If you do come to PSA remember a few things:
1. It's a regional. A typical one. I still haven't seen one that's all that much better overall. They ALL suck in one way or another. Most people are here to build the time they need to go to a major or a corporate gig, and most of those places suck, too.
2. Commuting makes life 5 times harder. I did it for two and a half years and when I moved to base the improvement was unbelievable. It is also a choice you make. Nobody held a gun to my head. If you commute you have no right to b!tch about buying hotels and so forth. How many jobs out there even give you that option in the first place? As far as the bases moving all the time...this isn't the only industry where people get transferred. You know that going into it so deal with it or go work somewhere that you know will never move you.
3. The pay issue is industry wide. If you're just starting off don't expect things to be the way they used to. We all would certainly like to get paid what we deserve but obviously that battle is going to be a long one with an uncertain result. Reserve pay is difficult to survive on but if you work the system AND get lucky once in a while it's possible to make extra money. If money is your main concern in life this is the WRONG industry to be in. Duh.
4. Don't jump on the bandwagon and be p!ssed off about everything before you even start flying the line. Complaining and making everyone else miserable doesn't make it any better. You have the information available even on this ridiculous message board to know what it is you're getting yourself into. If you really think you're better than this place and don't want to tolerate it as a building block, then by all means go find a better job.
I don't want anyone to think I'm coming across as cynical with this post. It just seems like everyone has lost touch with the reality of things and would prefer to complain and pretend like they've been cheated out of something, even after making the choice to work here long after things became the way they already are. I'm referring to those that joined in when things were already sh!tty. I know 5 years ago when I started flying 121 things already sucked and yet I still made the choice to pursue the career because for me it's about the flying, which I still enjoy every day. I agree about the poorly run, inefficient, and completely nonsensical problems with this place but I knew that coming into it.
I've had all kinds of jobs, and there hasn't been one where the company was run the best it could be run. There are always politics and stupidity no matter what industry you're in, and everyone wants more money...who wouldn't?
It's funny how many people will come on a message board and express their righteous indignation about this career but the group will not unite to cause changes. Anyway, my main point is just to remember things are the way they are and while we're hoping for improvements and for concessions to come to an end it's gonna be a while...There are choices you can make to improve your QOL. I know circumstances are different for everyone but you have to learn to be a little flexible. Remember that before showing up and making your first order of business b!tching and moaning all day.
