OK, after reading this article, it won’t seem much like playing. It was on the front page of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution today:
http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/0806SBIZTRAIN.html
If I was 20 years younger, 50 pounds lighter and single, it would sound like a dream job.
Been there. Done that. Have the T-shirt.
I’ll tell anyone who ask the unvarnished truth. I love what I do, currently I’m a Yardmaster/Acting Trainmaster. I’m 3rd generation Conrail, BTW. But the job is not for everyone. I have trained many a railfan, and only to see them quit 6 months later.
It’s not an easy job, but it can be very rewarding. If you willing to work, you can make a lot of money. And there’s nothing like watching the little kids wave as you go by. On the other hand, I’ve spent plenty of birthday’s, Thanksgivings, and Chirstmases at work.
It’s also very dangerous. I’ve been shot at, had my engine windows shattered by rocks, and buried a co-worker killed on the job.
Nick
Nick,I can not agree more…The 9 1/2 years I was a brakeman I saw a brakeman get killed and seen the aftermath of a train/truck collision that killed the engineer,head brakeman and truck driver.Like you I miss a lot of family activities,Holidays at home,Birthdays etc.Now…I knew I was giving my wife and kids a nice living…And that was worth it all.
Already kicked out the cash!! I start to school in Oct of this year. Sounds like I have my work cut out for me.
If you have class here in Atlanta, be thankful it’s in October and not during the summer! [:O]