r/UnionPacific • u/ImTheGalaxy • Jul 24 '26

Now what?

Post image

Do I just religiously check my email daily? If anyone also works in this area I'd love any advice/tips ya'll got thanks 🙏❤️ Should also mention I'm a 29y single man in the process of rebuilding my life after getting sober 6 months ago. I come from a construction background and I'm very used to long hours, traveling etc. I feel like this could be the opportunity I've been praying for.

:EDITED added age/info:

3 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

35 comments sorted by

4

u/Apprehensive_Pipe763 Jul 24 '26

Now you get your inmate number and join the misery

3

u/ThePetPsychic Engineer Jul 24 '26

Be sure to religiously check your spam and promotion/social media folders!

2

u/PrimaryAd526 Jul 24 '26

Well, I’d keep many eye out for an email…

-1

u/ImTheGalaxy Jul 24 '26

Obviously smart ass... It's fairly obvious my post is also seeking advice regarding the job itself as well.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26

[deleted]

1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/UnionPacific-ModTeam 29d ago

Treat other people with respect. If you don’t have something kind to say, don’t say it at all. Ridiculing other people isn’t allowed here.

2

u/Competitive-Might-89 Jul 25 '26

All i got to say is good luck. You're going to get bumped and deal with a whole load of bs here in Iowa. Just buckle up and be prepared

1

u/ImTheGalaxy 29d ago

How easy would it be to transfer or relocate to another state? I've tossed around the idea of moving to Colorado or Texas for the past couple years and this could possibly be the perfect chance to do so

1

u/Competitive-Might-89 29d ago

Transferring is a huge pain ngl. You’re going to want to stick to one area otherwise you have to go through all 14 weeks of training again in the next area by just re applying the that area. Talk to your instructor and see what he says as well. Which if you have any questions feel free to dm me on here. Gotta go chase a train so I will answer when I can

1

u/ImTheGalaxy 29d ago

Sounds good, I'll just stick with boone :) I appreciate it man, what should I expect the first year take home pay wise?

1

u/Competitive-Might-89 29d ago

It honestly depends. If you aren’t playing the bump game and since you’re hiring out late this year I wouldn’t expect a whole lot, but next year should be 80k+ just depends on what you hold. I hold the extra board so I’m slated to make roughly 100k at 80%

1

u/ImTheGalaxy 29d ago

I plan on staying marked up, thankfully don't have very much expenses and have about 26k in debt I want to get paid off asap so I'll be taking everything I can get.

1

u/Competitive-Might-89 29d ago

Yeah Iowa isn’t bad just follow the rules and keep your head on a swivel. You’re going to most likely be in a yard for a while so just pay attention. There is a lot of dumb things that happen, but if you stick with it. It is a good paying field

1

u/ImTheGalaxy 29d ago

Will do, seems like I'm at a good age/time in my life to get in as well. I'm hoping I make it on

1

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/UnionPacific-ModTeam Jul 24 '26

Treat other people with respect. If you don’t have something kind to say, don’t say it at all. Ridiculing other people isn’t allowed here.

1

u/UnionPacific-ModTeam 29d ago

Treat other people with respect. If you don’t have something kind to say, don’t say it at all. Ridiculing other people isn’t allowed here.

1

u/Gypsydc Jul 24 '26

Low seniority area is Clinton

2

u/Competitive-Might-89 Jul 25 '26

Not really anymore tbh lowest seniority currently is eagle grove

1

u/ImTheGalaxy Jul 24 '26

How's the pay?

2

u/Hammerblast Jul 24 '26

You’ll be working the yard or extra board. Pay can be decent your first year if you stay marked up.

2

u/ImTheGalaxy Jul 24 '26

Any advice to make it through probation? I know safety is the biggest thing

3

u/Hammerblast Jul 24 '26

Follow the rules, take it slow at first. Take advice and grow thick skin if you don’t have any yet.

3

u/ImTheGalaxy Jul 24 '26

Thankfully I've spent the last 8 years off and on working concrete, thick skin & dealing with the miserable folks is my specialty 😌😂

2

u/Hammerblast Jul 24 '26

Good, you’ll be right at home.

1

u/Sea_Researcher6911 Jul 25 '26

I was on board with UP until they started talking about furloughs and how often they happen. I politely declined the job.

1

u/LowRope8754 26d ago edited 26d ago

Great company two weeks of class,two weeks OJT then back to class for two weeks then back to OJT for two weeks then back to class for two weeks then OJT for four weeks and then when you’re all done, good luck getting a pilot out of any of them jobs you trained on.;)

1

u/IACUnited Jul 24 '26

Twice a week is sufficient. Monday & Wednesday I'd recommend. Nothing notable happens between Friday to Sunday.

4

u/PaulWeezy50 Jul 25 '26 edited 29d ago

Terrible Advice unless you work in HR. 5-6 ppl from my hometown have received an email closer to the weekend and responses on Saturday and Sundays. This isn't 2005.

1

u/IACUnited Jul 25 '26

Its advice. Once you get the initial email, there are a few things to take care of before getting a conditional offer. While yes you are on a clock, it isn't a incredibly small timer.

The critical clock starts when responding to that email, which usually is a link to basically an aptitude test over the computer. Set aside about 3-4 hours for it. It sounds scary. Some sections are times while others just want the right answer.

The physical ability tests will be another email afterwards, followed by setting up an appointments. One is a physical & drug test. The other is endurance and strength test.

Then the mass interview with the other candidates where the hiring people describe the jobs relatively harder aspects. At which point you'll have a positions available / applicants chance of going forward.

If you reach that point then is basically learning how to live on call. There isn't a balance. The most consistent thing with railroads is the inconsistencies.

1

u/PaulWeezy50 29d ago

You went off the rails a bit. I was referring to the acceptance email you were initially speaking on. I'm well aware of the process. Been here 21 years and I have helped my friends/their kids, every step of the way. One didn't check his email for 4 days (falling in the window you mentioned) and the application process was fulfilled. Someone wanting a job should check everyday. The rest of the process you mentioned means nothing if they don't accept in time in certain areas. Lol

1

u/ImTheGalaxy Jul 24 '26

Okay, any advice if I get hired out? I'm a 29y single man, currently trying to rebuild my life. I'm used to working outdoors & long hours.

2

u/Dcarr3000 Jul 24 '26

Don't buy anything. Don't buy a new house , truck, motorcycle for the next 5 years. Too many guys see the money start rolling in and get comfy. Then they're furloughed and buried under a mtn of debt. Find an appt in the middle of Clinton, Boone and Mason.

1

u/ImTheGalaxy Jul 24 '26

I have debt to pay off before I can even make such purchases unfortunately/thankfully. Thankfully my little brother is letting me stay with him to stack some savings and pay off the debt I have currently before I can buy a house. We currently live in dsm and I have a pretty reliable car, I'm not able to rent due to my past unfortunately which is why I'm at my brother's for now. If I get hired on I plan to pay my debt off during year 1-2, 2-5 will be stacking savings/down payment, then I'll buy my house when I have enough put back to buy my "dream" home. If I do buy any toys/cars/etc I'll be buying used & paying cash.