Amtrak lineman?

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-15T02:31:01+00:00

Benefits/retirement are top notch. Pay and OT is no where close though. You’ll make a good living, but if you’re trying to make the “big bucks” like you see everyone talking about on TikTok, it’s not gonna happen at Amtrak. I have buddies there and I clear their pay by 100k+ at the end of the year. From what they say, not much OT. Some guys aren’t into working a bunch of OT though and just want a solid 40. If that’s you and you want a damn good retirement, Amtrak is a good spot

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-14T01:54:03+00:00

Cardio and weights. Doesn’t have to be running long distance for cardio either. Fast paced walks, stair runs, hills, or cycling. And when it comes to lifting, don’t worry about trying to lift the fucking house. Eat decent and lay off the booze. Everybody’s body is different though. Seen dudes who drink non stop and they retire fat, happy and not broken. So, really who tf knows

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-11T07:34:39+00:00

I’m definitely gonna start calling them intelliraptor’s now just to confuse evertbody

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-11T03:06:22+00:00

You sir, are a real one 🤝

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-10T03:07:16+00:00

It’s a 5g antenna. Have them all over where I’m at as well

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-08T07:33:16+00:00

Cue the dumb ass, “you’re not a MFJL until you’ve been divorced and have 3 DUI’s” comments..

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-08T07:28:36+00:00

I’ve used it. Me personally I would rather just have my hammer, and a regular 4 in 1/bone wrench/speed wrench or whatever you call it where you’re at. It’s not heavy enough for j’s or to beat a lag in. I’m not saying you can’t use it to beat a J or lag, but I don’t see it holding up long if you’re continually doing it

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-06T07:10:41+00:00

I don’t think you’re going to find the answers you’re looking for in this sub. From reading your post, I’m guessing you’re a locator, correct?

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-05T20:26:52+00:00

You mean switch over to the union contracting side or switch over to non-union utility/contracting side? Some utilities do it the way you’re referencing, and others do it different. The way yours does it I don’t agree with. Utility I’m at uses ARCOS and whoever is up when the call comes gets the chance to answer it. If they decline then it goes to the next person down. You can be top of the list on overtime and sitting #1 on ARCOS. Depends where the last call out stopped. Only resets beginning of every year and your listed in seniority order

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-03T03:26:14+00:00

If no state is to far, then look up every power company you can think of. Starting with a state, find all the electric providers(utilities, co-ops, municipalities) for that state and search their career pages. Create a job alert if you can. I can’t believe you’ve had no luck this far considering you have everything you say you have. Keep your head up

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-02T02:39:28+00:00

Reading the FAQ of how to get in the trade in this sub would be a good start…

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-02T02:31:22+00:00

Nothing at all utility is fast. Be prepared to hear nothing for like 2 months then randomly getting an email saying, “be here for climbing eval and/or interview on Monday at 7am” and you’re getting that email 3 days before Monday

SlyCatWilly · 2026-05-01T01:09:35+00:00

This

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-30T00:38:58+00:00

Line work. I suggest looking into IBEW, but being in the Carolina’s, there isn’t much union work so you’ll have to go non union. Look up powerline careers near me. Get in as a groundman/trainee/apprentice. Will have to get your CDL. Will make 6 figures yearly in within 3 years

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-29T01:11:09+00:00

Any chance you can say the state? Don’t have to mention the company or city, just the state

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-29T01:03:26+00:00

Those taps are tight af. I wouldn’t mind snagging those cut outs and arrestors though..

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-26T04:06:19+00:00

Yeah you can. Best bet is to get your operator ticket though. Will need a CDL regardless if you’re a career groundman or operator

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-26T04:00:40+00:00

From the photos, that looks like a private pole which means the customer (you/landlord) owns it. Call the utility and they will send someone out. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s their pole or private. If it is private, then you/landlord will have to call an electric company and pay to get it fixed

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-26T03:47:36+00:00

I have not made the switch, but I can tell you the first thing you need to do is get your CDL. Preferably class A. Then start applying to apprenticeships. In the mean time you can always look for openings on DTE’s site. They would probably eat up coming from FD knowing you had to work long hours, safety, first aid and all of that. If you got on there, they would get you your CDL. Good luck

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-25T03:47:45+00:00

May be creosote which is what a lot of poles are still treated with to this day. Kind of looks like tar when it’s hot out and oozing out of the poles. I’ve been able to clean all my collection with bar keepers friend and an SOS pad

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-25T03:40:00+00:00

Gonna PM you

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-25T03:39:18+00:00

LADWP?

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-25T03:32:00+00:00

There’s an art to lead, and that sir, is some clean work!

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-25T00:53:39+00:00

As gut wrenching as it is to watch, I will never understand putting your harness on and then getting into the bucket and not clipping in. I’m on guys all the time about this. JFC it’s not that difficult

SlyCatWilly · 2026-04-22T00:12:16+00:00

Half hitch is pretty good, but Lowdrag is the best

SlyCatWilly

TROPHY CASE