Hiring of the Fandom

Nothing beyond the anecdotal, as far as I know. It would make for an interesting study which the railroads might find useful.

I’ve had several career railroaders as patients. They mentioned the general distaste employees, especially operating crew, have for “foamers.” The basis for the dislike did not seem to be grounded on safety issues. Let’s face it. Railfans are an increasingly rare breed and some could be seen as a bit odd in thei

Some “sports” are spectator sports, and some aren’t. Then there’s the activities that don’t seem to fit either category, and confuse the heck out of anyone not involved in said “sports.”

Heck, some folks can’t figure out why people watch {name your sport}. Something as esoteric as railfanning can really throw people for a loop.

There are plenty of other activities that people would consider strange to “fan.” Can’t say as I’ve ever run into anyone who “fans” wait staff at restaurants…

I think several restaurant chains were based on that premise, at least to a major degree: Hooters, Tilted Kilt, to name two.

I believe that fits the category of “sex and the city”. [;)]

Duckin’ and runnin’.

A better match for typical rail fanac is probably the Bruster’s ice cream chain, which frankly has a cruel (if highly interesting) uniform policy and environment for its employees. You never know exactly what you’ll find in one, but it’s always worth the seeing…

A well known (in railfan publication circles) professional railroader/author wrote an article a few years ago offering advice to railfans looking for a career as train crew:

http://www.railroad.net/articles/columns/hottimes/hottimes_20060602.php

He makes the point that;in his opinion, many folks with a railfan backround make great professional railroaders; but it’s not a vocation for everyone. He further states that to work safely and effectively some of one’s fan inclinations must be pust aside while on the job.

He also explains why it is generally not wise to identify oneself as a fan during the hiring process…

Normally that was how it was done. But lately, it seems more railfans than not. Even if they tried to hide it, a simple facebook search would yield many railfan photos.

Not that it matters, just interesting to see how successful this group is. I know since my own railfanning interest have pretty much declined into the abyss, I really am losing all interest in this industry.

I’ve heard from some of the younger railfans on Facebook that it’s better to act like they don’t really care that much about trains or they might not get hired. But one started working for BNSF a few months ago as conductor trainee and now he’s posting pics and saying things about how much he enjoys the trains. His buddy got hired by NS for same type of job and he keeps a very low profile, told us to not tag him any longer in train pics and he shares nothing, he did create a fake profile for some railfanning pics and comments. So it must depend on the RR. Years ago, it didn’t matter, Dad was a railfan and had no problems with taking me around the yards where he worked, can’t try that today. But he married a railfan too, so that helped. With other guys he worked with, it was just a paycheck, they cared nothing about trains and never even used their pass privileges to travel. I’m glad Dad did. A friend has hubby who works as yard hostler for UP and he doesn’t care about trains either, she hangs out with friends who do enjoy railfanning, because he don’t.

It must also depend on how one presents oneself. I can’t imagine an employer turning away a qualified prospect because he/she happens to be interested in the work!

Many of the top level executives I’ve worked with are very much railfans and model railroaders. Not as many in the rank and file.

I think I started out a fan but that interest has waned over the years. Some days I don’t even want to see a train.

Randy

Perfectly understandable as work is work and not always fun. I like trucks too but somewhat less so after driving one for 10 hours straight. I would bet that there aren’t many professional railroaders who enjoy model railroad operating sessions for that reason… would feel too much like work.

I do, or rather did as my model railroad is down due to moving, more paperwork on my model railroad than I do at work on the real thing.

My modeling was/will be again circa 1978, when train crews handled more of the paperwork. While most modellers try to simulate the jobs and operating of the train/engine crews, I try to recreate more of a total view of the railroad. Focusing more on the dispatcher’s, agent/operator’s perspective.

I guess I’m trying to relive my teenage years when I was able to spend time at the local depot in TT/TO territory. That’s what led me to pursue a railroad career.

Jeff

Like I said , there are days when I don’t want to even see or hear a train. Then there are days when I do enjoy model operating sessions. I like my plan of running the entire 1949 passenger train schedule from the Milwaukee road. I think I have all of the equipment to do it, all I gotta do is finish building it but time is hard to come by usally.

That’s interesting… my own interests and preferences are likewise influenced by my teen years, also the mid to late 70s. My own modelling efforts are generally from the perspective of a kid on a bike just watching the trains go by… nothing more complex than single track running through bucolic landscapes.

I’d like to build a small shelf layout featuring my own made-up roadname, but finding time or energy (and the combination of both) is a lost cause anymore.

I find the time I spend on my layout reinvigorates… lack of energy is often due to stress and worry. The layout takes that away for me. And after an hour or so I’m ready to rock and roll on more important survival stuff.

Thanks for the link[Y] (to the “Touch”)

Having been in the position of hiring for many years (not recently though) I must say that much of that advise applies to any job applicant, railroad related or otherwise.

most of that should be ‘no brainer’ but…