Some find other outlets of their time and are able to lead productive and successful times away from the cockpit- but for those of us who truly belong in the cockpit; no amount of success in sales, professional endeavors or "desk jockey" jobs will suffice...
My suggestion? Look around you. In this environment don't even attempt a move to another airline or -135/corporate. It is very volatile in this industry now (and always), the smart move is to dig-in and be vigilant to protect what you DO have. I am lucky in that I am still single and do not have to carry the additional burdens of a family and children through this uncertain and trying time of unemployment. I imagine that for those in that situation, the decision to leave aviation behind for good is a much clearer one.
I for one am still hopeful- and if I had the chance today- I'd gladly start somewhere, anywhere at the bottom of the -121 world. Just my .02
I'm not sure if you have the appreciation for what you've built in aviation. I just started another of my own businesses, begrudgingly, and am having to completely renew my development of knowledge in another industry, seek its accreditation and its licenses, build my list of contacts and network within that industry, etc. It's a daunting task and one that is easier said than done!
LXA, you hit on some very valid points! I too jumped from a regional to the "greener" side of cargo flying- went from a CRJ to a DC-10! Woo hoo! Life is awesome, so glad I quit- what's this? Furlough? But I just GOT here!!!
That was over 4 years ago.
However, everything happens for a reason. You might not know it now, or tomorrow, or even 4 years later, but it all works out in the end.
Case in point: me. Had I stayed at the regional, I'm certain I would have made captain by now. That would have been fantastic; I completely agree with your "sense of accomplishment" feeling. However, I had also gotten married to a girl from South America in the meanwhile; had I stayed flying, I'm
certain my marriage wouldn't be anywhere near as great as it is now. Heck, it might have even been over! But instead, my marriage is rock solid.
During the 4+ years I was on the street (1 year involuntary furlough, 3 years self-imposed exile) I was fortunate enough to be involved in a start-up company in a completely different industry. I was able to learn A LOT of skills that I simply would not have learned had I been flying all this time. I've built a business from the ground up, watching it go from 3 employees to about 15 now; our annual sales are well over $2 million, and growing. I was home every night, and I was content.
...but not happy. Because you're right, "no amount of success in sales, professional endeavors or "desk jockey" jobs will suffice..." I, like you, truly belong in the cockpit. It took me about 1.5 years after the furlough to realize that; only another 2.5 years until the economy improved to a point where I could get back in the cockpit. Some of the hardest 2.5 years in my life; unlike my time in the Marines, which had a definite start/stop date (and don't get me wrong; I LOVED my time in the Marines. Had I been single these last 3 years I'd go back in a heartbeat!) my return to the cockpit had no definite date. It could be 1 year. it could be 5 years. Who knows?
Turns out it took me just over 4 years from my furlough notice to get back into the industry. I start class in a few weeks.
Yesterday I had a going away party at my company; it brought a tear to my eye. I was able to see this company go from a small operation to a larger one, kicking @ss in our industry; people were really sad to see me go, and I'll miss them all.
However, I still get to keep my skill set that I earned while "flying the desk". While I'm no longer doing the 9-5 gig with the company, I'll still be able to be a "part time ambassador" for them; layovers are lengthy, and now the company I've helped create truly has a "global" reach. Since I'm going to have long layovers, I might as well do something productive with them, like make commissions from new clients I'll bring in.
So my point is not to brag about what I'm doing, but to give you hope. Like the wise man said, "this too will pass". Whether good, or bad; your furlough will eventually come to an end. Today, tomorrow, next year, 5 years from now, who knows.
USE this opportunity to learn new things, to develop personally and professionally. When you get back to flying, these tools you pick up will help you out immensely!
Good luck!
