Am I nuts??

[CiFIknow]

I am a late career changer (just turned 36 last week). I have been working a stable government job for the past 12 years and making +$60k and have been offered a class date with a stable regional. I have pretty much decided to take the plunge as I am not happy with my current job. Just seems there is such negative feelings about the current state of the industry on this board that I wonder if I am making the right decision. I guess I am an optimist and think things will turn around eventually and great opportunities do, in fact, lie ahead. By the way, I am single with no kids so the lifestyle thing doesn't really effect me at this point. Just wondering if you would do the same if you were in my shoes.

 

[100LL... Again!]

You only live once - you might as well screw it real good and be a pilot.

 

[jspilot]

Do what you love and have fun!

 

[Tooslow]

its a hard life too not making any money!

 

[HowlinMadMurdoc]

You won't know if it's the "right" decision until you make it and put a year or two in as a regional pilot.

Life's too short to be unhappy. Do you want be lying on your deathbed, waiting to knock on the pearly gates, wondering "what if"???

Put two years in and if you decide it was the wrong decision, you can always get out and put your non-aviations skills to use again.

Diversity is the key to success.

HM Murdock

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

I am a late career changer (just turned 36 last week).

Kinda blows Bobby's theory out of the water. Exception? Not really. There are plenty out there. A very good friend of mine is 37 and just got on with a regional as a lower time CFI.

Dude, do what makes YOU happy.

 

[sluminginpit]

This indusrty is difficult! It has many positive and negative areas. You have to ask youself what you want out of life?

I strongly belive the job is better suited to a single individual. It is definitly a life style.

If you want stability, and possibly get married its probally not for you. If you like to gamble hoping for a good payoff, go for it.

I myself am in the opposite boat. I'm 33, married no kids. I have spent 15 years pursuing the airline dream, and have had enough. I don't regret it, however I feel if I stay I will resent it.

I have met great people, been all over and flown good equipment.

However the most rewarding of my flying jobs was in Alaska. Good money, beautiful senery.There are great flying jobs away from the airlines. Don't sell yourself short focusing only on this type of flying, research your personality, and reason for wanting to fly. You may be suited to flying a different type of gig.

First airline lesson for you to learn - "NO AIRLINE, REGIONAL OR MAJOR IS STABLE! JUST ASK THE 11K + FURLOGHED AIRLINE PILOTS".

Good luck in what ever your do.

P.S. Can I get a letter of recomendation for your current job, I would love some stability.

 

[GeneralDisarray]

YES you are fricken NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would swap jobs with you any day.

 

[CiFIknow]

Slumming and General,

I guess I also work in a field that many want to get into. I too have seen the dark side of what I do and don't like it. I guess every occupation is like that to some degree. For both of you...I would gladly give a recommendation if you wanted to deal with drunks, morons and idots on a daily basis. Yes, the grass is always greener. I do appreciate your insights though. Thanks!!

 

[HowlinMadMurdoc]

In my highly unscientific survey, it appears those pilots who suffer the most from "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" syndrome are, generally speaking (but not always), pilots who've never worked in any industry other than aviation. Every job has its positives and negatives. Idiotic corporate policies, management, work rules are NOT confined solely to the aviation industry. It all depends on what YOU want out of life and what kind of attitude you present.

Roll the dice and take a chance. You never know until you try. And, just for grins - one more burned-out cliche (and this goes for ALL of us), never judge another man until you've walked a mile in his shoes.

HMM

 

[scubabri]

Here is something to think about as I sit in my tiny room, with my tiny tv, on my bed that sits on the floor, after eating my dinner of top raman that I'm periodically able to spice up with chicken or shrimp.

I'm 38. I was a 15 year computer geek, made a good living, had a lot of fun, got to do a lot of traveling, unfortunatly, I was not smart enough to save, buy a house, prepare for my retirement.

In 2002, After I got laid off my my computer job, I had my severance pay and tried to make a decision if I was to put it in the bank, try to live off it and try to make a go at finding another computer job. The market was tough and even though I was able to move anywhere in the US, companies didn't want to talk to me unless I was local, making it very difficult to find a job. That coupled with being burnt out on computers, I thought that I would give a go at being a pilot (I'd already had my ppl).

So I took my severance and went full steam ahead. Studying as much as I could about the aviation industry. Unfortunatly at the time, pay, although important, was not as important as doing the sh*t jobs to build the time up. I thought that 5-6 years I could find a corp or charter job that would allow me to get my life back on track, albiet at a lower salary.

2 1/2 years and 1800 hours later, and although I have a good job flying, the pay is just enough to live on, but not enough to make a living. The idea of buying a house, having a nice car, and getting married are so far off now that they don't seem possible.

I've been looking at every aspect of the industry from regionals to fractionals, to corporate. Starting pay is low, and upgrades are long, by the time I can upgrade, I'll be in my mid to late 40's, I think somewhat late be just starting out saving for retirement.

Unfortunatly I think that starting out in aviation is a young persons thing and unless you already have a house, a car, a family and retirement, I would think twice about entering aviation.

Do I think I made a mistake.. right now, yes, I think I did. It's very frustrating because I can see no light at the end of tunnel. The problem I have now, it's to late for me, I'm a pilot and I do love to fly, and it's my career now, I have to do with what I have and going back to computers is not an option.

So, just something to think about. Good luck in your choice.

sb

 

[SkyBoy1981]

If you want to do it because you have a true interest and passion for aviation, then you'll be fine. If you're doing it because you think you'll eventually have an easy flying job making big bucks, stay where you are. Simple as that.

 

[HMR]

deal with drunks, morons and idiots on a daily basis.

Wait a minute...You just described my old charter job. I thought you worked for the government.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Wait a minute...You just described my old charter job. I thought you worked for the government.

ROFL! Very well played.

 

[climbhappy]

don't do it. wisdom required here

dude,

i switched at 38. operated a part 135 with two planes. twins. siphoned several hundred grand to prop up a loser of a venture. can't do charter without an FBO to have other revenues. then went 121. it has been fun but, many things different now than in 98.

i have just gotten into another side business and am much relieved that I can bow out of this if my base closes ( i'm not movin again) or chase jobs only to sit reserve somewhere for years.

my point is i have had fun and of course enjoy strapping on a jet. i flew turboprops five years.

this industry has changed and the changes are permanent. you are going to make fastfood wages for years and waste alot of good career years.

stay in the private sector, buy a plane , but don't become an airline pilot at your age. at 21 , hey whatever, you have 10 to 15 years to screw around with your life. kind of like choosing a major in college.

lastly, i have a friend who is 36, 4 kids and wants to fly 121. he is in for rude awakening. sometimes we fools have to learn life's lessons the hard way.
I are one!