Yeah, I just recently forked out over 5,000 bucks for the 'privilege'
of becoming a CSX conductor.
Why?
Well, I'm 38 years old and figured at this point in my life I wasn't going to get another job that pays as well as the railroad does with the education I have. So, I decided to take a chance...and so far so good.
It was definitely a tough decision to make. It's a huge load of dough to spend on something that I might hate or that might not work out. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. I decided to take the risk.
There's no doubt that if one is set on a railroad career and they can afford to do so, that this is the way to go as having to pay for the job definitely cuts down on the competition.
Although if one has a choice of railroads in the area they live in, it's best to try getting on with a company that will train you at no cost before taking this route, of course.
But so far at least, I'm glad I spent the money and took the risk. I enjoy this job a lot better, get paid much more and have a better future with it than I would have had at Home Depot.