Big Decision-Help

[platinumclub]

So here's the deal. I got hired by Skywest into the Brasilia-not what I wanted since I've already flown the RJ and don't really feel like studying a new airplane. I know I'll be stuck in Cali for a while and cannot commute-I live in the midwest, and I already moved 1500 miles for one airline job that didn't work out. I've been contemplating long and hard about getting out and going back to school, and I guess this would be my opportunity. The hard part is, I wouldn't be just turning this job down, (I've wanted to work at Skywest for some time, but the bitterness that follows a furlough changed things) I would be leaving aviation, which is all I know. Just wondering what some of you would do if in my situation. Thanks for the insight.

~plat

 

[Johnny Utah]

Take the job

 

[Johnny Utah]

No, don't take it.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Let's go to Thursday's and become Bartender's. It will be just like the movie cocktail, you can be Tom Cruise.

 

[viper548]

It shouldn't take too long to get DEN in the EMB

 

[spacecadet1]

If your heart is still really in flying then take the job. But: Try developing another part-time job/career for added income and as a back-up plan. Also if you have something else to fall back on, it will be easier to strike and shut down your company if necessary. Good luck.

 

[Baze]

platinumclub,

It definitely sounds like your heart isn't in it any more. You want to fly for SkyWest, but you don't want to fly the Brasilia. You also don't want to move and cannot commute either.

If you have the means to go back to school and change careers, I think you should go for it. The last thing you want to do is to show up for the SkyWest ground school with uncertainty and poor attitude towards the job and the airplane you'll be flying.

I don't think any of us here can decide for you. But, hopefully you'll get enough feedback from this board to help you with your decision. You also have to go with your gut feeling; as corny as that sounds.

Good luck!

 

[CaptainMark]

platinumclub,

It definitely sounds like your heart isn't in it any more. You want to fly for SkyWest, but you don't want to fly the Brasilia. You also don't want to move and cannot commute either.

If you have the means to go back to school and change careers, I think you should go for it. The last thing you want to do is to show up for the SkyWest ground school with uncertainty and poor attitude towards the job and the airplane you'll be flying.

I don't think any of us here can decide for you. But, hopefully you'll get enough feedback from this board to help you with your decision. You also have to go with your gut feeling; as corny as that sounds.

Good luck!

tough call...i had a bud who quit and sold insurance for a while...fed up with the aviation world(so he thought)..spent a few yrs behind a desk looking out his window and watching the planes go by....he is now a netjets cx captain...just be sure u want to give it up...the pax industry sucks for the most part right now..but things should hopefully change..good luck!

 

[Shrek]

Go back to school and take as many of your friends with you....maybe if enough people do this then maybe the industry will take a turn for the better.

BTW just kidding bud......if you want to fly for a living then stay.....if not then RUN .......good luck either way

 

[jtf]

Think long and hard what else you possibly would be able to tolerate for the rest of your working career. I was furloughed twice in 2001 and had first 3 months off before I got another job and then a year off after 9/11. I thought long and hard and there is nothing else I want to do (sadly, not big enough fer porn). I could have gotten a bit of money from the government to go back to school and start my life over, but I took a job that paid better outside of aviation until I got recalled. I could take it if it isn't my choice, but if I have any choice I need to be a pilot. I didn't grow up dreaming about selling insurence. I doubt you did either. If it's harder being away from the Midwest and flying a turboprop than do something else. Just don't be surprised if you have second thoughts for the rest of your life. Most new jobs start fairly low paid and you won't even be at the bottom for at least a couple of years if you go back to school. If you take Skywest you may be living somewhere you don't want, but you will be gaining experience and getting paid something instead of paying more for school- plus you'll have the best office in the world- a cockpit. Good luck whatever you choose.

 

[norskman]

Plat,

How old are you, Sparky? If you're under 25, shoot, if you're under 30, I'd say hang in there.

You're bitter about one measly furlough and now you can't commute? Look at guys like jtf. Do a search and read past threads about careers and QOL. See how many guys out there have endured multiple furloughs. I know a guy who went through a 10-year (I'm not kidding) furlough from NWA in the 70's. He retired as a 747 capt.

The $64,000 question is: where do you want to be 20 years from now? Would you rather be flying planes? Then don't let anything ever get you discouraged. If you think you can walk away without EVER having any regrets, then go ahead and leave the business. Otherwise, stick it out.

 

[Windsor]

is skywest the only place you can get a job? try finding an airline that would better suit your needs.

 

[reno]

The Brasilia is a blast to fly, regardless of what you've flown in the past. And California flying can't be beat. Pay is the same first year and no doubt you'll get transition to the CRJ at your 1 year mark. Come on over before the vote. And register at www.alpa.org/skywest on day one of indoc!

 

[grog_sit_reserv]

Take the job, once you're out of aviation its hard to get back in.

 

[Ganja60Heavy]

I know a guy who went through a 10-year (I'm not kidding) furlough from NWA in the 70's. He retired as a 747 capt.

Isn't that one of the drunk 727 Fargo crew?

He earned all his ratings again from scratch, got re-hired, and retired a 747 cap'n.

 

[Windsor]

Isn't that one of the drunk 727 Fargo crew?

He earned all his ratings again from scratch, got re-hired, and retired a 747 cap'n.

same guy got officially pardoned by clinton. its as if it never happened........

 

[platinumclub]

Thanks for all the help guys, I think I'm gonna take the job and not look back. This is the company I want and if I'm going to continue with this career, SkyWest is the company I want to do it with. I'll stick it out in Cali for a while and take SLC or DEN when I can (some recent developments here have made me choose not to move again). It suddenly struck me that if I don't like it, I can always quit. I don't want to be one of those guys who keeps getting furloughed, I'll take that as a sign to get out, but I only got the chance to fly for less than 100 hours, so I didn't get to experience the full effect. Also, you'll all be pissed and call me spoiled, but I was hired at XJ and was #4 on the CRJ, wasn't gonna have to put up with the crap schedules and such, having a hard time accepting the fact that I am now. Thanks again for the help.