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‘I want to move on’: Train driver on $125k asks Reddit for career advice

(Source: Getty, Reddit)
(Source: Getty, Reddit)

A train driver asking for job advice on Reddit has become an example of Aussie workers looking to re-skill or change careers amid the pandemic.

In a post on the AusFinance sub-reddit earlier this week, the Reddit user Loan_Leather said they worked as a train driver on a $125,000 salary, but added that it “comes at a cost”.

“I'm on a 24/7 roster, work every other weekend and have to work weird, unsociable hours to make that money. In addition, the skills and knowledge I have gained are very specific and essentially useless outside the role,” the user said.

“I really do love the job and am thankful to have a job during these times but I also want to move on and do something else.”

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The Reddit user had studied science with nearly perfect grades – but never properly put it to use.

“Anyone have any ideas or comments on how I can better myself? Unfortunately I was interested in everything growing up and never really settled on a path.”

The Reddit poster was flooded with nearly 80 comments, with many suggesting a focus on technology and data skills, while others suggested considering different roles within the rail and transport sector.

“So you are smart. Data analytics, business analytics are potential options. With a couple of years experience in the field, you can make in the level of $100k with really good hours (easily 9-5 plus some slack off time),” said Reddit user larrythetomato.

He recommended studying a Masters in mathematics, statistics, economics or finance, and then trying for an analytics role.

“It has the potential to make in the level of $200k 'easily' as you slowly advance, and potentially way more if you are very capable. Do note though that $125k is a very high salary and will be difficult to match without giving up something.”

Reddit user ZeJerman advocated for up-skilling in data analytics or data science. “There is a huge shortage of properly skilled people and they are going to a premium at the moment.”

Try some online courses before committing to tertiary education, he added. “There are heaps of online resources available,” he said, suggesting EdX, Coursera, and Cognitive Class, which is run by IBM.

Commenting on this, Reddit user shrewdster said Sydney-based data analysts or those with a Bachelor with five years’ experience can earn from $100,000 to $125,000 at well-known organisations.

“Lesser known pay more to attract talent, I've heard some smaller organisations offering $140k base,” he said.

Another, by the name of Risk_Analyst_CFA, recommended risk and compliance roles, which shot up by 48 per cent in demand during the Banking Royal Commission.

“Even if you don't know anything about banking you may be hired. A very good example is anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) which has become a huge topic since the Royal Commission but also since AUSTRAC started handing out record fines to CBA and most recently Westpac,” he said.

But opportunities could be found within Loan_Leather’s industry, with some suggesting moving up in the management chain or training new recruits.

“As someone who works in the rail industry, I've seen drivers transfer into numerous different roles that are less or not roster-driven,” said NamTaf, who pointed to operations roles, general project support or technical operations roles.

“Basically, if you've been around for a bit, the company may well like the idea of leveraging your experience into new roles.

“If you're halfway technologically literate, can think critically, then you can throw on business attire and help bridge that gap between the guys in the driver's cab and the guys in the corporate office in a million different ways. It's really valuable,” he said.

And a good chat with the manager during performance review season wouldn’t go astray, he added.

“Don't feel that you need to change industry to change role[s] if you really like working there. If you start this conversation early you might find your company has processes in place for helping transition good employees around. It may well be a good way to preserve some of what you like whilst getting the change you need.”

If they had no specific experience or training to tap into, 37Schmeckles suggested going into sales.

“You MAY even be able to find something which crosses over with trains though I expect that’s a pretty small industry.

“I have mates in sales that are fairly technical roles and one says their science degree actually comes in extremely handy (water systems).”

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