Railroading operations is a dangerous business that requires dedication to knowledge of your job, equipment and geography. Your home life will suffer with being on call and not be able to plan in train service and you could be found civilly liable for a train accident. Railroads are para-military organizations and with lots of government, union and company rules. You will get yourself on the wrong side of the rules and there will be consequences. Working conditions in the field can be horrid.