Life is about to get alittle more awesome

[UpstatePanther]

I consider this place family, even though sometimes you're like the siblings I don't get along with. Lol. So I want to share a major event in my life with y'all. 

Alittle background: 

For the past 3 years, I have worked for a Verizon retailer in Western NC and living just across the border in SC. It was a stop-gap at first... Something I could do instead of construction while I finished college. Once I did so, I tried to go back to construction during the week and work at Verizon on Saturdays. This worked out for a few months before the construction company laid me off.

I went back to full time at Verizon, but this time discouraged and a bit jaded. I was a college grad with a degree I couldn't use and had just lost the job I loved because I wasn't good enough at it.  But I made the most of it and eventually earned a management role with Verizon last summer. Great right? Not when you're in a small town with a Verizon corporate store down the road. I continued to try to make the most of it until the beginning of this year, until I just couldn't take it anymore and had lost hope. 

After a few weeks of soul-searching and career research, I decided to apply to work for the railroad. Specifically Norfolk Southern. After a 2 month pre-employment process, this morning I was given a date to go to Georgia to attend training for the railroad (no pun intended). Reality has set in for me, since it's now time to put in a two week notice with Verizon. I couldn't be happier.

This is a career job. Outstanding pay in a job I know I'll love. Like... the kind of pay that will ensure I can always care for my future family. Which is one of my highest life goals. Full benefits and a railroad retirement, which for those who don't know, is almost unbeatable. This is my breakthrough. This is the moment where all my work and trust in God pays off. 

This is a hard job, and railroader lifestyle off the job is not easy. Im under no false pretenses. But I've never asked for easy. And the difficulties I'll face and the sacrifices I'll make will be worth the blessings to come. After years now where it felt like life was only bringing a constant hurricane, the sun is breaking through the clouds. 

I feel like I was just drafted by the Panthers or something. I feel like thanking anyone and everyone who has had the slightest influence in my life, I'm so happy. I don't want to ramble on about it though, so just want to end by saying that I love you all and am grateful to have you in my life. I couldn't think of a better group of assholes to party with on Sundays every fall. If you're going through a hard time, I don't claim to know your situation but I do know my own struggles and nothing is new under the sun. Trust in God, trust in yourself, and keep fuging pounding no matter what.

<3

[Jackofalltrades]

Congrats, best wishes and Praise be to God. 

I’m starting a new job Tuesday that’ll get me home every night with my family. Driving a truck is a good living, just not for me. Yesterday I was in Ohio, right now I’m in Marquez, TX and will push back towards NC today. To God be the glory. 

[Fryfan]

Congrats on finding your life path and especially getting out of verizon retail.

 

[Jimmy]

Congrats on the job!  I looked into the railroad jobs and you're right...they are very hard and the time commitment seems almost unreal.  People who love it just love it...period, hope you do as well!

[Dex]

Congrats! That's always a great feeling. I'm currently working at a job I love with excellent pay, benefits and advancement opportunities and strangely enough it's because of a relationship I made through The Huddle.

[Johnny Rockets]

Congrats - I am curious, what exactly does a "railroad job" entail? I am sure there are many positions (laying tracks, train conductor, scheduling and operations, mechanics, etc.) within the railroad but what is the general description and why is railroad life a hard one?  Seems interesting and I am absolutely clueless as to what it's all about.  

[Anybodyhome]

Congrats!

It's not just the job, but everything else that goes with it. You become a better person when you have reached an ambition and are working with a purpose at something you truly enjoy. You become less susceptible to depression, health issues and relationship stress when you're doing something with purpose and you enjoy.

You saw the light at the end of the tunnel and came out the other side, where you're now basking in the sunlight of success.

[UpstatePanther]

2 hours ago, Johnny Rockets said:

Congrats - I am curious, what exactly does a "railroad job" entail? I am sure there are many positions (laying tracks, train conductor, scheduling and operations, mechanics, etc.) within the railroad but what is the general description and why is railroad life a hard one?  Seems interesting and I am absolutely clueless as to what it's all about.  

I'll be driving the trains the title is "Conductor" which is the 2nd team member on the train. Basically it's the Engineer's assistant, brakeman, etc. all tied into one job. Eventually they require conductors to advance to Engineer, with the most senior conductors given the opportunity first. Seniority is huge on the railroad

[Ja Rhule]

[cookinbrak]

Long distance or go home every day?

[Squirrel]

No texting and driving. Congrats. 

[UpstatePanther]

20 hours ago, cookinbrak said:

Long distance or go home every day?

That has alot to do with seniority. During training, it will be both. Then when I "mark up", i.e. - finish the probationary period, it will technically be as needed, but because the more senior employees get the more favorable jobs, I'll mainly be doing long-haul (which takes place mainly within my district, so at the longest... Atlanta to Linwood, NC). As I gain seniority, I'll go home daily more often as Im given more local jobs. But the travel is part of the allure for me, so I won't mind the long haul jobs at all. 

Side note: the line to Charleston from Spartanburg (the "W line") is in my district, so I'll be visiting Charleston often, and probably staying overnight at times. Can't beat that!

[thefuzz]

Congrats.  Happy for you.

 

[cookinbrak]

My uncle used to be a tugboat captain, they'd work 2 weeks, off 2 weeks. Made a ton of money, but blew it on booze and whores.