[Cobrabill]

Every thing is safety,safety,safety.Prior experience isn't important.The thing to realize is railroading is a life-style.If you work the extra-board you can work 80 hours in a week.10 on 10 off 10 on 10 off.I'm on a "pool" i work two-days to Yuma & back and then average 60 hours off.ANd this rotates thru the weeks.
If you have kids-you're gonna miss birthdays & ballgames.People will ask you what are you doing Saturday and your truthful answer will be"i don't know".All "plans" go out the window.


But on the other hand,you're getting good money & benefits to "play with trains".
Take a rail to dinner and pick his brain.Preferably someone with less than 10 years on the job.

[drailed]

Amtrak is by far your best choice as far as ever having a life if your looking to get into railroading. Prior experience is not important these days as all the class 1s are micromanaged by young inexperienced "railroaders" who failed at being in the field and are out to make a name for themselves now days and prefer new hires don't know anymore than they do. Are you anywhere near where the DM&E has a terminal Mister421?