Career advice please

[El Capitan]

A few days ago a thread was posted about resigning before IOE. I got hire by a regional and very successfully finish training and completed IOE with no problems. Unfortunately after almost 2 months on line it was really taking a toll on me being able to make it financially and taking care of my family (wife’s job was not helping much). Let me be clear that I did not get into this with my eyes folded. However, I guess I had to wear the shoes to experience reality. I held a reserve line and practically have to have two begets, one for the east coats and one for home. Relocating my family was not an option due to the unpredictability of the regional I worked for. There were talks about lay off should one of our main line carriers tanks. In addition, this company truly underestimates pilots and all employees. This CEO once made a statement that "pilots make to much money". There was no flexibility from management what so ever. Chief pilot was not particularly pro pilot group type. So I had no choice but to resign. Just recently my wife got a job making almost 3 times FO 1st year pay which could have definitely help during my short 121 experience. Even if I could have another opportunity, did I completely damage my career? If in the event I get a shot to interview again, how would another regional will look at this? How would any of you explain this issue when asked during the HR interview? My wife and I would like me to continue the dream but this regional really left a bad taste about the industry.
I ask for your constructive advise please and not "we told you so" type of comments. Thanks in advance.

 

[PositiveRate]

Assuming there's not more to the story....


You put your family first, which I think is admirable. Worry is a useless emotion, so relax. There's all sorts of ways to put a positive spin on this one that demonstrate integrity. There are many people in this business that have let their lives unravel over crap like this...you've done yourself more good than you know to focus one what's important...you're family. Karma's a b^tch, but it works the other way too...you're wife already got a better job and now when you come back to the industry you will be armed with a financial advantage you didn't have before and the knowledge of what to expect after training.

If I was in your shoes, I'd say something like this in your next interview when the issue arises...

"You know, that was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made, but I don't regret it. I love flying and have high hopes and aspirations of a career in this industry, but I couldn't sit back and watch my family life unravel so I could keep my foot in the door. I put what mattered most FIRST and my family is stronger as a result. My wife has since found a great job that puts us on solid ground financially and will allow us to weather 1st year pay. I've been through 121 training before and am confident I am up to the challenge of training and line flying with 'xyz (your airline)' if given the chance."


Good luck.

 

[Propsync]

That was honestly the best advise I have ever seen on this wine/sour grapes board. Excellent, PositiveRate. Remember, EL some people get hired even if they gear up an airplane, strike a prop, etc. If your attitude is there, I'm sure they would see that as a guy who really wants back in and does not have a chip on his shoulder.

 

[WhiteCloud]

Assuming there's not more to the story....


You put your family first, which I think is admirable. Worry is a useless emotion, so relax. There's all sorts of ways to put a positive spin on this one that demonstrate integrity. There are many people in this business that have let their lives unravel over crap like this...you've done yourself more good than you know to focus one what's important...you're family. Karma's a b^tch, but it works the other way too...you're wife already got a better job and now when you come back to the industry you will be armed with a financial advantage you didn't have before and the knowledge of what to expect after training.

If I was in your shoes, I'd say something like this in your next interview when the issue arises...

"You know, that was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made, but I don't regret it. I love flying and have high hopes and aspirations of a career in this industry, but I couldn't sit back and watch my family life unravel so I could keep my foot in the door. I put what mattered most FIRST and my family is stronger as a result. My wife has since found a great job that puts us on solid ground financially and will allow us to weather 1st year pay. I've been through 121 training before and am confident I am up to the challenge of training and line flying with 'xyz (your airline)' if given the chance."


Good luck.

I absolutely agree with this advice. I got a huge laugh out of one regional airlines Ops manual that said they expected their employees to manage their financial affairs in a way that does not bring discredit to the company. With what? 20K a year? Industry wide pilots get the purpose of a job wrong.....a job is to provide income for your family to live on, not to provide entertainment for the pilot. If you can get both that's great but, if a job is not providing what you need then it's time to keep looking. Congratulations on making an adult decision. If more of us behaved like you and required companies to provide a liveable wage the industry would be much better.

 

[Slave2theGrind]

El Capitan, I can only say "Been there and done that". I was also an FO with an airline and was recalled with the "take it or leave it" offer. I accepted and realized after training and IOE that it was not going to work. With my wife working as a registered nurse making close to 55K, moving the family was no option. I changed my career but still fly when I get the chance. With the aviation world the way it is today, now is not the best time. Maybe Ill take another look years down the road.

Good luck!!!

 

[Ben Johnson]

**CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**'d if you do

A couple of ways to look at this. You said your a family man. In your current situation taking care of them feels like a no win situation. But consider this. I work in the regionals and yes pay blows and management can be worse. Ya there are alot of people seeing the end of flying in sight and none of us will ever see some sort "real" flight job.
This business has always had highs and lows. Unfortuently this low is at an all time low. But remember what the highs were like. This business is not easy and I give no promiss those highs will return. But they should. Only because in the past they have. Some will say it is always half empty, others half full. Personally I will tell you what the level is and it is not a full tank. But levels change.
You stick with this and your quality of life will change for the better. I worked 13 days last month. The other 18 I spent with my wife and daughter, and maybe doing my other part time gig because yes the pay blows. But think long term. Every old timer I have ever talk to talks about when he was flying some old crate held together on duck tape and a prayer. They all talk about how IT REALLY SUCKED. Problem is most of them are at the majors which doesn't give us a portal to the past. As far as I can understand the only way to have success is to stick it out. Where there is a will there is a way. I am sure there are guys junior to you who would love to see you split. Stick it out

 

[jetbluedog]

Book

there's a great book out there about regional life 'decision making'.

went to school up at UND with the author many years ago.

www.squawk7700.net

I applaud those like Petey who have the BALLS to write openly about this industry.

 

[acaTerry]

You did the right thing and will have no trouble explaining that. They may want to see what you can do to prove you won't do it again, but what you did was PERFECTLY understandable and admirable. I always gave thumbs up about guys like you at ACA when I was an interview CA there, in the good old days, before Sept 11th.

 

[DetoXJ]

El Captain. Do you think the 2nd time around will be any different? 1st year pay at all the regional's stink. A lot of regional pilots think the grass is greener at different airlines, but I don't think you are going to find a huge difference in one from the other when it comes to making ends your 1st year.

 

[El Capitan]

An excellent point to mention is that all of your comments have been extremely encouraging. With out doubt the level of professionalism and leadership is clearly reflected on your well taken advice. My only hope and prayers are for you all to always come home safe to your love ones and that this industry turns around for your continue success. Thanks again for taking time.

El Capitan

 

[acaTerry]

El Captain. Do you think the 2nd time around will be any different? 1st year pay at all the regional's stink. A lot of regional pilots think the grass is greener at different airlines, but I don't think you are going to find a huge difference in one from the other when it comes to making ends your 1st year.

RRRRRRREEEEEEEEEERRRRR....

Why don't you just sentence him to he11 while you're at it.

If I misread your tone, forget what I just said.

 

[DetoXJ]

Chill out Terry and STOP YELLING. My tone was rather mellow and I was just trying to make a simple point. Here is my point. If he had to quit XYZ Airlines after 2 months because he couldn't make ends for his family then the bad news is there aren't going to be any other airlines out there where he will able to make ends for his family as an entry level FO. Lets add in a commute and reserve and a very long upgrade ect. ect. and the picture gets even worse. Sorry you had to take a nice thread Terry and turn it into something it wasn't!

 

[AV80R]

El Capitan, just listen to Positiverate - he/she is right on the money. Cannot imagine a better explanation to why you resigned. I also cannot imagine a recruiter who would not appreciate such an honest answer. I think when and if you decide to give it another try, you'll be just fine. Good luck, av80r.

 

[Long Time Gone]

The problem is that you didn't read everything...

RRRRRRREEEEEEEEEERRRRR....

Why don't you just sentence him to he11 while you're at it.

Chill out Terry and STOP YELLING. My tone was rather mellow and I was just trying to make a simple point. Here is my point. If he had to quit XYZ Airlines after 2 months because he couldn't make ends for his family then the bad news is there aren't going to be any other airlines out there where he will able to make ends for his family as an entry level FO. Lets add in a commute and reserve and a very long upgrade ect. ect. and the picture gets even worse. Sorry you had to take a nice thread Terry and turn it into something it wasn't!

If you would have read it all, instead of opening your negative fingers, you would have read that he knows what lies ahead and can now afford it. It definately wasn't a "nice" thread.

El Capitan, you'll be fine as long as you're honest and positive. That's all you have to worry about. Just don't go and reapply to Mesa.

LTG

 

[climbhappy]

el capitan,

is it enough to say ," been there, done that."