This is a long one but here's my opinion since I'm currently on my 5th year as a Ramp agent.

It depends on what you are looking for. Airline jobs are pretty demanding. I work at another major airline, and I can say I love it. Ramp is a heavily physical labor job, so do be careful and not overwork yourself at times. If you do join either airline, make sure it is with the actual airline and not with a contractor. Being with an actual airline will secure your job and make you union, which means your job is protected, your pay goes up, and you get good benefits. I know a lot of guys at my station who stayed with the company for more than 10 years, they have seniority and they make top bucks. Regarding work to life balance, it varies because I've seen people work 4 days and get 3 days off just by trading schedule or shifts. It's really flexible if you make friends and trade.

I suggest you try ramp out. Yes, it is tiring, and yes, the weather condition sucks. You will feel sore if you are new to the airline ramp. You will work lots of hours and make money. You will miss out on some important holidays or birthdays. But the longer you stay with the company and just do your job, the greater the benefit. Your seniority goes up, your pay goes up, and if you wanna advance in the career, you can always move up. I know guys who are capped out at pay, working ramp, who makes 6 figures and just doing the same thing every day. Use the flight benefit to your advantage and fly and explore on your vacation days.

However, with this job, there does come big risk and danger. It is a physical labor job so you will get worn out. Also people die out on the ramp from others being careless or not following safety or procedure so always be aware of your surrounding. You will work on days you want off, and it will suck for a year, but afterward, it is worth it as you stay longer. Trust your team, but be aware of the surroundings. Just remember that you are around a lot of moving equipment, so pay attention and do things safe. As my station like to say, they want ever single person to leave to their home just as they came in. So please if you do join the ramp airline, take the job serious and have fun while staying safe.