Questions for equipment operators:

I'm interested in applying for my local union to become an equipment operator. I have about 6-7ish years of experience driving skid steers. I'm currently in school for civil engineering but heavily considering dropping out and pursuing equipment again. I don't want to work a desk job. I know almost nothing about the union so I have a few questions for yall:

How many hours do yall typically work? Do you have long periods of lay off (like in the winter)? Hows your work-life balance?

How physically demanding is it? Do you do a lot of manual labor outside the machine? What percentage of your work is it? I have a previous back injury, however, I am okay with some labor.

How much are yall being paid in your local?

Do any of yall regret pursuing equipment or the union? Why or why not?