Does anyone know where I can look for a career in Model Railroading or any other Railroading company? I live in southern Michigan. I’ve looked into Lionel (not accepting applications at this time) as well as NS.
Thanks
Daniel
Sorry that I can’t help with where to apply/contact but I can offer a bit on HOW to apply. If you go in looking for the prospective employer to invest in you (it takes more that just paying the salary, I’ve heard that most companys fail to see a profit from a new employee for a MINIMUM of 3 weeks assuming that employee has backround that applys to the job position) and say “I’m excited to learn about XXXXX although I have no job specific skills that I can apply” they will most likely decline to offer you a position. However, if you research the possible skills needed at some of your target occupations then you can do some homework to become a valuable asset that they don’t have yet. this may mean some night school/trade school efforts or maybe just start making the proper contacts.
As harsh as it sounds the following phrase has a ton of meaning to it- paraphrased as close as I can recall. I have no clue who originally wrote either.
“To become successful one MUST surround themselves with successful people. Remove all resource draining distractions from the people equation when in the mode of pursuing succesful employment, regardless if self employed or employed by others”
In my experience, become the best candidate for the position by applying yourself wholeheartedly to being the best that there is to become that valuable asset that they don’t have. Some people say that there is always someone that can do it better…but that someone is not always the first in line at the employment desk.
Have you tried any online job search companys (monster/carrerbuilder) with specific tag words?
http://www.raildreams.com/index.html
If your any good at building layouts, this place is based in Mich. I think they have 3 seperate production plants.
It’s often said that the way to make a small fortune in Model Railroading is to start with a large fortune.
If I were starting out right now, I’d concentrate on my own education, and pursue a career in Biotech. That way you can afford to buy a house with a basement. Keep the trains as a hobby, so you can really enjoy them.
I recognize the dream, because I had it, too, something over a half-century ago. Fortunately for me, my life took a different turn - and I’m still a happy model railroader today.
A few facts:
- Most model railroad-related businesses are small. Translate that as, ‘Not many jobs, and not high-paying jobs.’ Many are family businesses, so if you’re not a brother, son or cousin you’ll never get into the company’s fast track.
- Seen from up close, the ‘romance’ of prototype railroading looks a lot like hot, dirty, dangerous work.
- Most of the best-known model railroad personalities had day jobs. John Allen was a freelance industrial photographer, John Armstrong worked for the Navy as a civilian engineer, Malcolm Furlew is a professional artist and cattle rancher…
- Several people who turned avid model railroading into a lifetime career lost the hobby aspects when it became a job. I was told this by a couple of LHS owners and one chap whose home layout had become a public display.
I believe that Mister Beasley had the best advice. Pick an area where the demand is growing, aim for a career in an expanding (not static or contracting) industry and keep model railroading as a hobby.
OTOH, Michigan is right next door to Wisconsin. You might want to check with Kalpubco to see what their needs are, and what employment opportunities they offer.
Chuck (retired aircraft mechanic modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Consider railroading instead of model railroading. It has good pay and good benefits. Railroad Retirement is better than Social Security.
Yep. Before taking a job with the railroad, ask yourself these three questions:
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Do I like being outside in the blowing snow at 3:00 a.m.? On a bridge?
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Do I like working outside in 95 degree weather with no air conditioning while wearing protective clothing (jeans, steel toed boots, gloves, etc.)?
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Do I like being at work on a beautiful, sunny, 70 degree Sunday afternoon while everyone else is sitting around taking my picture?
(not a railroader, but have seen enough to know it’s many things, but not glamorous).
Hi!
FWIW…
The LHS owner told me years ago, “the quickest way to lose your model railroading as a hobby is to get into the business”.
Also heard from several real railroaders over a span of 50 years… it is a dangerous, dirty job, done during extreme cold & hot weather, with killer hours, often with wonderful co-workers but also often with terrible ones too. The pay can be good, but one often wonders if it was worth it.
The above is not from me, but from others who have been there.
Mobilman44