Train Driver or not

zedcred

Hi, Got a bit of a dilemma. I have worked in a foundry for nearly 24 years, worked my way up to Foundry Manager but I am thinking of leaving. I applied to be a Train Driver although it would mean a drop in salary for the first 10 months of £5000. I have passed the first assessment stage and have got the second and final stage to complete so I may be worrying for nothing. I now realise I am scared of leaving, the foundry is my safety blanket. If I go I would have to work shift work for the first time in my life and possibly have to cope with fatalities on the track. On the plus side, its only a 35 hour week, good pension and a darn site less physical. I should mention I am nearly 44, not old I know but them ladles are getting heavier:-)
What should I do? Any train drivers out there to give me some advice? Anyone?

Dazzieboo

My next door neighbour has just qualified as a Train Driver, it took almost a year to the week from leaving his old job to being a solo driver.

Previously he was a lorry driver on good money, so the drop in wages needed preparing for, which I think took about 6 months, which tied in well with the final stages of the assesments. I was speaking to him the other day and he said it was a big step in leaving a secure job and good wages to follow his dream, but now can honestly say it is the best thing he has ever done, his pay has increased, there is ample chance of overtime with no pressure, he is in a union and has a generous holiday allowance.

The fatalities were one of the things which concerned him, and no one knows how it will affect you until it happens, but if it does, people are on hand for guidance in how to cope.

After seeing how happy he now is, my advice would be, go for it, don't worry about your age, he is older than you. :beer:

jockettuk

my other half a tube train driver and the jobs great once you pass the inital assesments etc.. the money ok but the pension etc and the security a lot better than some jobs.. He has lots of training and exams every year to keep up with all the new regulations but he loves it.. shift work a pain for me but cant have everything lol

lisa_75

My husband is a train driver. The drop in wages for the first years training was difficult, he was on £12k for the first year. However, now he is on £31k basic for a 4 day, 35 hour week and a good pension The shifts are difficult to deal with, and can affect family life. A fatality on the track is a rare event and I would not let that put you off.

I would say if you are lucky enough to be offered the job, go for it. The shift work is the only downside, but where else are you going to get those kind of wages for a 4 day, 35 hour week? Some drivers who do lots of over time are pulling in £50k. I don’t let my husband do overtime as him being home is more important than the money, but there is the opportunity to have a very comfortable standard of living.

You may want to have a read of this forum
http://www.railchat.co.uk/phpBB2/

lin_c_2

My husband is a retired train driver (ill health retired) and he misses it greatly.
The company (freight trains) he was working for before are now paying their drivers a basic wage of £40K.
Shift work is always an issue when you have a family but you do get used to it.
Hubby never seen any fatalities in his 22 years on trains.
The very best of luck if you decide to go for it.
Lin

zedcred

Thanks to all who have given me advice. Next Wednesday is the day I take the final part of the assessment. If I get through, I have decided with all your help, to go for it. Thank you.
Mick