I'm so happy to have found and be on this forum. I'm super new here so Im so glad to meet everyone.
I did pre-employment recently in Livingston and waiting for medical.
I got a bunch of questions if any veteran or new operators wants to answer, I will be so happy!
I'm sorry if it's too much questions. I am SUPER nervous/anxious because I have always been working in a sheltered office environment all my life so please understand, some of these questions might seem ignorant, if they are...i'm really really sorry in advance.
1) How to deal with bullies on the job? Just ignore and carry on? I don't handle bullies very well, i have worked in some really toxic companies before and it was very bad for your mental health. I have learned to deal with them though.
2) Even if you use your cell phone for emergencies in the cab in "secret", you will be fired on the spot is this correct? I'm asking because I am assuming there are cameras in terminals and the control tower can see you use your cell phone? I am paranoid and I think it's best to leave cell phone at home?
3) I'm really really scared about the third rail. Do I have to walk on top of / around the 3rd rail a lot?
4) I am able to arrange an apartment and live in Manhattan if need be...so is it best to go to A Division?
5) I'm afraid of bad neighborhoods (honestly I have never been in one all my life), and I see that these Yards are usually in the outskirts of town. Should I Be worried? AKA: going home late at night after being on the road - and then i have to take mass transit home from those Yards sometimes in the early AM - should I fear for my safety? I am not tall / nor big / you can say I look like I cannot defend myself.
6) If I have a 12-9 incident as I read in the older posts, am I forced to take an Unpaid leave of absence indefinitely?
7) Are you forced to join the Union? Or can you not join the union? Are their PROS for NOT joining? Or would the decision for this be a no-brainer once / if I start?
8) Are train ops allowed to wear sunglasses during the day when they are outside on the rails?
Again sorry for the rant as I'm not familiar with the culture here and sorry for sounding like a total ignoramus. I appreciate if anyone answers any of my questions that will for sure, help me decide if this career is right for me!
Thanks a bunch!!!