My son and I are often discussing his future. We talk about short term goals- like school, graduation and skating. We also talk about summer and his employment at the golf course. He really enjoys working and seeing a paycheck in the end for his hard work.

The one thing he really wants to do is work at CN Rail as a switchman/conductor. In the same fashion as I did. However, he wants to start at a younger age and not at 31 like I did. I’m hoping that he will take a couple of years to go and explore the world and live a little before getting settled into a career straight out of high school.

I won’t discourage him if he chooses to apply at this or any other railroad. The work is decent and the money is worthwhile. I also know that his work ethic is great and he would accomplish his goal and become well liked with colleagues.

If he makes the leap straight into working the railroad from graduation he can expect to retire by 55. But he could also jump in by his early 20’s and still be done by 55 to live life. Who knows what he will do. All I can say is that I’ll support him throughout his journey once he graduates next year.