As long as they enjoy their job then good luck to them, I've worked for the emergency services and its definitely not something I'd go back to.
Let's hope they don't regret it.
Thanks for your concern .
I'll explain to you where I see the benefits and maybe you could shed some light on why you think the railway offers a better package...
As explained earlier my main priority in life is family time and health.
I personally think the shifts I'm currently on are better (less sleep disruptive) than what ScotRail offers drivers. I have fixed start/finish times and a predictable pattern which means i can predict what I'll be working not just for the rest of the year but next year and the year after if I stay on my current watch.
While at work (10 hour day shift) on average I'll have a minimum (yes minimum!) of 3 hours a day of meal/coffee breaks, gym time and a 30min nap. On a night shift we only go to emergency calls, someone will cook everyone dinner, I'll go to the gym and have a bed which we can sleep in between 11pm and 7am, (50% of night shifts on average receive under 2 calls).
I joined early and I'm at watch commander rank, I can retire at 55 (20 years away) with a £100k+ lump sum and £23k/year @ my current rank. (I want to retire as early as possible).
I work 4 weekend day shifts every 10 weeks and 4 weekend nights every 10 weeks.
My child care drop offs/pick ups are predictable and consistent.
I currently cycle to work (4 miles away) which takes 15 minutes, the depot I would be working from is 12 miles away, yes I could cycle but not for a 3-5am start.
I can't be recalled to duty, I very rarely need to sleep during the day (usually get enough at work).
Despite all these benefits and being totally honest, the railway still appeals to me, (I like traveling, i think I would enjoy it) I'm bored in my current job, the change and new challenge appeals to me but I've come to the conclusion a job as a driver would interfere with my priorities (family and health) more than my current job.
I do wish I was satisfied and enjoyed my job, but I need to remember it's only a job, and probably my best means to an end (early retirement).