Pros
BNSF is a descent place to work. The pay is above average. The medical benefits and retirement are exceptional. The number of paid holidays is generous. Most of the people you work with in the field are consumet professionals who are extremely dedicated. This industry is very stable even in a down economy. If you can handle the travel requirements or being expected to move where ever they tell you it is great.
Cons
The balance between work and home time is a huge negative. Work is excpected to come before family although you are told that family comes first. The people who say the balance is acceptable are office personel or in management. Many of the supervisors I know, however regret leaving the ranks and going into the management side. Instability of Front Line Supervisors is a problem, due to promotions and other movement the field personel are constantly dealing with new supervisors who want to "fix" the system to prove their worth so they can climb the corporate ladder. This leads to policy changes, miscommunications, misunderstandings, and mistrust. Another problem is supervisors that are brought in with no understanding of the industry who can not relate to the personnel in the field. Communication is a big problem as well, but that is to be expected in a large corporation. Unfortunately the field personnel take the brunt of it when things are miscommunicated between individuals in management. And finally due to a fear of failure or being wrong about a decision, front line supervisors often are unable to give you answers when you have questions for them. They have been nuetered by fear of making a mistake. This is understandable if it comes to an issue of safety or something that may cause a catastrophic failure, but if happens in the most minor occations.