Should I relocate to work for northern?

[er2802]

Looking for a bit of advice/experienced opinion...

I live in London working for a TOC down here, and I’ve been looking at relocating up north (cheaper/more comfortable life in general/girlfriend has family up there).

I’ve been invited to an interview for a role with Northern but I’ve been reading the news and I’m a little concerned about uprooting my life to move to a new company who may or may not be stripped of their franchise. I’m not too keen on the uncertainty surrounding it all.

What are people’s opinions? Is it a risk worth taking?

 

[ComUtoR]

I've worked under 3 franchises. Same job, different uniform. I'd be out the door already tbh.

 

[Stigy]

Irrespective of what happens with the franchise, you’ll have the same job, just under a different franchise. You won’t suddenly find yourself unemployed.

 

[156478]

Looking for a bit of advice/experienced opinion...

I live in London working for a TOC down here, and I’ve been looking at relocating up north (cheaper/more comfortable life in general/girlfriend has family up there).

I’ve been invited to an interview for a role with Northern but I’ve been reading the news and I’m a little concerned about uprooting my life to move to a new company who may or may not be stripped of their franchise. I’m not too keen on the uncertainty surrounding it all.

What are people’s opinions? Is it a risk worth taking?

No matter whose vinyl is on the sides of the train, they will always need people to work inside of the train. They have a vacancy that needs filled, so go for it!

The uncertainty will be for the senior, senior management- but that's why they are on the big money.

 

[er2802]

I've worked under 3 franchises. Same job, different uniform. I'd be out the door already tbh.

Irrespective of what happens with the franchise, you’ll have the same job, just under a different franchise. You won’t suddenly find yourself unemployed.

Would it not be a case of last in first out if they need to make cuts or anything though? Especially with probation periods etc?

 

[30907]

Which side of the Pennines are the GF's family? You'll be aware that Northern has different issues each side

Having said that, as a non-railway person I relocated North a generation ago and haven't regretted it.

 

[Stigy]

Would it not be a case of last in first out if they need to make cuts or anything though? Especially with probation periods etc?

No. They will have the same obligations to keep a set establishment regardless of which franchise it becomes. You’re at no more risk as with any other company.

 

[387star]

I thought northern didn't allow relocations

 

[er2802]

Which side of the Pennines are the GF's family? You'll be aware that Northern has different issues each side

Having said that, as a non-railway person I relocated North a generation ago and haven't regretted it.

she has family in Blackpool and Scunthorpe, and a lot of close friends in and around York

 

[AlexNL]

If there's nothing keeping you in London I'd go for it. Even if Northerns contract ends soon and OLR takes over you'll have a job.

 

[Red1980]

Doesn't seem like much of a risk going by what you've said. Most people only see it as risky if they're going to lose money etc.

It's certainly not a risk going by the concerns you've expressed. As many have said it's just a different uniform and there's no risk to employment whatsoever, in fact you'd probably never be safer given how short staffed they are.

As someone else said...... "I'd be in the car already" mate

 

[notadriver]

You’ll be on first year pay with Northern until you are passed out for driving. Something to consider.

 

[ComUtoR]

Money isn't everything and granted, for many it would be a contributing factor. However; it is often shortsighted. Your future is what you need to consider the most. Will moving to be closer to friends and family far outweigh a potential shortfall in cash flow ? Is a quieter and easier life worth the upheaval ? Is the wage drop worth the cheaper cost of living ?

Importantly, and sorry in advance but.... Is the 'Girlfriend' just a 'Girlfriend' or is she a potential wife/life partner/baby mamma/ball and chain... If your moving to start a new life together then its an even more powerful reason to move.

Due to where I live I am pretty locked into my TOC. My age is a hurdle, and my kids are still at school age and a move would be prohibitive. Still, if opportunity knocked.....

 

[er2802]

Money isn't everything and granted, for many it would be a contributing factor. However; it is often shortsighted. Your future is what you need to consider the most. Will moving to be closer to friends and family far outweigh a potential shortfall in cash flow ? Is a quieter and easier life worth the upheaval ? Is the wage drop worth the cheaper cost of living ?

Importantly, and sorry in advance but.... Is the 'Girlfriend' just a 'Girlfriend' or is she a potential wife/life partner/baby mamma/ball and chain... If your moving to start a new life together then its an even more powerful reason to move.

Due to where I live I am pretty locked into my TOC. My age is a hurdle, and my kids are still at school age and a move would be prohibitive. Still, if opportunity knocked.....

It wouldn’t actually be a wage drop. The role I’ve applied for is the same as what I do currently and pays more. So money isn’t an issue.

the girlfriend is a serious, marriage material one. Typing this out I’m starting to realise I need to go for it... haha

 

[ComUtoR]

the girlfriend is a serious, marriage material one. Typing this out I’m starting to realise I need to go for it... haha

link is a music video by a well known female vocalist.

 

[ILoveLamp]

It wouldn’t actually be a wage drop. The role I’ve applied for is the same as what I do currently and pays more. So money isn’t an issue.

the girlfriend is a serious, marriage material one. Typing this out I’m starting to realise I need to go for it... haha

Is this gonna be the official FIRST Railforum wedding?? I’d better go buy a hat..

 

[Aivilo]

Are you driving now as I can't think of a toc down south on less than Northern.

Go for it though you'll be safe.

Any questions drop me a message

 

[er2802]

Are you driving now as I can't think of a toc down south on less than Northern.

Go for it though you'll be safe.

Any questions drop me a message

It’s not a driving job, actually. It’s in their control. The money is better than the equivalent role in my TOC.

Do you know what it’s like working for Northern? I’ve heard negative things, seems they have so much disruption it can me a bit of a nightmare a lot of the time?

 

[Monkeyfuzz]

I work for northern (conductor) and I enjoy it my ctms are brilliant though as is my depot x