Originally Posted by
sulkair
I don't know you obviously, but the mere fact that you're a successful pilot, allows me to say with extreme confidence, you'll have no trouble landing this job if it is indeed what you want.
There is abundant opportunity on the R.R. for advancement beyond your craft as well, i.e. management opportunities. If you're a college graduate, definitely consider some of those avenues once you're in. If you need more schooling, the R.R.s are great about helping with tuition costs.
They will lay claim to your life in a significant way, but I'm not sure that isn't the case for every employer now days.
Your most fatigued moment that you can remember as a pilot will be a common feeling on the R.R. It can be hard. But nothing beats the feeling of a sunny day and cool breeze on your face as you stand out on the catwalk of the locomotive taking in breathtaking views of open prairie, canyons, mountains, lakes, and all the wildlife. Hey even going through the bad part of a large city on a train is pretty cool.
There are absolutely a lot of things about it I miss!
This is a similar experience to truck driving (if you can get on with a good company). Pretty much your own boss and seeing the country from ground level can be very exciting and freeing. Get tired? Pull her over and take a nap.
The pay isn't too bad either with a decent company and some seniority. Comparable with railroad if you play your cards right. Railroading is a blast though. Did that on a tourist line for a few years and I really miss it. It was nowhere near the grind of a Class 1 but had a ton of the fun aspects.
The only difference is, if you are breathing you can get hired at a trucking company. Not so at the railroad. To get a really good driving gig you have to have some miles under your belt and have a stellar driving record. There's a guy that just started at my company (I won't share his name here) that was a captain with Continental on the 73 for over 25 years and a CP with the company. He's driving trucks for fun. A FANTASTIC gentleman by the way. Hilarious to talk to and a total blast to be around. It's funny to see him. Here's this well groomed Airline pilot hanging with tattooed ex-con truck drivers and having a helluva time. He loves it here.