I realise this is a general question and that the answer to it depends from person to person. However, I was hoping to get some personal experiences and,maybe, in that way create some sort of an image how is the job market for railroad workers looking these days, and how do potential employers look at forer UP folks.
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Took me 3 weeks! Never been better!
I was part of the first set to be let go. Within 2 1/2 months, I was working for a class 2 RR. I had about a five-state radius I was willing to move my family too. So I just waited for a mechanical position to open up where I was willing to move to. First application and I was hired.
In Omaha, the UPRR name is damaged goods. Too many people who were once coddled by UPRR buddies are now stuck looking for jobs and finding out that finding jobs and being promoted due to skill and what you know is much harder than at UPRR.
I had plan B ready in November. Exercised the plan In April. Layed off on Saturday. Started new job following Monday. Screw UPRR. I stand on my own.
In Omaha, the UP name is okay. Many think UP business is suffering, because of trucking and coal. They don’t realize the Wall Street pigs are just hogging the trough. The job market is good, but it all depends upon skills and experience. I’d say the UP name is good for your resume or application. One thing is for sure - we will need trades / crafts more and more and too many kids are being prepped / told to go to college....
It depends on your skills, education and experience. It also depends on what kind of job you are looking for. Your location will also factor in.
If all you want is a paycheck, you can probably walk into a job tomorrow. If you want a new career it will take more time. Did you acquire transferable skills while working for UP? Many UP processes and procedures don't apply elsewhere. Are you a college graduate? Did you use your degree while at UP?
Speaking for myself, when I was leaving I had three offers (all for a higher salary than I was making at UP). I also have a marketable degree with matching experience.
Nobody can tell you when you will find a job, but I can all but guarantee that you will be happier after you have left the railroad, no matter what you end up doing.
Good luck.
If you’re in Texas not very long. Not heard of one guy who’s been laid off not find a job. Lots of cases a better job. Which I’m glad for.
As you said it depends based on person to person so you’re sort of wasting your time asking other than to fulfill curiosity. Are you a conductor? Manager? IT guy? Got college? Graduate school? How well do you interview?
in my personal experience it took about one month of looking seriously to get offered another job, and I didn’t quit UP until I started at new job.
I don’t think employers look at you as a former UP person unless you are interviewing with another railroad. A lot of people don’t know what UP is and if they do they think you worked for Amtrak basically.
I suppose it depends on the size of the town your in. Around here (smaller town) it s---s. Nobody will touch you. Good luck finding a decent job, with decent pay. Sure you can flip burgers, but you won't find the same pay out in the real world.