Depression

[Flashbang]

Is it normal for a guy who finally gets to the majors to go through a depression cycle? Someone I know got hired at a major this year and lately, he's been depressed as hell. Claims that he's achieved what he's been trying to achieve for the last 10 years, and now he no longer has anything to work towards.

Does this sound familiar to some of you?

 

[chrisdahut24]

I wish I was that far in my career to say "I know how it feels!". But I can understand. Takes me back to when I was in highschool. In the UK, we spend 2 years studying for our GCSE (high school diploma equivelancy). We spend 2 months out of those two years just revising for the exams, and all the exams themselves take about 2 to 3 weeks to complete! Definately a lot of work, nerves and anticipation. And then when it was all over, I felt this strange "empty" feeling (I don't know if I would call it depressing though).
I'm not sure f this is the same thing, but I'm sure that most people can relate in this way.

 

[Treme]

What a clown.

8000 ALPA pilots furloughed and this guy is depressed that he has gainful employment.

sheesh.

 

[Blue Dude]

I went through the same thing after I was hired at JB. Suddenly, the routine of research, studying, planning, preparing, etc. didn't make sense anymore and I had to figure out exactly what to do with myself. I got over it, of course, but it took several months to switch gears.

Treme, it's not ingratitude that does it, it's a loss of sense of purpose. You know how all-consuming the job search is, and when it's no longer necessary, it's disorienting. I understand athletes go through the same thing after a big, ultimate event, even the winners.

 

[Vladimir Lenin]

Tell him not to worry too much, depression will be gone when he's out on the street again...though it may be replaced by suicidal thoughts

 

[Singlecoil]

I went through the same thing after I was hired at JB.

There's depression....and then there's feeling BLUE.

 

[NookyBooky]

$$$ $$$

I bet his paychecks are not very depressing. Does this guys like to be beat up too? Because I could use a sparring partner.

 

[Eagleflip]

For what it's worth, depression after gaining your ultimate goal is not an unusual event.

Witness Buzz Aldrin...if you read his book Return to Earth you'll see that after the hoopla surrounding Apollo 11's died down flight he suffered from acute--and chronic--depression.

Perhaps it is time for your friend to expand his horizons. Night school and another degree?

Best of luck.

 

[Freight Dog]

I got hired by my dream airline, and I can definitely relate. It's a mix of happiness/gratefulness/accomplishment and the "now-what?" feeling. Looks like the "now-what?" is getting the best of your buddy.

Getting a hobby, and getting good at is an option. Engaging in social events, maybe mentoring kids and other pilots to get to the top. I don't know the answer... but the idea is to get rid of the "now-what" feeling.

 

[avbug]

I know a thing or two about depression, though I won't discuss why. I do empathize with those who have it, or claim to have it (not a subject I'm quick to doubt). That said, pensiveness or tranquility without a goal can feel similiar...that resting point in the climb when it gets too quiet.

I might suggest either a hobby, or working toward a new goal. When I have hit a lull in the past, I elected to work on a new rating...pick something that really has no purpose but to enjoy, and to challenge one's self. Have him go work on a multi sea rating. Or begin building model airlplanes.

Achieving one's career goal isn't really the end of the line, nor the top of the ladder. If he's a new hire, he has a long way to go in learning airplane systems, enhancing his understanding of the company opspecs, etc. He can challenge himself by going deeply into systems knowledge, company proceedures, etc.

Perhaps others have sharper minds, but I've found that throughout my career, if I'm not constantly studying, I'm slipping. Others may be able to rest once they've achieved nirvana, but you'll seldom find me without a stack of 3X5 cards or a study manual in my hands. Perhaps this is something your friend can pursue. Getting the job, like getting a new certificate or rating, is only the beginning. Not the end.

 

[fLYbUDDY]

It makes sense that you could feel a little empty when you get to your goal in life. I have no knowledge of the type of depression your friend is going through, but I think the advice on getting a hobby or further education sounds like a great cure.

 

[NookyBooky]

Or he could start surfing, get fired for spending to much time at the beach, then have something to work towards again.

hey wait a min......nevermind, fishing is probably a better idea.


Hey, tell your buddy to look on the bright side he's achieved Maslow's "self-actualization" most ppl don't get that far. He's a success! Ok I'll put my old Psych 100 book down now.

 

[WrightAvia]

Hey, tell your buddy to look on the bright side he's achieved Maslow's "self-actualization" most ppl don't get that far.

Maslow don't know dookie about "self-actualization"...I was in deep depression till I found a way to wedge my lap top between a pair of pillows and my man teats, while lying fully reclined on the sofa.

I'll almost be totally "self-actualized" once I get my verbal typing software installed and I can find a way to get things in the fridge or in the cupboards, to magically appear on my t.v. tray. About the closest I can get to that technology for now, is one of those baseball caps that has the straws and beer holders on it. It'll do for now, I just don't like all the pre-planning that's involved in that type of operation though.

 

[enigma]

I would say that such a depression after a reaching a goal might be a sign that he had misplaced priorities to begin with. A well rounded, emotionally healthy person will have a well rounded life; a life full of equally important goals and objectives. My counsel would be for him to sit back and attempt to identifiy the other areas of life that he was ignoring while he single mindedly pursued his career.

regards,
enigma

 

[Cardinal]

I can sypmathize somewhat with the friend. I certainly haven't been "balanced" throughout my life, my primary dedication was to become an "airline pilot." Once i checked that box at the grand old age of 21, I was very much disoriented, and grumpy at times. My whole purpose had disappeared, and I was pretty lost. Not that I wasn't thrilled with the attainment of my goal, it just required a lot of refocusing. Just have to take a step back, and remind oneself to enjoy the fruits of one's labors - and to look forward and works towards upgrade, marriage, the ultimate R/C aircraft, home improvement, religion, kids, repairing your relationship with your parents, surfing, spelunking, etc, etc...

 

[bobbysamd]

Post career-goal depression

Is it normal for a guy who finally gets to the majors to go through a depression cycle? Someone I know got hired at a major this year and lately, he's been depressed as hell. Claims that he's achieved what he's been trying to achieve for the last 10 years, and now he no longer has anything to work towards.

Does this sound familiar to some of you?

I really must agree in part with one or two of the comments above. Depression or not, plenty of people would love to be in your acquaintance's shoes. That should be enough to cure your friend's depression.

Having said that, it does sound familiar, especially if you are goal and mission-oriented. Here you are, planning for and working hard to achieve a goal. That creates a sort of energy. You achieve the goal, and it's - over. It can be a real letdown.

Compare it to planning for a vacation. You begin by selecting your time off. Then you decide where you're going and what you want to do. You wait with anticipation for months. You can hardly wait. Then you leave and enjoy yourself - until it's time to go come and go back to the old same-o, same-o. It's a real letdown. It also passes after a while.

Perhaps the best antidote to thse feelings is to set new goals and plans. In your acquaintance's case, now that he's on the line, learning all he can about his airplane. Now that the pressure of class and sim is off, he can really study the books and learn at his pace. Honing his flying skills. Impressing the right people. There are always goals.

Hope that helps.