MOM Role V Train Driver

[rollupandshine]

Hi all,
First time posting here!
I find myself in the very fortunate position of deciding between sticking with my current MOM role out in the Home Counties, or taking a train driver role in central London.

Anyone else made the switch and can share some pros and cons?

I love the downtime the MOM role gives, I’m not particularly busy, lots of freedom. But can be slow days sometimes. I love my 12 hour shift pattern which has plenty of rest days. I do feel I need to be busier…

Train driver I have worked out salary wise (once qualified) is probably around 10k more roughly…. Although current extra perks seem to be Sunday payment (contracted or not) will I only be paid extra for Sundays on overtime!?

Has anyone been or is a driver for southern? Would you recommend.

Any help/ suggestions welcome and thanks for your time!

N

 

[GingerRH]

Not a driver or ever would want to be, but I’d definitely stick to the MOM role rather than driving. Going from having the somewhat freedom and perks of being a MOM, into a cab being told what to do by control and a signallers, when you more than likely would know more than them through your experience, would do your head in.

Why not apply for MIO for more money, or become a signaller which is above G7 for the extra money on a 12hr roster?

 

[Swall]

I did it, can’t tell you whether it was the right choice just yet as it’s only been a year. The time off the mom role gave me was a big miss but I still get a long weekend every 3 weeks so it’s not all bad and I see my kids more now as it’s not 12 hours so I know I can either see them in the morning or evening where as a mom I could miss both for days. The money difference in training is a big draw back and even with some planning it’s been a struggle. Hopefully it works out. Any questions you have feel free to send me a PM

Edit: not southern tho

 

[Horizon22]

They are quite different roles really, so this is going to be about what you find better. As you said you like the "downtime" and "lots of freedom" but you also "need to be busier" - these are a contradiction in terms.

On the other hand a driver will need to be attentive for long stretches of their drive, multiple times a day, including stopping multiple times a day (I'm presuming a Southern metro driver). You'll have a diagram you'll need to follow and a large set of rules (not that MOMs don't either). You won't have the same freedom as you'll be in a driving cab mostly by yourself. Unlike a MOM you won't have set start and end times.

There is really only so much that we can advise, especially as in your MOM role you are saying pros and cons which directly contradict each other. It is about what sort of work environment you enoy more. Personally it sounds like driving might make you miserable but again, can only assume.