# Career change ideas... **URL:** \ **Category:** Shift518 Off Topic\ **Created:** [April 10, 2011, 6:30pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/career-change-ideas/257815 "2011-04-10T18:30:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 44
**Author:** ![JRubino](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jrubino/32/6285_2.png) [@JRubino](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JRubino)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2011, 8:31am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/career-change-ideas/257815/44 "2011-04-12T08:31:29Z")
> [@wtfind a better job](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/wtfind-a-better-job/41135/2): > > One of my best friends works for CSX, I can get more info if you want. > > Pilots is one of the top 10 highest paying jobs without a college degree. So on average they don’t make out too bad seeing as average is around 6 figures. > > I’m sure starting out you make a lot less. > > KK, you need to be in sales of sorts (even if selling your skill as IT) or start your own business if you want direct return on your effort. > [@Heading to NYC this weekend, What to do?](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/heading-to-nyc-this-weekend-what-to-do/41094/26): > > [quote=KrazyKid;787927]its depressing honestly. Getting paid the same money all year no matter if you sit on ass and manage not to get fired, or work so hard to figure out stuff and improve a business. > > Not to be a dick but it could be worse. Some weeks I go to work bust my balls all week go home Friday too tired to do anything but sleep and basically get nothing to show for it. Other weeks I make out like a bandit, but hey thats working flat rate. > > Thanks for the ideas. What is CSX/CP? > > Chessie System Transportation. I have a friend that works there and I did apply several times and go to one interview. Here is the thing, you will have to work nights for a while and by a while I mean years. My friend has been there 3 years and still works 3rd shift. The money is good, really good actually 25.xx an hour and all the OT you want to work. However based on the interview/info session I went to there is absolutely no freedom of though involved in the work process. You will do things exactly the way they want you to or they will fire you. Not saying it’s a bad job, but I personally couldn’t deal with doing the same shit all the time the same exact way. It would just get old a boring. The other thing that is really annoying is they will only give you a weeks notice for your interview and it takes the whole entire day. Literally starts at 7:00 or something and ends at 3 or so depending on what order you interview. Just my 2 cents on CSX. I see a couple of you are familiar with what what CSX is and I can tell you first hand on how the company really is because I work there as a Freight Conductor. This is a job you can go to WITHOUT a college education and make $70,000 a year EASILY in your first year. I can guarantee you a few things. You will work nights and weekends and you will have NO say whether you like it or not. You will miss important events (birthday parties, holiday events, funerals, etc.). You will be away from home A LOT and you will spend A LOT of time in a hotel. This is a job where you MUST be a safe employee! Their rules are strict beyond strict and the smallest thing you do wrong could be your last day on the property. My personal experience so far with the company is I love working here. The money is unreal. I work a lot of hours, i’m away from home a lot and the job is not for everyone. Your lifestyle will change after you start working here. Your friends and family will never be able to understand why you work the hours you work and how the company can call you whenever they want, only railroaders understand it. If anyone on here is struggling to find a real paying career should consider working here. The railroad is at an all time in earnings year to date. The railroad is the cheapest way to move freight and gas isn’t getting any cheaper so you can probably figure the rest of this statement out. THEY ARE HIRING LIKE CRAZY! They need people, including Conductors! There’s more to it with getting hired and getting through all of your training in order to become a Conductor. If anyone has an interest and wants to know more about it, feel free to contact me through a PM. --- _[View the full topic](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/career-change-ideas/257815)._