Commute or not commute

[Hoodabundy]

Question..
Currently work for SKW in SLC commuting from PDX (not bad thanks to Southwest). Have an interview with Horizon in a couple weeks, if offered the job... NO COMMUTE! Tough choice, any thoughts???????? Quality of life is huge!!!

 

[Grey Ghost]

Question..
Currently work for SKW in SLC commuting from PDX (not bad thanks to Southwest). Have an interview with Horizon in a couple weeks, if offered the job... NO COMMUTE! Tough choice, any thoughts???????? Quality of life is huge!!!

Depends what you want to do with your life? Horizon is obviously a much better company but the quick upgarde is enticing at SKW also!! good luck on your decision!:0

 

[cale42]

I think there are two schools of thought to being a regional pilot.

1. Work for the absolute best regional possible enjoy your time, and if the right opportunity comes along to move to bigger equipment great, if not so be it.

2. Bust your rear at regional for the shortest amount of time possible with the hope of getting a number at a carrier you want to spend your career.

You really can't do both.. though SKW is probably the best current combination of the two. However once you decide if you are category 1 or 2 you will know which job to take.

Just a different way to think about it.. hope it helps..

cale

 

[WestSide]

Question..
Currently work for SKW in SLC commuting from PDX (not bad thanks to Southwest). Have an interview with Horizon in a couple weeks, if offered the job... NO COMMUTE! Tough choice, any thoughts???????? Quality of life is huge!!!

I used to do the same thing as you and then I came over to Horizon last year and I don't have any regrets. Living in Portland and being able to drive to and from work is great. Upgrade is longer here, but I think that it will come down shortly, but still not as short as SkyWest. Go to the interview and see how you feel about it after.

 

[CopilotDoug]

Two Points to Ponder

1) Commuting DOES suck
2) Quick PIC time at the expense of QOL does not guarantee you'll get hired on by Southwest (SWA being an analogy for the proverbial "Dream Job" )

 

[cale42]

Using the SW example.. while the quick PIC certainly doesn't guarantee a job.. you gotta have it to apply.

Stay at SKW, meet SW's mins in <3 years most likely, got to Horizon meet SW's mins in rougly 8 years.

It's all a gamble.. either way it might be 10 years before you get on with SW, in that case you'll be crazy happy you went to Horizon. If in 4 years you could have been on with SW.. less happy. And if I could predict the future I wouldn't be flying planes.

I comment on this thread because I completely feel your predicament.. at even a lower QOL level. I can upgrade now on the 1900 as the dreaded Mesa.. or I could jump to SKW and not have a commute. I'm having a REALLY hard time with this decision.. so my posts are just a reflection of my thought process.. and I'm pulling out precious hair trying to figure it out...

cale

 

[texarkana]

Quick upgrades are pretty valuable, but isnt spending time at home pretty valuable too? I am moving on from my job for that very reason, I've been on 3 week trips and far from home for so long Im almost a stranger to my friends, and I want to change that. I am lucky to have a great RJ carrier located 20 min from my house. To each his own, whatever you do HAS been done before, SUCCESSFULLY

 

[willbob]

I though that XJ was a great place to work a few years ago until things melted down with the bankruptcy at XJ and NWA. Many people were kicking themselves for maintaining a QOL and not upgrading thereby forcing them to stay at XJ to be 6-8 year FO because the first year pay was to crappy anywhere else to make the move. Get your 1000-1300 PIC then you will have many more options.

Good luck

 

[WMUSIGPI]

I though that XJ was a great place to work a few years ago until things melted down with the bankruptcy at XJ and NWA. Many people were kicking themselves for maintaining a QOL and not upgrading thereby forcing them to stay at XJ to be 6-8 year FO because the first year pay was to crappy anywhere else to make the move. Get your 1000-1300 PIC then you will have many more options.

Good luck

Looks like there are a few guys that still haven't learned that lesson....But then again commuting really does suck too.