Crossing Keeper Job Loss

[bouff34]

I'm really sorry to hear this but don't give up. I'm a driver with type 1.

Were you already a qualified driver when you were diagnosed with this? Or did they employ you as a new starter knowing you were diabetic? Just to put your situation in context???

 

[Bletchleyite]

That's interesting, as I have a friend with type 1 who was a guard, but on diagnosis was not able to continue in that role and is now station staff instead.

(I understand he was in the classic "railway family" way looked after very well by his employer)

 

[nom de guerre]

I'm really sorry to hear this but don't give up. I'm a driver with type 1.

Don’t give up on signalling, but I’m afraid you will have to forget about working in a single-manned box.

 

[train_lover]

Were you already a qualified driver when you were diagnosed with this? Or did they employ you as a new starter knowing you were diabetic? Just to put your situation in context???

I have been a type 1diabetic for over 9 years. When I was first diagnosed I wasn't on the railway but became a Senior Conductor after being type 1 for 18 months. I was then a Senior Conductor for some 7 years without any sort of incident before becoming a driver last year. Getting my dream job has been very difficult but I'm here now proving that I can do the job safely just as anyone of my driver colleagues can.

The company I currently drive for isn't the same company I worked for as a guard so I count my blessings that the two companies I have worked for have treated me with dignity and respect. The RSSB have also come a long way in recognising that people with Type 1 are able to do these activities as before 2014 you couldn't drive with Type 1.

To the people reading and and reply to this thread. Many of you cannot even begin to understand the struggles of living with type 1. It's a constant battle that we must think about every minute of every day. Type 1 diabetes takes its toll on all aspects of us living with it.

So to those reading this with type 1 looking at joining the railway I'd say never give up. I came to this forum in 2013 asking if I could fulfill my dream and be a driver and I was met with a barrage of abuse and negative comments. I was told I'd never be able to do any safety critical jobs on the railway and that I should give up. This year I'll achieve 8 years service as a railwayman. Never ever give up, ignore the people who put you down. Looks after yourself and go chase your dream.

 

[theironroad]

I have been a type 1diabetic for over 9 years. When I was first diagnosed I wasn't on the railway but became a Senior Conductor after being type 1 for 18 months. I was then a Senior Conductor for some 7 years without any sort of incident before becoming a driver last year. Getting my dream job has been very difficult but I'm here now proving that I can do the job safely just as anyone of my driver colleagues can.

The company I currently drive for isn't the same company I worked for as a guard so I count my blessings that the two companies I have worked for have treated me with dignity and respect. The RSSB have also come a long way in recognising that people with Type 1 are able to do these activities as before 2014 you couldn't drive with Type 1.

To the people reading and and reply to this thread. Many of you cannot even begin to understand the struggles of living with type 1. It's a constant battle that we must think about every minute of every day. Type 1 diabetes takes its toll on all aspects of us living with it.

So to those reading this with type 1 looking at joining the railway I'd say never give up. I came to this forum in 2013 asking if I could fulfill my dream and be a driver and I was met with a barrage of abuse and negative comments. I was told I'd never be able to do any safety critical jobs on the railway and that I should give up. This year I'll achieve 8 years service as a railwayman. Never ever give up, ignore the people who put you down. Looks after yourself and go chase your dream.

That's a heartwarming read and a lesson for us all.

Well done and stay safe.