My advice, have a backup just in case. The industry is in a shambles. I am making less than what I was making a few years ago, and the costs of living have gone up. Wages haven't kept pace. Unfortunately, we are our own worst enemies. For each pilot job vacated, thee are still another 5-10 awaiting to fill that vacancy and would be willing to do it for less money. We had those who paid for their training and those who are willing to fly for next to nothing. Until, we as pilots, realize we have a skill and a specialty and should be paid appropriately, then pay rates will still be kept low. Every bankruptcy, companies run to the pilot's union and asks for paycuts, and everytime we oblige, and for what? To save our jobs? I was hoping after the last fiasco, we'd learn our lessons, but obviously I doubt that.
Ok enough venting. Have a backup plan. I see so many young kids coming out of the North Dakota, Auburn, Perdue with aviation degrees and nothing else. All they know how to do is fly. But what would happen if the industry went completely bankrupt and thousands upon thousands of jobs were lost. Or even another scenario, and this happened to me. I suffered a serious vision problem and lost my medical for a while. I was not able to keep a medical and was not able to fly. (Luckily this was corrected) Luckily flying is my second career, so I had something to fall back on so I can support my family. So, it's best to have a backup. Also did I mention a wife or a husband who will be supportive of you? This profession has a high divorce rate, right up there with police officers.
But remember there is still good about this job, don't get me wrong. After 10 years and three airlines flying Part 121, it's still fun to look out the window and see where I am, and to see the sights. It's still neat how I can wake up in Portland, Me on morning and find myself in Indianapolis or Atlanta later that night. Also, when I finish work, and go and catch my commute home, I can leave my work behind and not worry. Also, the average 7-4:30 Monday through Friday worker gets on average, 8 1/2 days off per month. I usually get around 14 days off a month. So, I have time during the week to get things done or spend time with the children when I am home.
If we can fix some of the bad, that's fixable, then this profession would be even better.
I am still a night owl and,
And to answer your main question, my dream job is still either UPS or FEDEX.
