New to the RR life. Need some help!

[Tatty85]

Good morning guys. I need some help. So I just got offered a job to be a freight conductor 2 1/2 hours away from my current town where my ole lady and I live. She is in grad school and cannot move off with me yet. How often would I be able to go see her? Would I work regular 40 hour weeks with overtime every once in awhile? Or is going back home to see her out of the question?

 

[bnsf971]

Depending on the railroad, you could be working 12 on and 10 off, seven days a week, or be on the extra board, and only work a few days a week, whenever the railroad needs you. You will probably also need to be available when called, usually with an hour or so's notice.
You can be almost certain you won't have a 40 hour week with regular hours. Those tend to be passenger or yard assignments, and the people with the most seniority generally have them.