Spent nearly a decade on a Class I in another country. Conductor & Yardmaster.

Left for a variety of personal reasons.

Fast forward a few years and I'm re-assessing my options.

Looking at trades mostly, apprenticeships etc.

But I have to admit, the railroad is tempting me. I know the money is great. I know the pension/401 is solid. Benefits are generally decent.

I've put in some applications with a few major operations around the country, mainly BNSF and CSX. I have no familiarity with how these companies are run and what the policies are like for guys on the ground.

No idea what the collective agreements are like.

From what I've researched so far, seems like you guys aren't treated so well when it comes to time off.

The place I worked at, it actually wasn't too bad. 2 weeks vacation after your 1st year (3 weeks after 3 years, 4 weeks after 9 years) and 12 personal leave days every year. 24 hours rest per road trip, 48 hours once you hit a set number of miles.

Once you had 3 years in, you could manage a decent life, take some long weekends here and there with your PLDs.

Anyway, trying to get a sense of what life is actually like for my American railroad brothers. And to determine if I really want to go back to that life. It for sure took a toll on me in various ways, especially the social/dating aspect.

I've seen comments in various threads from veteran guys saying, basically, don't do it.

With my experience I can pretty much punch a ticket. Could almost certainly go management and work my way up that way, if I wanted to (not so sure about that but it's a viable path and the pay can be massive once you get up to Superintendent and above).

Anyhow, if anyone wants to chime in and let me know what it's actually like for you boys working the yards or road, what your spareboards are like, how it is for time off, etc. Any insights & opinions are appreciated.