Re: Balance

Steve,
If you can get on a class 1, that is the logical step up. The wages are better, the working conditions cleaner and the work just as hard, but in a different way.
The first thing that I would recommend to anybody who wants to go Railroading is to get an education first. If the railroad doesn't work out, then you have a marketable skill, or skills. There are many disillusioned railfans out there who went to work for the railroad only to find that it was not what they expected. Some quit and some became wage slaves.
Then there are others who can put up with the BS and actually like the work. (Like Me).
But please, do yourself a favor and get an education, don't be stupid and put all your eggs in one basket.
Remember that the tourist lines will pay wages below what you will earn working for a Class 1 or 2, by virtue of the fact that they just don't have the income. Also, most tourist lines have six months a year of work at the most, and three at the minimum. If you want to railroad and try it out, then work during your summer break while you're going to college.
Rick Steele