunate enough to land an interview safety is your first priority. Tell them about how important it is to you. Safety is a condition of employment.(Get used to hearing this) My best advice is keep your nose clean. Stay out of trouble and you'll be fine. I have a question if you don't mind. Do you or did you enjoy your career as a railroader? On different forums I've seen railroad employees say they hate their job but love the paycheck that they recieve. Do you take pride in being a railroader?
I still enjoy what I do, and I absolutely take pride in my job. Now in 20 more years who knows how I'll feel. Hopefully I wont be burned out and miserable like so many of my co workers.
mmmmm.....this is a good way to get informed about what it takes to be a railroader...the people who should know this are right here.
I went into healthcare in pretty much the same way the OP did..by asking people who were in that sector.
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
Trainfan25- We have a son graduating college next spring, a son who is a junior in high school, and a son who is an eighth grader, so I find your thoughts about the future interesting. Have you considered, that maybe you're simply in love with the romantic *idea* of being a locomotive engineer, and not much more? Now, I'm not pickig on you. When I was 15, I didn't have a real clear picture of what I was going to be when I grew up. (At 51, the picture is still sometimes a bit hazy as well.) I'm now watching three sons go through the same thing I, and everyone else on this board, went through, to try and see into the future. At one point, I wanted to be a residential architect. I was in love with the idea of designing people's dream homes, and making big dollars. I didn't however, do any kind of research into the education required, and what the dreanm job actually entailed. In the end, I got an AA degree in Architectural Drafting. That lead me to a sales job. I sell lumber and building materials to builders. I also work with architects, and now realize that I would not have been cu out for, nor enjoyed that kind of work. If I were in your shoes, I'd be doing two things: 1) Learning all I could about the railroads, the engineer's job, and the railroad lifestyle. 2) Taking every kind of occupational influence test I could find, and researching the nuts & bolts of every type of occupatiuon or field of work that might show promise. I have to give you a great amount of credit for one thing. Being 15, you're writing is certainly at a higher level than what I see from most high school students, and a lot of adults. I take that to be an indicator that you excell in communications. Don't overlook what possibilities that might open up for the future.Good luck.
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
Maybe also contact the railroad directly to make sure you're aware of ALL their hiring criteria... When I was15 I too wanted to work for the railroad...should have informed myself of their requirements...didn't know about their eye sight requirements until I was 18.
Thank you for all of your answers as this is greatly appreciated. Another question I want to know:Should I start to build my body up a little(working out). Also if I ever do get an interview, instead of saying that I like trains and I'm a railfan what should I tell the interviewer? And thank you to the person who praised my spelling ability as I take pride in that.
Trainfan25 Thank you for all of your answers as this is greatly appreciated. Another question I want to know:Should I start to build my body up a little(working out). Also if I ever do get an interview, instead of saying that I like trains and I'm a railfan what should I tell the interviewer? And thank you to the person who praised my spelling ability as I take pride in that.
Physical condition has never hurt any 15 year old to grow to manhood.
Hireing out in Train service you will be expect to perform a number of physical actions, such as handling a coupler knuckle that weighs in the 75/80 pound range; making the step up to the stirup to mount a car (most carriers have made mounting moving equipment a violation of safety rules these days - it wasn't always that way), maintaining 3 point contact on a car side for a extended period of time when controlling the lead end of a long shoving move, the routine need to walk and inspect equipment for 4 miles (on Main Track ballast in the middle of the night with a brakemans lantern in the rain at 33 degrees with a 25 MPH breeze to freshen things) when your train has a emergency brake application.
At this point, the best thing you can do to enhance your chance of being hired by a railroad is to stay out of trouble. A rap sheet is the best way to be asked to leave a hiring session. I hired on with NS in 1999. I am not a college graduate, I am not a tech school graduate, I am not a military veteran. I simply had a stellar work history, solid work references, and no police record. I was also 49 years old, one of the oldest new hires on the Piedmont Division. The youngest in our hiring class was 18. Don't let anyone discourage you.
Is it possible to apply at 17 in your last semester of high school? I could have sworn I heard that somewhere....
You dont have to be Tony Atlas to work on the railroad but being in decent physical shape is a plus. You will be required to change coupler knuckles that weigh 75-85lbs. You'll also be required to hang on to the side of a car for miles at a time in some occasions. Walking, yea you'll do a lot of that too. Weight lifting is fine at your age just dont over do it and get hurt, it doesn't take much to do so.
Now, what do you tell the interviewer? Tell them you want a career, a place to retire. Outdoor work is your preference, you dont like being stuck indoors. You like to travel(better start liking it LOL) I'm sure there is something I'm leaving out but I'm tired from putting in a long 12 hour day today. Just dont mention the fact you love trains and your dream is to be an engineer, that will crush your chances quicker than most anything.
There really isn't much else you can do to prepare for life on the railroad. There is no book or magazine article that will do it justice. It's one of those things you have to experience for yourself, and only then will you know if it's right for you.
The physical aspect of the job, will be the ability to pick up a dropped knuckle, about 90lbs.
Tying hand brakes and lining switches.
Of course the physical stamina to remain standing for long periods of time, and walking sometimes 2 miles or so.
Most folks can handle all of that without a problem.
Eyesight is not much of a problem anymore, if it can be corrected close to 20/20 with glasses.
The hardest part of the whole thing is going to be the lifestyle…it is nothing like you or your parents ever experienced, you will be on call 24 hours a day, for a long long time until you achieve enough seniority to hold a scheduled job, and most of those are yard jobs, switching and such, and local jobs like yard to yard transfers.
There will be times when you lose track of what day it is, and it can be very mentally challenging.
As for loving my job, well,, I am a ground pounder, (yard switching foreman) and have been for 15 years, there are still a few days where I am amazed they pay me to do this….and there have been days when I wonder what the heck I was thinking when I signed on!
Put it this way, after 15 years, I find it a little harder to remember what I did before I went railroading, I actually have to think about it before I can remember,
As one poster pointed out, don’t let the romantic stories and the myth of railroading sway you too much, it is a hard, dirty job at times, boring beyond belief, terrifying at times.
In T&E service, you will start out at the bottom and work up, which means at some point, you will be a conductor.
Keep in mind that’s the guy who is in charge of the entire job, the engineer is in charge of how the train is handled, but the conductor is the boss, so if engineer is your goal, you will end up taking orders from the conductor, so think long and hard if that’s something you can put up with, trust me, there are a lot of conductors out there that aren’t worth the time spent training them, so…
From your writing and the skill you showed there, it is pretty clear you’re an intelligent young man, so apply your skills and think this through as much as you can.
As one poster pointed out, research the job as much as possible.
Lastly, the work rules are nothing like normal businesses…you will most likely become a member of one of two major unions, the UTU or the BLE…(all Class 1 roads are union shops) and we work under a national contract.
The normal work rules applied out in the real world don’t exist here, a chewing out by a TM here would get any manager out in the world fired in a heartbeat, but here it’s just a part of the job.
As for applying at 17, I doubt they would accept your application for liability reasons, you can’t enter into a binding legal contract at 17 in most states.
I work for the PTRA, and we have hired 18 year olds in T&E, so it isn’t impossible for you…good luck with it!
23 17 46 11
My reasons for wanting to be a railroader are because of the fact that I like trains, the salary, I like traveling and doing outdoor work, I want to be able to call myself a railroader and hopefully share my stories with my children or grandchildren one day, and even though I hear a lot of people talk about the negatives of the railroad I atleast want to try it before trashing the whole idea. I realize that its not an easy job that you will love every second of. Also can you please give me an idea of what being on call 24/7 means? I've never really grasped the idea of what that means. Another question:What jobs are considered better than others on the railroad and when should you start to gain some seniority?
Trainfan25 My reasons for wanting to be a railroader are because of the fact that I like trains, the salary, I like traveling and doing outdoor work, I want to be able to call myself a railroader and hopefully share my stories with my children or grandchildren one day, and even though I hear a lot of people talk about the negatives of the railroad I atleast want to try it before trashing the whole idea. I realize that its not an easy job that you will love every second of. Also can you please give me an idea of what being on call 24/7 means? I've never really grasped the idea of what that means. Another question:What jobs are considered better than others on the railroad and when should you start to gain some seniority?
Well, I like trains too, but believe me - you can get tired of them pretty quick on some days. A few people are able to keep their job and railfan hobby, but many lose the latter real quick-like. But that's not all bad - you will discover new hobbies to waste your time and money on.
As far as on-call 24/7: you will most likely start out on an extra list. An extra list is what is sounds like. You will be on a list of people being called to work extra jobs or to fill in vacancies as needed. For example, you work a job and go home. The minute you get done and sign off, you begin your 10 hours of federal-required rest. The minute that 10 hours is up, the railroad can call you whenever. It may be 1 minute past your 10 hour rest. Or it may be 30 hours later. It all depends on how many people you share the list with, how many are ahead of you, and what the needs of the railroad are. You will figure it out pretty quick, but there's always surprises. You may think that you have at least a good 24 hours off and you will get called in 10. Why? Well, 4 people on the list marked off, 2 miscalled, 3 took temps, and so forth. Or you may sit out first out on the list (the next one to be called) for a whole day. THAT is aggravating. Easy solution for that is just try to go to bed. The minute your head hits the pillow the phone will ring.
Some places have an assigned rest day for the extra list - I don't know if CSX does.
What jobs are better? Depends on what you like. Some people like road work (hotels, but less physical work usually) while others like yard or local work (more physical work usually, but no hotels). Some people like big yards, while others like small yards. Myself? I liked small yards and industry work. Although my terminal had assigned 4 axle power, so we didn't get all the cool new widebodies and foreign power to play with. Again, there's always tradeoffs.
As far as gaining seniority? Depends on where you hire out. Some guys spend years on extra lists, while others can walk into a regular job as soon as they mark up. But figure a couple years before you hold a job that you will want. The better the job, the older you will have to be to hold it.
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